With a soft, sweeping motion, his thumbs graze my cheeks, prompting me to close my eyes and savor the sensation. Maxon straightens and pulls me into his chest. Once I’m composed and have my emotions under control, I turn around and face the room. Nymeria and Anika each nudge my hands, and I swipe my hands over their heads, wanting nothing more than to bury my face in their fur and hide.
“So, the Shadoweaver needs me in order to break free from his prison?” I look around the room.
Kian rubs the back of his neck, avoiding me. With a fierce expression, Raiden confidently takes a step forward. “He will not get to you.” He raises a fist to his heart and bows. “I swear on my life to protect you until my dying breath.”
My heart slams hard against my chest, and the air seems to be sucked from the room. I sense Maxon’s gratitude and affection through the bond at his friend’s spoken words.
With a courageous stride, Tristan steps forward, his fist held high against his chest. “I, too, will give my life freely to protect you, Everly Baker, from all threats.”
The words of the fae are binding, and I feel its weight settle on my shoulders. There is no way out of the oath except through death. My eyes fill with tears, so many emotions overwhelming me. The last twenty-four hours has been a rollercoaster at best, and a shit show at worst.
“Well, you know how much I hate being left out.” Kian winks and steps next to Tristan, raising his fist to cover his heart. “Princess, I give my word you’ll be safe with me.”
With a smile playing on my lips, I nod my head in acknowledgement.
Maxon walks purposefully past me, heading toward the three fae soldiers he trusted with my life. He clasps each of them on the shoulder, leaning in to whisper words that elude my ears.
Several loud bangs reverberate against the door, and Raiden walks over, swinging the door open. I feel a gentle flutter as Nix lands on my shoulder.
“I’m jealous of all these hot fae men swearing to protect you with their life.”
I chuckle, the sound escaping my lips in a soft huff. I watch as a tall man with dark skin walks in. He is covered in brands, and his long black hair flows around his shoulders.
“The Puca insisted.” Raiden’s eyes roll.
“Nero,” the man corrects.
Raiden frowns. “Right, Nero.”
“Thank you,” Nero replies with a wink, making him blink.
“Nero. What are you doing here?” I ask, giving him a warm smile.
Nero bows and straightens up with a grin. “I heard you had fully awoken. I wanted to come and see for myself. And I was in the area for the coronation of our king.”
“You two know each other?” Maxon asks.
“Nero saved me from a horrible dance with Lord Wallcliffe.”
The sensation of Maxon's irritation slowly spreads through their bond, like a subtle current. Not at Nero, but at Lord Wallcliffe. It appears that the man is not well-liked by anyone. I remember something the others mentioned about Nero before and step forward eagerly.
“Nero, can you get a message to my friends back in the human realm?”
“Of course.”
“Mia and Scarlett shouldn’t be hard to find. Knowing my friends, they would undoubtedly be searching for me. Do you want the address?”
Nero shakes his head. “I already know where they are.”
“How?”
Nero winks. “When I heard the lost druid princess had returned through the gate from the human realm, I wanted to know how she had been living all these years. Your friends, as you say, were very easy to find. They have not given up hope in finding you. Stirring up quite a ruckus.”
My eyes sting with tears, and my heart feels heavy with the pain I've caused them, but also grateful they haven't given up on me. Taking a deep breath, I quickly wipe away my tears.
“Could you let them know I’m safe and I’m happy?”
“They won’t believe me for a second.” Nero raises an eyebrow.
