Chapter 367 The grave 2

Chapter 367: Chapter 367 The grave 2

Talia’s POV

When we finished, we dressed in simple clothes, and we walked back into the room.

The food was already there when we came out, which meant that Nora had set it out on the table.

The bread was still warm, and I could see the butter melting on top. There was fresh fruit, and a pot of tea that was still steaming. Nora had outdone herself, and I made a mental note to thank her later.

And I could see the steam rising from the plates too.

"She works fast," Kaelen said.

I smiled. "She always does."

We sat down, and we ate together. The bread was warm, and the tea was hot. The conversation was light, and I felt the peace settling over me.

For a moment, I could pretend that everything was normal. I could pretend that there was no war coming, and that we were just two people in love, sharing a meal together.

After we finished eating, we stood up, and I reached for Kaelen’s hand.

"Ready?" I asked.

He nodded, and I saw the determination in his gray eyes. "Ready."

We walked through the stronghold, and I felt the morning air on my face. The path to the graveyard was quiet, and the trees were still.

The grass was damp with dew, and I could feel it soaking through the edges of my shoes. The path wound through the trees, and I could see the sunlight filtering through the leaves. It was beautiful, and it was peaceful, and I felt like we were walking through a dream.

I could hear the birds singing, and I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. It was peaceful, and it was beautiful, and it was the perfect place to say goodbye.

Kaelen walked beside me, and I could feel the tension in his shoulders. He had not been here in years, and I knew that this was not easy for him.

"Kaelen," I said, and I reached for his hand. "Are you okay?"

He looked at me, and I saw the tears in his eyes. "I do not know, Talia. I have been avoiding this for so long."

I squeezed his hand. "You are not avoiding it anymore, you are facing it."

We reached the grave, and I felt the weight of the moment pressing down on me.

The stone was old and weathered, and I could see the name carved into it. Aldric Blackthorn. The same name as Kaelen’s grandfather. I knelt down, and I traced the letters with my fingers.

Kaelen stood beside me, and I could see the tears streaming down his face.

I had never seen him cry before, not like this. He had always been so strong, and so steady. But now, standing in front of his father’s grave, he was letting himself feel everything. And I loved him even more for it.

"I have not been here in years," he said, and his voice was barely a whisper. "Because I did not know how to face him."

I reached for his hand, and I squeezed it. "You are facing him now, Kaelen. That is what matters."

Kaelen knelt down, and he placed his hand on the stone.

"Father," he said, and his voice was thick with emotion. "I never really knew you, and I barely got to meet you. But I have heard about you."

He paused, and I saw the tears streaming down his face.

"I heard that you died saving someone," he continued. "I heard that you were a hero, and I wanted to thank you."

Kaelen looked at me, and I saw the love in his eyes.

"Thank you," he whispered to the grave. "For protecting her."

I felt the tears burning in my eyes, and I reached for his hand.

"Thank you," Kaelen said again. "For giving me the chance to love her."

We stood together in silence, and I felt the peace settling over us.

The wind whispered through the trees, and I felt it brush against my face. It was soft and gentle, like a hand reaching out to touch us. I felt like his father was there with us, watching over us, and blessing us.

Kaelen’s hand was warm in mine, and I could feel the weight lifting from his shoulders. He had finally faced his father, and he had finally said what he needed to say.

"Kaelen," I said, and my voice was soft. "Are you okay?"

He looked at me, and I saw the tears in his eyes. But he was smiling.

"I am, Talia," he replied. "I am better than okay."

He pulled me into his arms, and I felt his warmth against me. "Thank you for coming with me. Thank you for being here."

I pressed my face into his chest. "I will always be here, Kaelen. Always."

He held me tighter, and I felt the love in my chest.

We stood together in the silence, and I felt the peace settling over me.

I felt very happy, because Kaelen had finally found his closure.