Beneath the moon’s enchanting light, she’ll rise to claim her throne,
Uniting realms of faerie, her power fully grown.
With wisdom, love, and courage, she’ll mend what once was torn,
For in her hands, the faerie world shall be reborn.”
I blink as if in a trance as she recites the prophecy Kian had told me about.
“What has the prophecy got to do with any of this? We don’t know that it’s talking about Everly.” Maxon crosses his arms.
“Don’t we?” Queen Lavina volleys back, throwing back the rest of her drink and placing the glass down.
“Is there any way to determine if I’m the one in the prophecy?”
Both turn their piercing stares on me, their eyes filled with anticipation and concern. The queen’s attention lingers on my arm, where my birthmark stands out vividly, commanding attention. A heavy sigh escapes her lips, echoing through the room as she paces back and forth. The sound of her footsteps reverberates, creating an air of unease. Tension hangs around her. Her agitated movements, so unlike her usual composed demeanor, speak volumes about her inner turmoil.
“The night before your castle was raided, there was an incident. Do you remember?”
I furrow my brow and tilt my head in confusion as I look at her. “An incident?”
“Yes, in the village closest to the Evergreen’s.”
I blink. “What was the name of this village?”
Queen Lavina stops pacing and stares at me, the violet in her eyes glowing otherworldly. “Pinehelm.”
Images flash in my mind’s eye. A younger version of me running happily through the streets, my mother following behind me. Then the sudden sound of shouting, as a group of men surrounded us. They were trying to grab me, I remember being terrified. As the chaos ensued, my younger self found solace in the embrace of nature. I called for it in desperation with tears in my eyes as my mother fought the men. Sensing my distress, the forest burst forth with life, as if responding to my silent plea for help. Trees stretched their branches protectively, forming a shield around me. Plants and vines snaked their way through the village, entangling the hands of the men who sought to harm me. Animals, sensing danger, unleashed their primal instincts, defending me with their teeth and claws, as if I were their own flesh and blood. Water rushed through the streets, cleansing away the darkness and carrying away the fear that had gripped me. The once tranquil village became a battleground between nature and those who intended to cause me harm, as the elements unleashed their fury upon them. The sound of shouting and the sight of people fleeing in terror filled the air, a stark contrast to the joyful laughter that graced the streets moments ago.
“No.” I shake my head, backing up. “I couldn’t have.”
Queen Lavina’s expression becomes tender, her whole demeanor changing before my eyes. “It wasn’t your fault. You were only a child. But the other high fae were scared of what you would become. If you weren’t to be married off to the courts to control, then you were to be put to death.”
I gasp, my hands covering my mouth as tears burn my eyes. “My parents are dead because of me,” I whisper.
Maxon’s arms wrap protectively around me from behind. “You are not to blame here,” he murmurs.
“Kinda feels like I am,” I choke out over the lump in my throat.
All of a sudden, the door bangs open, causing us all to jump. Nolan burst into the room, his face flushed and his gaze urgent as he quickly makes his way over to us.
“Nolan, what is the meaning of this?” Queen Lavina demands, her expression pinched.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, there has been a breech.”
“A breach?” I echo, as Maxon steps forward.
“Where?” he demands.
“The north village of Escalle is seeing an influx of deadlings. Someone said they were being commanded by a dark army.”
Queen Lavina takes hurried steps toward Nolan, the skirts of her long purple gown swishing around her ankles, drawing my attention. The fabric looks so soft, so pretty. Wait, why am I thinking about her skirt? Nolan has said something about deadlings in the village.
I look up and blink. Something isn’t right. Everything around me dissolves into darkness, swirling and engulfing my senses.
I battle through the dense, thick mist, the darkness permeating mymind as much as the battlefield. Shadows dance, mocking my every move. Sweat drips down my brow, as I grip the sword in my hand. My heart pounds in a rhythmic drumbeat of fear and determination.
A surge of power courses through my veins, ignited in my chest, and fire lights up my sword. My eyes glow in its reflection, and as I look around, the mist lifts. I take a step forward, pausing as two shapes come barreling toward me. I brace myself, but relief has me sagging where I stand as Nymeria and Anika wrap around me, their beautiful snow white fur covered in blood, both black and red.
