Topic: Cottage By The Lake

Hera Fyre

Date: 2012-07-09 01:37 EST
Hera walked through the door of the cottage and took a slow deep breath.
God it was good to be home. She sat Kane down and he wobbled then tottled to his favored chair and easily climbed up in to it. She slowly unsheathed Alfirin and Meneluin from her back .The two blades were clean. But she knew all to well what they had looked like after the battle.

Inari Lanus, had verey nearly beaten her. Hera didnt like to dwell too much on battles done. She slipped her bow Morthond from ehr shoulder and all three weapons she hung at the far wall.There she put her two daggers as well.

Kegan had run through a play by play of his own battle with the fire mage. And Hera in turn ahd run through how the mage had come to her doom by the twin blades that now hung on the wall.


Hera remember everything from the battle. Every moment. The blood and gore. The loss. Drake and Willow ahd both fallen.But they were back now. So many had been woudned,but now it seemed life was getting back to normal.

She had spoken only to Kegan about the fire that Inari had unleashed upon her. It had nearly killed Kegan and his love Harenya. But the flames hard barely tocuhed Hera. Hera the battle had wounded her, hell if she was honest it had nearly killed her.


She had drawn something out. Somethng deep. The ehat that had raced from her,the fire that never touched her but then burned Inari. The lightining fast moves,that she was sure had been left behind her. They all came back,flooding back as if it were the day she bunred the The Haloisi Akh'Velahr guild house to the ground. It was the same fury that had driven her.

The fire had taken Inari Hera remembered moving to go to Lang,then faultering. Recalled chopping the mage's head off when she wouldnt just die.

Then it was the battle and all its weakness that had Hera on her knees.

It was done now. Looking back to Lang as she shifted out of his coat and walked towards her to hang his own cleaned wepaons up, she couldnt be more happy. She looked back at Kane who sat in the large plush chair. He was home again. She wondered how much of what ahd happened he understood.

War was not easy on chidlren. And there had been many in Nosgoth. They were all safe now,home with their parents. A little worn and tired Hera moved from her hund weapons over to her son.

Kane sat looking at the hearth where a small fire burned. Hera glanced at Lang knowing he hadnt set it. Bending down to be at Kanes eye level and tucked a strand of dark hair behind his ear. He had the gift for fire already.

Yet when her eyes met his he smiled.Wide and giggled. She lifted him up and smirked back at Lang. They were home.

Lang Darkwing

Date: 2012-08-26 21:35 EST
It had been days after the great battle before Lang and Hera returned home. With him getting the run down of her fight from her on the way home, and in turn. He told her of his own battles, as both knew how close the other came to joining those that fell.

He too was glad to finally be home again, as he let Kane head in first, watching their son head right for the chair by the hearth. Getting a soft chuckle from him as he moved to hang up his weapons and coat. That was before he looked over his shoulder to seeing Hera, looking at Kane.

Tilting his head for a moment as he moved to the pair, just about to ask if something was wrong. That was when he say the faint glint of fire in their son's eyes. Getting him to look at Hera. "Already taking after us." A proud smile crossed his lips as he looked between his wife and son.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2012-09-03 00:30 EST
Tales of war were told.And she was glad again for peace.For the fact that all of them had survived. There had beena few close calls.But Drake and Willow were well again.And there was news of a wedding.Which didnt surpise Hera one bit.Drake and Cadaria were staying in Nosoght until the wedding. So were Lori and Georg. The others had returned home but,there would be a big party come the wedding date. Hera was already thinkin party,as in bachelorette party.

Hera just grinned at him, as he watched his son. Kane would grow up too fast.She knew that already. She set the toddler down back in his favored chair to watch the fire he had set in their hearth.While Kane watched the fire,with his wide eyes.Hera padded over to stand beisde Lang. She would have never invisioned this as her life now. She had never thought about the future like this. A place of warmth and happiness.

But then again she had never dreamed there was a man like Lang.She had thought of it before,the circumsatnces that brought them together. They had led lives full of blood shed. Lives which were in many ways the same. But very different.There were so many paths she could have taken,but the one that had led her to Rhydin had led her to Lang.

She doubted very much they would have met any where else.She linked her hand with Langs. As Kane sat cozy in the large chair. One day their son would make young women of the alliance and the realms swoon. She iminged one day hed be a fine smith,able to work in the forge easily as she did. He'd be fine witha blade and bow. That was certain. With Lang as his father and the Alcar men close at hand hed be a rogue and a smooth talker.

The woman to win his heart one day would have to be powerful,and beautiful body and soul. Most likelt Kane would grow up with an affinity for fire.So whom ever fell for him would have to be able to deal witht he heat. She let a little flare pulse in to Lang through their linked hands. Her eyes stuided him as he watched their son.

Lang Darkwing

Date: 2012-09-26 20:25 EST
As he looked at their son, his mind shifted back to where his trips had brought him to. All the fighting he had been through, as well as all the hardships he had been through. Each path brought him closer and closer to the point he was at now. Married to a lovely and strong woman, and father to a son that would probably become stronger than them both combined.

Lightly squeezing Hera's hand, with a flicker of fire sent back into her. "I feel sorry for the parents of the girl who's heart he wins." Murmured to his wife, and as if right on cue. Kane added his own words on that subject.

"Girls are icky!" The little boy making a face at his father, getting the man to laugh softly as he slipped from Hera. Moving to pick his son up in his arms. "You think that now, but when you get older. You won't think that." The demon was still amused by his son's words. As both looked to Hera.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2012-10-02 01:26 EST
Her hand linked with Langs. She chuckled to his remark then more to the little boy saying that girls were icky. He only spoke now and there and when he did she felt all motherly, as if he was already grown up too fast. As Lang slipped from her she leaned upon the wall. Watching father and son.

She smiled at them when they both looked her way. " Let him think they are icky, as long as he doesnt think mommy is icky." She winked then and crossed to them. Slowly witht he skills of an assassin behind her she mussed their hair. Before kissing their cheeks.

Lang Darkwing

Date: 2012-10-07 18:23 EST
Lang chuckled softly as he looked to Hera as she spoke up for a moment, then looked to their son. "Momma is icky when she's all girly." Kane spoke again as he made a face to the hair ruffling.

It got Lang to laugh softly, as he snapped his teeth at Hera to the hair ruffling. Before kissing her cheek back. "Just wait kiddo. You won't think that when you meet a girl yourself." Reruffling his son's hair, then let him shift as he moved to go to momma.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2012-10-10 01:20 EST
She snickered softly. Her son thought she was girly, oh goddess save them all. One day eh'd meeta real girly girl,someone who liked dresses, and pretty things rather than fighting and waging wars like his dear old mom. She let Lang and Kane have their moment.

She knew he would be up all night if they kept going like this. He needed his bath, to be in his pajamas and in bed. As she left father and son to talk girls.. she went to ready his bath. She laid out his pj's and made sure his favored tub toys were all lined up along the rim of the tub. He liked to push them in to the bubbles. Oh one day he would be too old for bats and toys, one day he wouldnt want to wear the pajamas she and Lang ahd picked out. He was already out of a crib in to a"big kid bed."

Where had the time gone, where had that little baby gone? Her son was five now, walking,talking, already showing talent in the fire area of magic.
She knew he liked Daddy to give hima a bath now. Mommys days of bath times were over. Daddyw a smore fun, fighting with the toys and making up stories. But she got to lay beside him as Lang read the nighttime book. She got to watch him fall asleep and see the little boy she ahd given birth too. "Tubs all ready." She caleld out, as she knew the boys were still out in the living room.

Lang Darkwing

Date: 2012-12-03 14:40 EST
Kane made a face at his father at the talk of girls, as Lang watched Hera move off to prepare their son's bath. Shaking his head as he looked back to his son and caught that face he was making. Then upon hearing Hera, he turned to take their son to the bathroom.


Pausing with a soft kiss for the wild woman, which got their son to make another face. And like always, Lang would help their son with his bath. While play fighting with him with his bath toys, before taking their son to bed. With yet another story, then moved to join his wife. Knowing the next few days were going to be busy. Two weddings to go to, not to mention that there were going to be parties afterwards.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2012-12-05 23:35 EST
She laid her son to bed. And thought of the days to come. weddings,partys before and after to be planned. With her as a brides maid for Cadaria she and Jade had many plans for the angel.Salice too. For one seemily so royal, and so refined Salice was as wild as they were.

She tucked Kane in and slipped out to the living room with Lang. As one of Drakes best men he Raz and Aiden had a party to throw them selves.She imaged it would involve,drinking,Drake growning, and maybe a sexy dancer. Hera knew already the ladies party would be fun. She and Jade were planning it tomorrow.

~~~

The next day Hera set off with Salice and Jade to plan the wild angel party.While she knew the menw ere off choosing Drakes fate. Dancer or no dancer? Who would the hire if they had someone?

Hera loved to think of the possiblites.
~~~

That night at Nosgoth castle Raziel and Aldaya were wed. It was a very small ceremony only those who happen to be at the castle were in attendance. Hera and Lang were there sicne both had been there planning parties.

It was a nice elegant wedding, with lovely vows. Dark joined the two. It was lovely to watch. There was a small after party.

Cadarias wedding would be much bigger, the parties would be much bigger too.

After kissing Lang goodnight,she and Jade slipped off with Salcie, heads together. They were up to something.

Lang Darkwing

Date: 2013-02-13 12:19 EST
Once the wedding was over and everyone had left the two new couples to their honeymoons. Lang, Hera and Kane would head home after saying their goodbyes to both couples and their large family. With Lang shaking his head once he opened the door for the pair. "About time those four got married." Mused as he followed Hera and Kane inside and shut the door behind him.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2013-02-20 00:10 EST
Hera chuckled. They had picked Kane up from being baby sat at GreenStone castle and returned home. Kane was still wide awake even at the late hour. But that she blamed Lang for, he had woken the boy.

"Oh yes, they waited far too long a whole year for Drake and Cadaria. Now Raziel and Aldaya they could have siad their I do's ages ago. Those two, wooing it out. I would never have placed Raziel Alcar a married man, hes so.." She gave Lang a look, then smirked. "You two are alike is so many ways.. you and the son of the brooding king. "She watched Kane go tottling in to his favored spot.The large wing back chair by the empty fire place. Hera knew it would be a moment and those logs would be set a blaze.

"I wonder how long the cottage will last?" She trailed her fingers over Langs arm. He had tossed good looking duds the moment they left the party. hera had changed her dress for something more her style at GreenStone Castle. Shed save the dress for some event later on.

Hera saw the fire in the hearth come to life. "Your son is playing with his powers again." Looking over towards the curled up Kane in the large chair by the dancing fire. She would let him handle the little fire starter. "You woke him on the way here." She gave him a hip nudge. "Once you get him back to sleep we can re-live our wedding night." She gave him her sexiest look as she wandered away.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2013-04-20 01:29 EST
There had been much to re-live.

But those hours had passed and she was now standing outside the cottage going through the paces of her warm up. Jade was there too. Thw twins and Kane sat in the grass on a blanket. Hera and Jade didnt seemed worried that any of them would wander away. Azura was content to sit and stare at the flowers. Angel was content to stare at the sky. Kane romped around them both, trying to find a play mate in one of them.

It was time to get back to work. Jade had agreeed to help Hera back through her old paces. Lang was already back at working in the forge. Hera intended to go there later. Jade had offered to sit Kane. So few did that. He was at the very least a handful. But she had two handfulls of her own.

Jade didnt say much. As they streched and went through the paces they both knew. Paces they had been taught long ago. Lunges and kicks,flips and punches. Jade had execlent form. Hera had gotten back in tot he swing of live, just not true fighting. Not since the big battle. She hadnt gone off to Rhydon with her double blades ready to serve any kind of justice. Jade hadnt been tot he forgotten city either. Both it seemed had resined to let the city burn if it dared wish to. After a few hours and two spars later.

They broke for lunch.

Azura sat eating her meal like a little lady. Angel shoved her samwich and apple slices all in to her mouth at once trying to compeate with Kane who ate as much as a teenage boy might.

"How do you keep him fed? And how do you ever stop him from truning that cottage of yours inside out?" Jade eyed Kane who rolled over on his back and let out a sigh. Hera just shrugged. "I have gotten used to it, he sleeps well and Lang easily wears him out."

Hera watched the twins. Angel with her wild side and Azura so quiet and soft. They were as different as night and day. "Were you like that when you were younger?" Eyeing Angel who bolted up to chase after a grass hopper. Azura watched lazily.

Jade smirked. " A bit I suppose. Azura is more like her father, oddly enough. She has Darks quiet somber side. Angel has more of my fire in her, but she has her fathers temper. "

Angel caught the grass hopper and was deciding on what to do with it. Hera wondered if she would crsuh it,eat it or set it free.

Jade didnt say anything just watched the trio of children . "Who is Kane more like?" The grass hopper flew free a momnet later right over Azuras pawing hand. " His father." Hera smirked watching Kane as he went pouncing after Angel.


Angel squelled and ran back towards the blanket. Azura got in tot he mix then phasing to wolf form as Kane chased Angel Azura chased him nipping at his heels.

Jade snickered and leaned back on the blanket and grass. "They could do this all day."

Hera Fyre

Date: 2013-05-30 15:44 EST
Long after the play date Kane slept. He had runa round witht he twins and scraped his knee. Oh Hera nor Jade had fussed on that. Hera bandaged it and he went off again to tackle Azura and Angel in one move.

She sat just outside the back door. Her eyes cast to the forge, where Lang was. She knew he was hard at work, as she could see the smoke rising from the stack. Now she wished she had a nanny, someone to keep an eye on Kane while she snuck off to see Lang work. But with out one she merely sat there outside the door.

She closed her eyes and could almsot see him there in the warm glow of the forges fire,making soemthing. It could be anything, a wonderful swords,spear head,axe blade, or something simple for a farmer... it didn't matter. He would be stripped tot he waist by now, for he'd been there all morning, hed have a heavy apron over his bare chest, his arms would be covered with thick gloves, but hed be glorious in his work.

She opened her eyes and casta look in to the house. She heard her name being called,or rather the word mommy being said from the hallway. Kane had no paticence for a crib any longer he had a bed now, and was easily out of it.

She eased up and walked to him as he stood in the hallway. "Hi baby."SHe lifted him up and he fussed abit, more tot he name baby than to being picked up. She loved to carry him, he was so beautiful. It seemed odd to think that, but he was. Strong already at his young age. Only five going on fifteen.

She knew hed be hungry so she set him att he table and mussed his hair. It was light still unsure of its tone. She fixed him a meal and sat with him while he ate. One day he would be a warrior, a hero. She knew hed be a fiend, and a heart breaker.

He would learn to fight from both his parents, he would learn to forge weapons. He already had power over fire, and Hera knew he bore a mark like her own, yet his was faint and well hidden. He had his fathers temper sometimes with her spirit.

He ate like a ten year old. She cleared the plate away and filled his glass up again. His eyes were pale blue, she could see Lag in them as well as herself. "So big man." She saw him grin at her, he liked that name more than baby. " After your fun with the twins what shall we do?"

"Daddy."

The name was not a request more of a demand. "Oh you want to go see daddy? He's at the forge. But we could peek in on him. I made him a lunch ..lets take it to him." She winked and took out the packaged lunch and slid it in to a basket. "Would you like to carry this? Its so heavy.." She was being dramatic.. but Kane leaped up at the chance to help.

She smirked and let him toddle out before her. She followed easily behind him. He needed no aid from her to walk down the path to the forge. One day he'd wlak alone, with out Hera looking around like a lioness ready to kill anything that dare hurt him.

Lang Darkwing

Date: 2013-06-06 12:33 EST
Over the last few days. Lang had been in his forge again, back to working on the various orders from the soldiers and a few items for some of the local farmers. As he would spend his usual hours in the forge, while spending his lunch time with Hera and Kane, who was growing up fast before his eyes.

Sometimes, Hera would bring Kane in so they could watch him work, with Lang passing on the knowledge he had in the skill to Kane. Who soaked everything up like a sponge, which always got the both of them to smile. He seen so much of Hera and himself in Kane, as he already at such a young age had learned how to control fire.

Today he was actually working on a large special project, which was a big harder than he was used to. Though today he had help in the matter, as the one who made the order was helping him. A massive beast of a sword, that was to be multiple swords in one.

Lang looked to his helper. "Got to say, kid. This has to be the most difficult job I have taken on here, but she's going to be a beauty once we are done." He always did love a challenge, and this was proving to be such, as he already knew that Darkmere wanted to see it when it was done.

The young man turned from what he was doing as he picked up on the skill fast. That young man was Zack. "Yeah. She is going to be a beauty once she is done, and I have an idea what father is planning to do at least with the main sword. Going to make it where I can focus magic through it."

Lang chuckled to that. "Figured as much. Why don't we take a break for a bit? It's about lunch time and we can finish this up later. Going to take a while to get this perfect." Somehow Lang already knew that Hera and Kane were starting over for lunch, but Zack nodded.

"Alright. Tell your wife and son hi for me, and let Kane know that once he gets older. That I'll have no problem with helping with his training." A smile from the young man as he cleaned up and headed off. Lang just nodded once as he now understood why Dark took the kid in. He had a ton of potential and now he had focus, which got him to smirk. Once upon a time he was that way.

Cleaning up after finishing up the last few carvings on the part of that soon to be massive sword, before removing the gloves and the large apron, before moving to the door. "I need a dip in the lake." Muttered as he looked up in time to see Kane leading the way to the forge, getting a smile to cross his lips.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2013-06-13 01:32 EST
Kane was really leading the way. Hera a few long paces behind him as he toddled with no trouble along the pathway. Hera watched the surround and him like a hawk. More over like an assassin willing to kill anything that hurt him.

She saw someone leave the forge and Kane toddled on faster. He was close to his form of a run. Hera shook her head, he was a spitfire.

?Da' ? Kane had already seen Lang. There was no stopping him now. Hera let him run ahead seeing Lang in the doorway just as she had imagined him, stripped tot he waist, and looking like he needed a cool bath and a good meal. The basket Kane carried swayed.

Hera was sure he'd drop it and leave it for her to pick up but he carried it the whole way till set it down to wrap his arms around Lang's left leg.

Hera smiled as she caught up. " We brought you lunch," looking to the basket. "And Kane seems intent on never letting you go now."

Hera Fyre

Date: 2013-08-01 23:54 EST
She enjoyed watching her boys. After lunch they lay on the grass outside the forge. Both boys full and happy in the sun.

Hera smirked watching them laying there, Kane doing everything Lang did. When they came over and tackled her she mocked that they had gotten her good and lay there playing dead.


Kane poked her in the ribs. "Mommy?"

Hera grinned at him. Then sat up dusting the dry grass from her hair. " Well darling, I am sure Daddy has to get back to work. He's busy making Zack's sword. "

"No." Kane clung to Langs leg on that one.

Hera chuckled. "Well, if we wont be in the way, maybe we can watch him work for a little while?"

Lang nodded and lifted Kane off his left leg. " One day you'll do this kind of work, might as well get used tot he heat of it now." On his shoulder her carried Kane in and Hera followed.

Hera Fyre

Date: 2013-08-29 01:31 EST
Now Hera could watch him work for hours. But her reasons behind it were much different than Kanes. After about an Hour Kane got bored and wnated to go off and about. Lang still had work to do sp Hera scooped up Kane gave her husband a lingering kiss and a wink before leaving with their ever busy bundle of joy.

Much later when the moon was out and full and Kane was sound asleep. Hera stood outside the cottage home she and Lang called home and looked up at the moon. She had gone through her nightly routines that kept her in peak condtion, for one day she may be called on to fight again. She knew the moment Lang returned home.

He carried the air of the forge with him.

She heard him long before he tried to creep through the back door, to sneak up on her. " You know, you've lost your edge." She smirked as she heard him stop and swear under his breath. "Hmm temper temper." She turned and eyed him. "Did your shirt get burned by the forge? Or are you trying to distract me?" He was stripped to the waist still. And looking mighty good.

"Trying to distract you." He felxed a little and Hera grinned at him. "Demon."

"Your demon." He walked to her and grabbed her close. "I liked seeing you both today. Our son will be a great smith." He kissed her cheek udner her tattoo. "Yes, and all the girls shall swoon over him."

He grinned at her, that tone in her voice. "He wont be little always, one day he will be a young man. With all his fathers charm and his mothers temper." He wiggled his brows at her.

"Oh my temper huh?" She gave his arm a light punch.

He mocked rubbing at it and pouted at her. She grinned at him and nipped at his pouty lips. " If he had been born a girl, you would lock her up the day she became a teenager and made sure she was guarded well forever."

He thought on that and nodded a bit. "Perhaps, but then she would be strong and lovely like her mother. And our son, will be strong and handsome like his father." A bigger grin.

She placed her hands on his bare chestand let the ehat seep through her hands in to him. " Any woman who falls for our son will have to deal with the heat combined of a demon and elf blessed with fire powers."

He nodded and drew her even closer, kissing her softly. " True." He nipped at her a bit. "But we have many years till that happens, until then.." He turned her and she was soon up against the wall of the cottage, between him and the rock wall.

"Hmm, I was thinking about this today... yet it was in the forge..."

He shook his head at her. "Perhaps we should work on some other skills, we both have been so busy.." His hand ran down over her clothed leg which was nearly wrapped around him. "Here under the moon light..."

"Hmm, your reading my mind."

Hera Fyre

Date: 2013-12-02 21:03 EST
One sleek lupine leaned against a door frame. One wind mage propped up on her couch with Kane not far away. Lang sat, elbows on knees, hands on his face.

Hera came in, and looked at them all. Kane was the first one up.

He ran to her, hardly toddling any more. He hugged her leg fiercely. Jade merely touched her own lip, then gave Hera a thumbs up. Shea shook her head, noting the wounded Hera, her tended arm wound and her split lip.

Hera gazed to Lang who rose slowly. By now he knew everything. By now he knew where she had been and what had kept her. But he didn?t say anything only touched his hand over her new bandaged arm. She felt the singe of pain then the complete healing.

"Your late." Jade said at long last. "You look like hell."

Shea was ready to heal the fire elf but Lang had beat her to it. Hera unwound the skillfully done bandage and touched her healed lip. "I made a vow long ago. Its time I own up to it."

"I filled him in." Jade smirked.

" The sisters have long been Rhydins guardians. I helped them once or twice long ago. I am willing to do so again." Shea spoke.

Hera nodded, and noted how different the mage seemed. Her hair had more silver in it. Her eyes were silver, with no hint of iris at the moment. It was fierce look for Shea, one more befitting her husband.

"How does Victor feel about you helping in Rhydin?"
It was a sore spot, but Shea merely nodded. " No harm will come to me in that city Hera,there is nothing there that can touch me now."

Jade let out a little whistle. "Darks cool with it. The girls have a baby sitter with Vae, Audrey , or Vanya."

"Salice has offered her help there as well." Shea offered.

Hera looked to Lang. He merely smirked at her. She knew that look.

"Alright. I told them I was bringing allies in. I paroled the city before I came home. Maybe one of you can do a sweep later."

Jade nodded. "I am up for it. I'll stop by say hi to the sisters if I see anything."

Shea sighed. "I will go by the Sanctuary, and see them."

Hera nodded to them both.

The two left soon after and Hera lifted Kane up off her leg and set him down. "Why don't you go get dressed." He was still in his pj?s.

Kane totted off and Hera looked at Lang.

He had been working at the forge, and helping Gabe ,Raz and Darkmere. So he'd been working long hot hours. "I know what you would say. That its not my fight. And your not wrong. But if you had seen what I have. I left the inn the other night after a quick sweep of the city.. I was going home, I swear. But I wanted to do one more sweep. The scream hit me before the scent of blood did." She leaned her hand to the couch.

Kane came back in dressed. Hera smiled to him and stopped in her tail but her eyes spoke volumes of what she had seen. "I bet daddy already made you breakfast."

Kane nodded happily. "Alright then."

"How about you go clean up the mess you just made in your room?" Lang offered with a grin. Knowing their son ripped through his closet and drawers to find clothing.

Kane huffed and walked off again. Langs' hand came to her shoulder.

"They were dead, three young women, followers ,priestess of the sisters order, so young. One was at the back of the alley, bleeding. There was an assassin, a woman. Five foot seven, dark hair, she wore all white, her face hooded, then hidden by a gray swath of cloth over her mouth. She fought well, fists, feet, flying kicks and punches, and a fan blade. She had some sort of elven pendant around her neck, silver filigree with a reddish orange gem that seemed to pulse... the magic.. the magic I felt from it reminded me of Darkmere's magic...the one from his sword. "

She ran her fingers through her hair. "I barely saved the young woman, as it was three already dead, their blood on the building and cobblestones. The message was for the sisters.. that there will be no peace. So it may not be my fight, Rhydin was never really my home. But it was wrong. I killed many people in my quest to avenge my family.. I did a lot of terrible things. But what I saw in that woman was worse..." She took a breath.

"I made Issy a promise, and I plan to keep it."

Lang nodded and touched his lips to her brow. "That's my girl."

Kane came back in then, and Hera let the fear and dread wash from her face in to a smile for her son.