Firm hands are on my shoulders, shaking me, and I blink. The room around me comes into focus, but it’s Maxon's furious expression that has my full attention.
“What was that?” I ask.
“You tell us, dear,” Queen Lavina answers.
Maxon’s thumb grazes my cheek, drawing my attention. “What did you see?”
“The room faded, and I was somewhere else. The air was thick with an unsettling black mist that obscured my vision. I was dirty and bloody, as if I had been in battle,” I explain.
Maxon places a tender kiss on my head before turning to Nolan and his aunt. “Black mist, black army . . . Does that mean he’s awake?”
Nolan curses, running a hand over his short blonde hair, making it stand up in a disheveled mess.
“Wait, who’s awake?” I ask, dread curling in my stomach.
“Do you think he sensed her awakening?” Queen Lavina demands.
“Possibly. If she is the one the prophecy spoke of, then it could mean he’d sense her power and wants her for himself.”
What the hell? What were they talking about?
“We can’t let him have her. If he does, it will spell catastrophe. The realm will fall,” Nolan states.
My insides burn with anger, a fiery and weighty sensation, causing me to tightly clench my fists. Maxon turns his bodytoward me, his eyes full of curiosity, obviously sensing my emotions.
‘WHO?’ I demand down the bond.
“Sorry, Stóirín. We think that your arrival may have been felt by the Shadoweaver.”
“Well, shit, that sounds ominous.” I twist the tulle of my skirt in my fingers. Isn’t that what Tristan said when he saw the dealings?
“If she is the one in the prophecy and this is a sign the Shadoweaver has awoken, then we need to move quickly,” Nolan urges.
“First things first. Raiden and I, along with some of my men, are going to go to the north village of Escalle to see what damage has been done, to see if we can find any clues of what we’re dealing with. We need to be sure, and I won't believe anything unless I see it for myself.”
Alarm shoots through me, and I step forward at the same time as Nolan questions, “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“What about your coronation?!” Queen Lavina shrieks.
“I’m going with you,” I add.
Maxon shakes his head. “This is important. Coronation can wait until I return.” Then, turning to me, he sighs heavily, and I know what’s coming. “You need to stay here where it’s safe.”
“Maxon, you cannot keep putting this off. The people are waiting,” the queen scolds.
Maxon raises his hands in a placating manner. “I know they are waiting, but this is more important.”
Queen Lavina narrows her eyes and the two seem to have a silent conversation. Finally, Queen Lavina relents and shakes her head.
“Fine.” She sighs, exasperated. “Go do what you must, but the moment you return, we need to give the people what they want, Maxon.”
Maxon bows deeply, a twinkle in his eye as he straightens up. “Didn’t think you’d be so eager to be rid of the crown, Aunt Livy.”
Queen Lavina’s smile lights up the room, a rare sight that leaves me in awe. I think this is the first time I've seen her smile, and it brightens up her entire face. The corners of her lips curl upward, revealing a warmth I didn’t expect. As I observe her, a sense of reassurance washes over me, as if I’ve misjudged her all along. It’s clear now that she genuinely cares for her people and has a deep affection for Maxon.
“It was never my crown,” she answers softly.
Smiling, I look around the room. Nolan is gone.
