“It is, but I was blessed with more than most when it comes to magic.”
“Can we get on track?” my aunt’s voice cuts in.
I shoot her a glare. “What’s the rush?”
My aunt, with her eyes calculating and cold, completely disregards my presence and approaches Everly, whose body tenses up. In instinct, I reach out to get a feel of her emotions. As I connect with Everly’s, I sense a mix of distrust, nervousness, and anger. The anger puzzles me. I understand the distrust and nervousness, but why the anger?
Lavina extends her hand to touch Everly’s face, but Everly automatically retreats. I closely observe their interaction as they warily assess each other.
The air between them is thick with tension, as if a silent battle of wills is taking place. I can almost hear the unspoken questions passing between them—my aunt’s curiosity about Everly’s past, and Everly’s doubts about Lavina's intentions.
“What have you been told?” I ask, breaking the silent standoff.
Lavina looks over at me, her gaze softening. I know she’s harsh and cold, but I also know she cares.
“Only that Alivar ambushed you and Everly. That you two have been sleeping together, and Everly now has the Evergreen Ghosts in tow.”
I purposely skip over the second part and go to the more pressing matter. “We can’t let the seelie prince get a hold of Everly.”
“How do you know it’s me he wants?”
“Remember the story I told you about the deal the Seelie Court tried to make with the Druids regarding the princess? Alivar thinks if he can get his hands on you, he can force a marriage.”
“He said that?” Everly gasps.
“Not in so many words, but Alivar thinks he can take what he wants.”
“And right now, he wants you,” Nolan adds, rubbing his temples.
“We need to confirm youarethe princess,” Lavina adds.
Everly extends her arm, the torn piece of her black shirt hanging open, revealing her rune. The rune imprinted onto her skin is a symbol of her pure druid bloodline, and seems to pulsate with power. My aunt swiftly seizes her arm, forcefully pulling it toward her. A frown forms on Everly’s face while I struggle to contain my grin, relishing in the rare sight of my speechless aunt. With her deep violet eyes fixed on Everly, she then turns her gaze toward me.
“Tomorrow, I want you to accompany Everly to the ruins,” she commands, her voice laced with urgency. “We must determine if it stirs any dormant memories. And remember, this must remain confidential.” Her eyes briefly meet Nolan’s, a silent understanding passing between them. “Understood?”
“Yes, your majesty.” Nolan’ his eyes remain fixed on Everly’s mark. “But what of the coronation?”
Lavina curses and meets my gaze. “Can we push it back three days? That should give you enough time to return.”
I bow my head. “Of course.”
Chapter twenty-nine
Everly
With each step down the stairs, my palms grow clammy and my heart races faster. The weight of the unknown hangs heavily on my shoulders, and I can sense a similar tension in Kian’s demeanor. His usually bright eyes are clouded with worry, mirroring my own internal struggle. Maxon and Tristan, always the practical ones, are busy securing the saddles and double-checking the supplies on the horses. Their efficiency only heightens my sense of unease.
I can’t help but wonder what lies ahead for us. The journey we are about to embark upon is shrouded in mystery.Am I truly prepared for whatever awaits us in the Evergreens?
Doubts creep into my mind, fueling the nerves that are churning in my stomach. What if I’m not who they all think me to be?
I have no memory of my life before foster care, but the thought that I might be some kind of lost druid is absolutely insane. It seems completely impossible. I can’t even start to comprehendthe meaning, nor my feelings toward it. But had I not somehow connected with those vines . . . But amidst the uncertainty, there is also a glimmer of hope. I know deep down that this trip has the potential to change everything, to uncover truths I have never even considered. It’s a chance to find myself, to prove my worth, and to discover the strength I never knew I possessed.
Dawn is breaking as I step out of the castle and make my way down to the garden. Lifting my face, I let the warm breeze caress my skin. Kian remains silent next to me, his unusually quiet demeanor making me nervous. I walk toward the elaborate garden, my fingers reaching for the flowers. Each one strains in my direction, as if begging to be touched. I smile and softly glide my hand over the rose bush, watching the flowers bloom. Color bursts forth, and I feel a jolt of energy as the red buds open.
“It’s magic,” a voice says behind me.
With a jolt, I turn to find Maxon a few feet away, his eyes locked on mine.
