That’s true they would probably kidnap him to get answers. I chew my lip and look out the window. “Tell them . . . Tell them, the weather is beautiful here. There is no need for the blue umbrella.”
Everyone in the room trades confused looks, but Nero grins, the brands on his body swirling. “Done.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, doing my best to hold back tears. When I initially began going on my hikes, the girls would consistently urge me to bring along additional supplies. Back when I used to live with them, Scarlett would often attempt to secretly slip a blue umbrella into my backpack, along with a bag of skittles, and a rape whistle.
Nero tilts his head, studying me. “How do you feel? I see you and the crown prince wasted no time in joining.”
A red blush heats my face, and I lift my fingers to my own markings on my face. “Well, when you know, you know,” I murmur.
“Touché.”
“How did you know who I was?” I ask.
“Makeup can’t hide the birthmark of druid royalty from everyone, princess.”
“Oh.”
Maxon leans over, his warm breath tickling my skin, and gently presses his lips against my temple. “I’m going to go and fill my aunt in about Nolan. Tristan and Kian will stay with you.”
“Okay,” I breathe.
I watch him and Raiden exit and Nero bows. “I will leave you to it, princess, and we will see each other again.”
Chapter forty-eight
Everly
My heart races as fear grips me tightly with its boney fingers, making it difficult to breathe. The black mist seems to suffocate the air around me, its dense presence enveloping everything in its path. I strain my eyes, desperately trying to pierce through the darkness, but it’s futile. The world has been swallowed whole by this ethereal abyss.
A chill runs down my spine as a tingling sensation crawls across my skin. The tiny hairs on my arms stand up. What is happening? The air feels heavy, as if every molecule were infused with a sense of impending doom.
I reach up to touch my face, only to find it smeared with dirt and streaks of dried blood. It’s as though I have emerged from a fierce battle, a battle I can’t recall.
My body aches with the weariness of a warrior who has fought tirelessly. My muscles throb, evidence of the physical exertion I have endured. I can taste the metallic tang of blood in my mouth, a bitter reminder of the violence that surrounded me. The adrenaline is stillcoursing through my veins, heightening my senses and amplifying every sound, every heartbeat.
Yet, amidst the chaos and confusion, a glimmer of resilience flickers to life within me. Despite the crushing darkness, I find the strength to push forward, to navigate through the unknown. I know that I have to find a way to dispel the black mist, to reclaim my clarity and regain control over my surroundings.
With determined resolve, I take a step forward, my body trembling but my spirit unyielding. I refuse to let the darkness consume me completely.
Chapter forty-nine
Everly
Gazing out at the stars, I stand with my hands resting on the stone balcony, and soak in the fresh air. Looking down, I catch glimpses of white as Nymeria and Anika gracefully bound through the gardens. I am pleasantly surprised by the significant improvement in my eyesight since the spell that was affecting my druid magic was removed.
Abruptly, my stomach fills with butterflies, a sure sign that Maxon is close. I hear the chamber doors open and the air suddenly becomes charged with Maxon’s energy as he enters, and without hesitation, he dismisses Kian and Tristan. I smile into the night, happy he has returned. It’s been a long day. I was told five fae were killed in the raid yesterday, and one was indeed Madeline, who had only left the queen’s chambers moments before.
Maxon’s hand touches mine as he comes to stand next to me, our pinkies linking.
“I have something for you,” he whispers.
Before I can respond, he slides something in front of me. I glance down, and see a small box glistening in the moonlight. My eyes quickly meet his with a look of surprise.
“It took me longer than I thought it would to pick. That’s why I missed dinner.” He smirks.
Looking down, I slowly lift the lid of the box, feeling a mix of curiosity and excitement bubbling up inside me. Inside sits a ring, its diamond sparkling under the moonlight. A web of thin golden vines forms the circle of the ring, crawling up and intertwining with each other. My heart swells and thumps hard in my chest, making me feel lightheaded.
It’s beautiful.
