This is the final part in The Hidden Path mini series. I started planning this moment 4 years ago. I've had this art for over 3 years. I've drafted at least a dozen versions of this and it never felt right, because I realized recently, it was never just about this moment, it was about all that came before and all that will come next. Having the mini series to explore that elevates this moment even more for me. I really hope you enjoy this art and the fic. Thank you for supporting these two for the past 6 years. I am eternally grateful.
Art by ArtbyAinna (instagram)
Read on AO3
Pairings: Mal Volari x Daenarya
with Rayden (OC), Lydo (OC)
Book: Blades of Light & Shadow (Book 1 AU)
Word Count: < 700
Rating/Warnings: General, no warnings
Synopsis: The map that sent them on their latest adventure has brought them home. This is part two of "The Hidden Path" mini series.
Background: This is the final chapter in The Hidden Path series. It also comes after previous attempts at Mal proposing: A Proposal (of sorts) and To Have and To Lose.
Her pulse quickened as she lifted the key, questions racing through her mind. She carefully traced the dark metal of the lock, the corner of her lip tugging upward at the familiar design.
For a moment, all she could think about was her family—her boys... and Mal.
Her hand shook as she slid the key in place, twisting it until she heard a faint click. She chewed her lower lip, not sure what waited on the other side. The wooden gate eased forward with a comforting soft squeak.
She stepped forward, her breath catching.
Red rose petals were scattered delicately at her feet. Candlelight flickered on either side of her, inviting her to follow their light. She took a slow step forward, the petals shifting softly beneath her feet.
The yard was quiet except for the giggles and excited squeals from the boys trailing just behind her.
"Mal." His name was a wordless whisper on her lips as she approached a floral arch illuminated with lanterns at the center of the space.
He held his hand out, guiding her forward. His other hand rested on her swollen stomach. "I love you both." His voice was quiet, just for her. "I'm sorry things fell apart today."
Rayden and Lydo moved behind him, checking their mark to make sure everything was perfect.
Mal leaned forward, brushing a lingering kiss on her forehead before lowering to one knee in front of her.
"Daenarya—" his voice cracked as he said her name. He opened his mouth, but his words failed. He shook his head. "I practiced this so many times, but with you, I lose what I thought I knew."
"There hasn't been a moment since I met you that I've wanted to be anywhere other than by your side," he continued. "When you paused this morning outside of the city, talking about home, I had to fight against myself to propose on the spot. That moment may have been beautiful, but it wasn't our home. When the rain fell, and you were once again in my arms, I was reminded how far we'd come since that first dance and how I never want that dance to end. I thought about asking you then, but it wasn't where I wanted to grow old together. But then—" his gaze fell, his head shaking. "—Then I hurt you... I never meant to make you feel like I didn't trust you. It took everything in me not to tell you. To know I hurt you today—Daenarya." Tears filled his eyes, slipping down his face. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," she mouthed, her eyes glistening. She offered a gentle nod. "It's okay."
"If I had, I could have spared you so much pain. I'm sorry... but it's not just about us anymore. It's about our children and the home we share. It's not just about where we are now, but where we've been and where we're going. There is no greater treasure in this world or the next that compares with you.
Daenarya, will you marry me?"
Her breath hitched at the question hanging between them, her hands clasping over her mouth. A soft laugh broke through her tears. "Mal..." Her gaze flickered between him and the boys bouncing excitedly behind him. Her heart swelled. She nodded before she could answer. "Yes!" Her voice trembled, but her smile never faltered. "Of course, yes! I'll marry you!"
Mal slipped the golden ring onto her finger, his hands steady and sure.
He rose swiftly, pulling her into a kiss, his arms wrapping around her as he held her close, never wanting to let her go.
The boys' cheer broke their embrace. Their small hands tugged at them, waiting for their time to celebrate. The newly engaged couple fell to their knees, gathering their boys into their arms. Their shared laughter broke through the last of the tears as they held their family close.
This was just the beginning of their greatest adventure.
Thank you again for reading! I hope you enjoyed this and hope that it feels earned and worthy of all they've been through.
Character bios and lore pages from the official Midway website for Mortal Kombat Mythologies Sub-Zero, accessed through the wayback machine. I think this is really important and fascinating information that deserves to be preserved. The detailed character and more info here is great to have
