‘But it was my magic that sent everyone into a fear-induced frenzy. What if it happens again?’
‘I won’t let anything happen to you, Stóirín. I swear.’
Chapterforty-six
Everly
Maxon’s words do little to soothe the fear gripping my chest. I still don’t understand my magic and what I am capable of. Raiden releases his grip on Eve and gestures for her to take a seat. Maxon’s arm is still tightly wrapped around my waist, as if he’s afraid I’ll run away with the Outcasts.
“It wasn't your fault,” Valric replies, his tone softening.
I stare at him, trying to figure out if he’s being sincere. When no one breaks the tense silence that has fallen over the room, Valric continues.
“You look so much like your mother.”
Anger fills my chest, and I give him a pointed look. I am done. I don’t want to talk to him anymore. The thought of continuing the conversation with him makes me feel nauseous. When I first recognized him, my heart leaped with overwhelming happiness. But to learn what he’s done, what he is willing to do to get to me is heartbreaking.
“You need to leave,” I state matter of factly.
Maxon’s arm falls from where it was banned around my chest, and his fingers link with mine.
‘Speak your truth,Stóirín. I will back you.’
As my eyes shift back to Valric, a surge of confidence and determination courses through me, making me stand taller. I can sense Maxon’s unwavering support, assuring me that he will back me up every step of the way. It ignites a fire within me, pushing me to rise above any doubts or fears.
Valric stands there, blinking at me in confusion as if I were speaking another language. Maybe that would work better anyway.
“Please, just leave,” I say again, this time in my native tongue.
Valric's eyes widen in astonishment, causing the other Outcasts to gap in disbelief.
“But you are our queen,” one of them argues, rising to his feet.
With a menacing growl, Nymeria lunges at him, causing him to instinctively raise his hands.
“I may be your queen one day, but for now, we have bigger things to deal with. I will bring peace again, but it won’t be by force. I will not leave my home again, and my home is here.”
Valric’s eyes harden as he looks over my head at Maxon. “Will you let us leave?” he snaps.
“If she wishes it, then yes.”
Valric’s jaw tenses up, and then he looks over at Eve. “What of Eve?”
“She can stay if that's what she wants,” I reply.
Maxon tenses behind me, and Valric’s eyes widen with uncertainty as he stares at us for a long beat.
‘You sure?’Maxonasks.
‘I don’t think she is here to harm me or force me to leave. I know her. I just can’t remember yet.’
‘Okay.’
“Raiden, see our guests out. Nymeria and Anika, make sure they leave the castle grounds,” Maxon commands.
Once they have left, Maxon turns to Zaria and Rayna. “Can you please escort Eve back to her room, the castle is on lockdown until I say.”
Both nod and quickly usher Eve out the door. The soft click of the door shutting has my shoulders sagging. As if trying to ward off a headache, Maxon rubs his temples with a furrowed brow. My heart aches for him, and instinctively I reach out and grasp his hand, gently guiding him to the sofa and sit him down. Straddling his lap, I sink my fingers into his hair and gently run my finger through the dark, silky strands.
