••••••15 Years after Oliver's Crowning••••••

"Watch your stance, Lucian." Oliver's voice rang out in the middle of the practice grounds. "A proper stance will guarantee stronger strikes."

"He doesn't need stronger strikes, Oli!" James groaned under the next attack from Lucian. The old medic soldier was now the sparring partner of the tall 18-year-old young man. 

Lucian smiled and swung again, throwing James backward. He groaned. "I'm too old for this shit. How can I find a wife when I'm covered in bruises? No one is going to believe that I'm a medic soldier."

Oliver laughed at James' miserable appearance and helped him up. "I have offered to set you up with someone plenty of times."

"No, you just want to meddle," James huffed. "And the people you 'set me up' with are terrifying. I want someone dainty and kind. Someone who is the complete opposite of you." 

"The last person I tried to introduce you to may have had a foul mouth, but they are kind-hearted." Oliver shrugged.

"You tried to set me up Pope Gallio Commodus. He's a demon! There is nothing kind about him! I even doubt he has a heart!"

Oliver laughed heartily, remembering the awkward meeting and how James nearly fainted. He was wrong to think that two healers would find common ground. They spent most of their time arguing. In truth, he wanted happiness for his friends, but Gallio loved his experiments more than people. After the debacle with James, he stopped trying his hand at matchmaking. 

"Just give me a fucking vacation, and I will find my own wife," James grumbled.

Oliver sighed. "Fine. After all of this, I'll grant you a vacation."

James' eyes lit up. "Really? You'll let me go?" He dropped his sword to the ground and started to back away. "You can't renege on this! On your honor, you will let me have a vacation."

Oliver raised an eyebrow. "You make me sound like a dictator."

Lucian was standing at the side and was chuckling at the interaction. It was something he had seen plenty of times. "Admit it, you are kind of stringent," he said.

Olivers sighed and gently patted Lucian's shoulder. "Perhaps a little. You did well today. Soon, you will rival me."

"Doubtful, dad. I think only father could rival you." Lucian stood proudly with a grin etched on his face, his fangs slightly exposed. 

Oliver lovingly placed his forehead on his son's. "You would be surprised by the mysteries of this world. Never doubt it, and never doubt yourself."

Lucian's fiery red eyes burned with excitement, and his white hair was braided in fine plaits. However, this was different from his original appearance. Thirteen years ago, Oliver and Draco were hunting in the Asksno Peaks when they heard the cries of a young child. 

They found the malnourished and small boy huddled next to the bodies of his dead parents. His hair at that time was black with black eyes with a slight hint of red. He was a Lyrell child but very far down the line of lineage. Oliver and Draco pitied the child and took him home.

However, the child was on death's door, and not much could heal him. His body was failing him, so after consulting the temple keeper, they tried to give him a fighting chance. Draco and Oliver took turns transmitting some of their magic into his body, hoping to awaken his latent bloodline. 

When they were about to give up, the magic of a dragon and a dragon's heart finally unlocked the power hidden inside of the child. This altered his body, and he took on the characteristics of the two men. His eyes became a bright red, much like Draco's, while his hair had turned white like Oliver's. 

The child had lost his early childhood memories to the point that he couldn't remember his name. However, he found a strong attachment to Oliver and Draco. He would follow them everywhere and would be mistaken as their son. 

Draco and Oliver had found that they cared for this child more than they had anticipated. They didn't need much time to decide to take him in as part of their family. They named him Lucian and vowed to raise him as their own.

Lucian could want for nothing. He was raised with deep care and love. He was taught languages, including the old dragon tongue. He was taught politics and strategy. Then he learned how to fight. 

He was the son of the two greatest Kings and warriors, so he worked hard to live up to their standards.  He had more than exceeded their expectations.

He beamed when Oliver complimented him. His fathers had always held high hopes for him, believing he could accomplish anything. However, he never got complacent and still asked for Oliver's advice. 

While Oliver was helping correct one of his strikes, Sarah came from the shadows. She wore a heavy fur coat and carelessly spun a simple woven crown around her finger. "Oli, Avery has been looking for you."

Oliver grinned and pulled her into a hug.  After years of pestering and wooing, Savvi finally won Sarah's heart and crowned her as his queen. She had proved to be an infallible leader. 

"I didn't know you and Savvi would be able to make it. Weren't you settling some issues within the tribes in Abrorg?"

"Most have settled, and the rest can be put on hold for a moment. You and Draco have been waiting for this day for a very long time, so of course, we would be here." She said, her voice heavy was emotion. 

"Thank you, Sarah." He wrapped an arm around Lucian''s shoulders and took Sarah's arm. "Let's go back inside."

He turned back to James, who was leaning on the fence. "Are you coming, James? We have time for one more round if you want."

"I hate you," James muttered. "You're all monsters."

As they walked inside the building, Lucian separated from them to prepare for the ceremony. 

"Where's Draco?" Sarah asked,

"With Phoibe and Cora in the tombs. They wanted to visit their ancestors for a moment." Oliver explained. "They wanted Lucian and me to join, but I think they needed this time alone." 

"Well, that's good because your little brother is panicking." She led him to a large sitting room filled with the Kardoses.

"Of course, he would be," Oliver chuckled. 

Sarah kissed him lightly on the cheek. "I'm going to find Savvi. That husband of mine likes to disappear."

"He wants to find out all of Rucrea's secrets. It will be challenging because I set up a few surprises in the vault. Just search for a lemon scent, and you'll find him."

"You put another tracer on him," She laughed. "I don't know how he forgets you have those tricks."

Oliver shrugged. "I have to, or else he would follow me into unsavory places, and you will have my head."

She walked away with a chuckle, and Oliver remained in the doorway, watching his family fuss over Avery.

Avery was pacing a hole into the carpet, running his hands through his hair. 

Conrad looked exasperated and was sitting in a chair while rubbing his temples. "Avery, it's not going to be that bad."

"That's easy for you to say. You and Quincey were named King after Piers Belelot. The bar wasn't set very high, so you two didn't have to worry about whose shoes you filled. Do you remember who I'm succeeding?" Avery said with a long sigh.

"No one important," Oliver finally spoke up. "Just another idiot with a crown."

They turned toward him. Sophia rushed to him and enveloped him in a hug. "It's been too long, dear. How are Draco and Lucian."

"Both are well. Lucian took down a wraith in our last hunting trip." Oliver boasted.

Sophie pouted her lip. "I can't believe you took him on such a dangerous hunting trip."

"He insisted, and I find it difficult to deny him anything." He chuckled and turned a smile to the pale Avery. "Will you all give me a moment with Avery?"

She kissed his cheek again and led the others out of the room.

Oliver ushered Avery to a chair and sat across from him when it was just the two of them. He poured them tea and patiently drank from his cup. He was unbothered about the situation while Avery's leg bounced with anxiety. 

"Oli," Avery finally mustered out. "Can I really do this?"

"Do you love Cora?"

"More than anything."

"Do you love Rucrea?"

Avery gave a rueful chuckle. "It's home now. So yes, I do."

Oliver smiled and swirled his tea. "Then you can do this. Protecting her and the people of the land will come naturally because you love them."

Avery sighed. "It's not just about loving, Oli. I need to rule too. I have to learn how to lead an entire kingdom."

"Are you worried that the Rucreans won't like you or that you may harm them?"

"I don't want to mess up and ruin everything you have accomplished. These people deserve a great leader."

"You will never be great without the desire to become better." Oliver leaned forward with a gentle gaze. He reached out and grasped Avery's hand. "They will have a great leader in you. You will be who they need as long as you care about their well-being. And, of course, Draco and I will always support you when you need it."

Avery smiled, but it was still dim. "Everything came so easy for you. You were a natural leader and king."

Oliver chuckled and leaned back, polishing off the tea from his cup. "Hardly. I fucked up more times than I can count." He sighed lightly. "But I don't fault you for being nervous. I was too."

"You?"

"Terrified. I knew I had the capability to do good and evil in this world. I could help a kingdom prosper, or I could destroy it."

"How did you prosper?"

"I worked hard. I made mistakes. I grew." He chuckled. 

"You are Draco are amazing kings. They say that you will be recorded in history."

Oliver shook his head. "I don't care for what's written in books. I only care about the impact I have now."

"Do you have to retire?"

Oliver chuckled. "I have been leading for long enough—Draco even longer than me. To help keep the kingdom moving forward and advancing, we need to learn when to let go. My era is done and completed. The dawn of your reign has broken through the horizon, and it's a beautiful sight."

"But... no one is ready to let you go."

Oliver smiled. "Do you know how much I cherish Rucrea?"

Avery nodded. "Rucrea is your home and heart."

"Do you think I will give my home and heart to someone I don't trust?" He squeezed Avery's hand when he saw a bright look in his eyes. "I am handing you something impossibly precious because I trust you. I trust you to cherish this place as much as I do."

Avery's head dropped, but his shoulders seemed to relax. "You make it sound like I can do anything."

"15 years ago, I trusted you with many things that could have killed you. Even as a kid, you worked hard and never failed my expectations. You have always been passionate, and I have always been insanely proud of you. You will lead Rucrea into a new age, and I am excited to see your accomplishments."

Avery finally smiled genuinely. The trembling in his hand stopped, and he seemed to be able to breathe easier.  Oliver called back his family and shared a cup of tea before announcing he needed to part with them.

He walked down the palace halls and admired the small details he had learned about long ago. In his later life, these walls had crumbled, and the cravings and art were burned to ash, so he was glad to know them now.

Things had changed drastically. 

Instead of starving in the trenches, he now feasted on peace. He and Draco had ruled to the best of their ability. The trade routes were thriving, the kingdoms interacted with jubilation, and magic was more prevalent than ever. The world was entering a new age of progress together. 

Although he and Draco were at the helm of change, they were ready to relinquish their roles. Their old promise to each other was still prevalent. They may not have had many children running through their halls, but having Lucian was everything they had dreamed of. Their family was complete.

Conrad and Quincey were looking at retiring as well, training the sons of Duke Holt to lead Bierze.  When he hangs up his crown, Conrad will take ahold of his old inheritance, run the Kardos duchy, and train their young daughter to follow in their footsteps. Avery would rule Rucrea until it was Lucian's turn. 

The Guardian title will remain with Oliver. No one dared unburden him from it, but then again, the world was calm, and the Guardian was now just a ceremonial name. 

In his last life, the title of Guardian was stained by blood and death, but now it glimmered in the presence of tranquility. 

Oliver smiled to himself. It was the perfect ending to his legacy. 

Oliver continued his journey through the complicated path that led him down a long flight of stairs. He stopped in front of a cage that held a broken-looking man. 

His blond hair had faded into a coarse grey and grew into a disheveled mess that reached the middle of his back. His beard was also just as long and scraggly. His blue eyes had faded and now reflected hopelessness. He wore rags, and they did nothing to hide the loss of muscle. One arm hung lamely to his side, a result of his ligaments being cut. Draco had wanted to take both arms, but Oliver refused, wanting the man to feel his uncle's pain fully. 

"Piers," Oliver called out.

Piers shuddered but brought his gaze up to Oliver. "How long has it been?" His voice was rough from disuse. 

Oliver shrugged. "Years, I suppose. I tend to forget you're down here." He sighed and leaned against the bars. "I had hoped you would remember our past life one day, but you never had. I guess this punishment seems unfair to you because you will never understand why I demand 30 years of your suffering."

Pers shivered from the prospect of 30 years. "And when it's over? What then? Will you kill me like a dog?"

"I wouldn't kill a dog... But I would be glad to rid the world of another monster. So either I kill you or leave you here to rot."

"Just kill me. Please, Oli. Kill me. I can't stand it here. I can't do this for much longer."

Oliver shook his head. "No. You will endure. Be grateful that you are here and not where you sent me for 30 years."

"Oliver! Please! Just kill me!" Piers fell to his knees, and he was crying uncontrollably. 

Oliver shook his head slowly. "I have begged others to kill me as you have. I begged for the freedom only death could grant me."

"Gods and hells curse you, Oliver."

Oliver chuckled. "I have paid my penance, and now it is your turn." 

He turned to leave, but Piers called out to him. "Ghost!"

Oliver faltered and slowly turned back. "What did you call me?"

"I gave you that name after I took everything away from you. Don't you wish to kill me for that?"

Oliver tilted his head with curiosity. "So you do remember." He then laughed. "How delightful."

Oliver walked back to the cage and gazed at the begging shivering figure. "No... I don't want to kill you that easily. It would be too simple, Piers. It would be too kind, and we both know I am not a kind man."

Piers collapsed on the ground with a sob. "Why?"

"If you remember our previous life, then you know why. The pain you inflicted on this world has left a grievous scar. We are still healing that wound."

"What can I do to end this?"

"Endure, Piers. Endure and repent."

"If I do that, will you let me go?" Piers asked in a timid voice.

"No. But if you do, maybe the hells will show you the mercy I've refused you." Oliver stepped back. "In the meantime, I pray for you to have a long and miserable life, Piers."

He walked away, leaving Piers sobbing and howling in his lonely cell.

As Oliver entered his room, Draco embraced him from behind. "You were gone for a while, husband. I missed you."

Oliver hummed and leaned into his body. "It wasn't that long. I needed to talk to Avery for a while and then visited a friend."

"A friend?"

Oliver chuckled. "Piers."

Draco's brow creased. "I almost forgot about him."

"He remembers the past." Oliver smiled slightly. 

A low growl rumbled from Draco's throat. "Shall I cut off his other arm then?"

Oliver laughed and caressed Draco's hands that were still around his waist. "No. Let him suffer as is—knowing that he once had everything in his clutches and has lost it all so thoroughly." 

"He could lose more if we take his other arm."

"And then our poor guards will have to care for him even more. Think about them."

Draco sighed, nuzzling against Oliver's neck. "Fine. Only because we don't have to think about him ever again."

Draco kissed his neck, his fangs brushing against his skin. With delicate touches and tender care, Draco helped Oliver dress and ready himself for the crowning ceremony.

They dressed in ceremonial outfits, Draco in black while Oliver was in white. Thick furs covered their shoulders, and their crowns sat on their heads. They walked hand in hand while Lucian followed behind them with a proud smile. 

The grand doors of the temple opened for them, revealing the beautiful white marble and ebony trees. Guests from all over the continent stood and watched as they made their way to the altar.  Oliver fondly looked upon his guests. 

Savvi and Sarah applauded happily.  Sarah wore a proud grin. She was his first friend in this life and had always supported him. Gallio stood next to Savvi in his robes. He gave them a small blessing as they passed by him.

Antony and Imran were on the other side of the aisle. Their friendship had never wavered but grew stronger as time passed. Imran had an arm wrapped around Antony and bore an affectionate gaze. A relationship with no chance of blossoming in the soil of war was now alive in this lifetime.

When they made their way to the front, they turned back and watched as Cora and Avrey approached. They both looked nervous, but they would smile or blush when they glanced at each other. 

As the temple keeper, Mardon started the ceremony, Oliver leaned against Draco, remembering his ceremony many years ago. He felt contentment and gratitude toward the dragon who granted a ghost's wish. 

Mardon bowed toward Draco and Oliver, who knew this was their cue to kneel. They bowed their heads slightly as their crowns were lifted from their heads. Oliver felt as if an enormous weight had been removed. 

In turn, the crowns were placed on Cora's and Avery's heads. It was a sobering feeling to watch their eyes become serious, understanding that they had now accepted a great responsibility. 

They watched as their two younger siblings finished their ceremony and voiced their vow to protect Rucrea. Although the guests cheered for them, Draco and Oliver didn't seem to hear anything other than their whispers to each other. Draco pulled Oliver close and kissed him lightly. 

Draco and Oliver stayed behind as many people shuffled out of the temple to celebrate in the ballroom. They snuck out the back and climbed the hidden paths of the palace's outer walls until they reached the bluff.  The tall cliff overlooked the city. Fireworks were set off, staining the night sky with an explosion of colors, while the streets were filled with bright lanterns and laughter. It was a beautiful sight. 

They watched the event in silence but were interrupted by the shuffling of feet and angry words.

"Why the hells would someone climb this fucking bluff?" Gallio's voice was annoyed.

"Are you really that out of shape? Or are you that old?" Savvi quipped.

"Fuck you, Savvi."

Oliver and Draco laughed as they listened to Gallio's and Savvi's approach. 

"You're both old men now," Lucian muttered and had to jump out of Gallio's range to escape his kick. "And slow."

"Don't give your uncle a hard time," Oliver called out to his son. "Just let him be a miserable fuck."

Savvi tossed a jug of ale toward Draco and sat on the ground, his feet dangling over the side of the cliff. Lucian grinned and rushed to hug his fathers. 

"What is this for?" Oliver asked, hugging him tightly.

"Because I know you two. You're running away tonight." Lucian grinned.

Oliver and Draco exchanged a guilty look. They had considered it. However, they were surprised when Lucian dropped a bag at their feet. "If you don't leave tonight, Auntie Cora will trap you here for another month."

Draco sighed. "We don't have to leave so soon."

Lucian shook his head. "I'll be fine here and will help Auntie. So go—as long as you promise to come back."

Oliver and Draco took turns planting a kiss on the top of his head. "We will always come back for you."

Lucian grinned and hugged them once more. He turned and left them to enjoy the night with their old friends. 

The four generals sat on the ground while passing around the alcohol and reminiscing about their past—old friends with new futures. Savvi and Gallio made their way back down as the sun rose, leaving the two alone once again.

"My husband, what is your wish for today?" Draco asked as he pulled Oliver into his arms.

Oliver hummed happily as he heard the familiar question. "For you to love me tomorrow." He responded with his usual answer.

"Always, my love." Draco's finger's tangled in Oliver's hair, and he smiled fondly. "We suddenly have no wars to fight, no enemies to face, and no crown tying us down. Our fetters are gone. So, where shall we go first?"

Oliver closed his eyes, savoring the sound of Draco's steady heartbeat. "Anywhere and everywhere."

••••••A/N••••••

I'm not crying... it's just heart sweat.

Thank you so much for your patience while waiting for the epilogue. Finishing this took much longer than I anticipated, but I think a big part of me didn't want to end it officially. Draco and Oliver were with me during hospital stays, depression, and recovery; they mean so much to me. Sharing them with all of you has been one of my greatest joys, so thank you for being a part of this journey.

I am overwhelmed by your support and love for A Ghost's Wish. I never expected to see this hit over 100K views, but here we are. I am so grateful and inspired. Thank you so much for being here, giving this a chance, and loving these characters as much as I do.

Am I done with this universe? No. I don't think I am.

I hope to see you all in the future!  ❤️