In the center of Soleanna, the townsfolk gathered around to wait for the Royal Family to arrive to celebrate the New Year's Festival. The family was riding on a boat ready to celebrate the festival.
Exe and Mephiles waved to the townsfolk but Elise seemed to be deep in thought.
"You alright Elise?" Mephiles asked. Elise snapped back into reality.
"Yeah. I'm good. Just pondering" Elise said.
"You got the New Year's Anxiety?" Exe said. "Don't worry I have it too."
"Why are you anxious, my love? Aren't you excited for the new year?" Mephiles asked his husband.
"I am it's just" Exe said. "How do we know what's gonna happen next year? What if something bad happens?"
Mephiles held his hands to calm him down.
"What if something good happens? You always told me to look for the good things. And besides, I'll get to be with you for another year. You and Elise and Samara and Mephistopheles are the best things to happen to me. And I wouldn't change it for the world"
"Awww" Elise said. "That gives me hope for next year. Because whatever happens next year, at least we'll all be together. As a family. And you guys have been the best family to me since my parents died."
The three smiled brightly as they rode across town. Little Samara tugged at her aunt's dress.
"Auntie Auntie let's go. The boat stopped" Samara said. Elise nodded and they all got off the boat to the center of town.
As the townsfolk counted down, Exe and Mephiles admired the stars in the night sky, holding hands.
"Remember that promise I made when we got married? That I'll always be by your side forever" Mephiles asked.
"Yeah?" Exe said.
"I'll make sure to keep the promise this year. I love you Exe"
"I love you too Mephiles"
The two leaned in for a kiss as 12 O clock striked. The new year had come and the family were excited as ever for a new year of new adventures and high hopes.