My eyes lock with Raiden’s, and the weight of the situation settles upon us. A wave of tension ripples through the air as everyone begins to gently pick up the Vuriens, placing them into cages. The scene is charged with confusion and distrust. It’s evident in the furrowed brows and clenched jaws of those around us, all watchful of Everly. There is no doubt in my mind that she is the lost druid. I filled Raiden in on what Alivar had said and my thoughts about Everly being my mate before heading back to the castle. He seemed skeptical then, but now? I can practically hear the wheels turning in my best friend's head.
We both know that if Everly is my mate and the long-lost druid princess, it will undoubtedly trigger a cascade of questions and reactions. It won’t be long before her family’s loyal followers emerge from the shadows, seeking the truth and rallying behind their lost princess.
But we can’t afford a massive rebellion, not in the fragile state our realm is already in. The consequences could be catastrophic, tearing apart the peace we have fought so hard to maintain over the years. We have to find a way to navigate this treacherous terrain, to spin the situation in a way that would quell the rising storm of uncertainty. The weight of the last rebellion, which claimed our parents' lives, has made me determined to prevent any further bloodshed.
But there is no turning back now. Everly’s return is a reality, and we have to confront it head-on. The stakes are high, and failure is not an option.
Knowing I need to prepare myself for the challenges that lie ahead, I take a deep breath. Raiden gives me a subtle nod. He is with me. As for Everly, we will face the storm as a united front, relying on our trust and unwavering commitment to each other. The fate of our realm rests on our shoulders, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that the delicate balance remains intact.
I bite out a curse as Silver suddenly appears in front of us, Everly the focal point of her piercing silver gaze. Raiden's sister has always been an enigma of curiosity. The two white wolves draw nearer, and Silver's attention falls upon them, eliciting a wicked grin.
“I can’t believe it, after all this time . . . ” Silver trails off, shaking her head. “Leo owes me a bottle of ambrosia.”
Raiden huffs out a laugh, crossing his arms.
“We haven’t properly met.” Everly steps closer, holding out her hand. “I’m Everly.”
Silver looks down at Everly’s hand in confusion, and then at me. I raise an eyebrow, waiting to see what she will do. Silverhates physical contact, or any show of affection, really. We never could figure out why. It’s just who she is. The touch or being closer to someone always makes her skin crawl.
Slowly, Silver reaches out her hand and places it in Everly’s. “I’m Silver. This one’s little sister.” Silver points her thumb over her shoulder at Raiden.
Everly’s beautiful face lights up, and she looks absolutely giddy. “Really?”
“Yes. If you need any dirt on him, I have plenty.”
Before any of us can reply to that, Nolan storms over, looking furious. I’m about to step in front of Everly when the two massive wolves leap forward, fangs bared. My arm instinctively wraps around Everly’s waist, tugging her against me. Nolan draws to a stop, his gaze first on the wolves, then raising to meet mine.
“The queen. Now,” he snarls, emphasizing each word.
“You do not give me orders, Nolan. Remember your place,” I growl.
Everly gently runs her hand over the arm I have wrapped around her waist in a soothing motion. A refreshing sense of calm washes over me. Our connection is strengthening, weaving tighter like threads in a tapestry.
Nolan narrows his eyes on us before turning and storming away.
“You know he is going to snitch on you two,” Raiden notes.
“I know,” I grunt.
Everly turns to face me, her hands landing on my chest. “We should go before she gets impatient. I don’t want her any madder at me.”
After the day we’ve had, all I feel like doing is dragging her into bed.
“We will make sure everything goes smoothly out here.” Raiden claps me on the shoulder, and I shoot him a grateful look.
Everly waves goodbye to Silver and Raiden. Then she looks about seeming to search for someone.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, I was just wondering where Kian and Tristan are.”
I sweep the area. “I’m not sure where they are.”
Both went their separate ways when we left the gates. Surprisingly not drawn in by the commotion.
“Huh.”
Everly casts worried glances behind us as the wolves trail us into the castle, their paws padding silently on the floor. “Are they okay to be in here?” she whispers.
