“I haven’t forgiven,” I whisper, the words escaping my lips like a confession, heavy with the truth. “But I will let it lie. If any of you deceive me again, I will not hesitate to toss you in the dungeons and throw away the key.”
My words seem to thrum with magic, a silent warning rippling outward like a stone cast into still water. The air is charged; the tension crackling around us like static, prickling my skin. I brush past them and continue down the hall.
Nix tugs lightly on my hair. “Well said,” she remarks, her tone laced with something I can’t quite place. Approval, maybe? Or, perhaps, a hint of mischief. “I think you’re stepping into your role nicely.”
The comment catches me off guard. A flicker of warmth rises, gratitude welling up at the unexpected praise. I’m about to thank her when she continues, her words sharper than before.
“For someone who thought she was a weak human.”
“Thanks.” The word slips out before I can filter the sarcasm from my tone. “I think.”
As we near the heavy wooden doors of the war room, I close my eyes, finding that thread deep in my chest.
My bond. My mate. My love.
I let my mind brush against it, hoping for any flicker of response, but there’s nothing. It remains dormant, blocked. The silence from the other side of the bond feels like a weight pressing on my heart, a reminder of everything I’ve lost and everything I still have to fight for. I feel a tear slip down my cheek, hotand unbidden, but I don’t bother wiping it away. It’s a quiet release, a momentary crack in the wall I’ve had to build around my emotions to keep going.
My magic stirs in response, sweeping gently over my skin as if trying to soothe me, a soft hum of warmth and comfort that’s more instinct than intent. I take another deep breath, letting it settle me, and open my eyes, determination filling the hollow ache that's been building inside of me.
Nolan, Valric, and Raiden stand to face me as I enter the war room. Raiden stands at the head of the large wooden table, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable, though his silver eyes flicker toward Zaria the moment she steps in behind me. He gives her a slight nod, one of silent understanding, or perhaps, reassurance. It’s hard to tell with Raiden—he guards his emotions like a vault.
Hearing the soft creak of the door, I peer over my shoulder and see Tristan and Kian closing it behind them. For a brief moment, I catch sight of Nymeria and Anika trotting down the hall toward us, their large forms moving with a fluid grace.
My hand raises instinctively. “Stop.”
Kian and Tristan pause, and I point into the hall. Both draw open the doors wider, allowing the wolves access. The others’ eyes are on me as the two wolves enter, their powerful forms brushing past me as they circle, each one pressing close before sitting down on either side of me. Nymeria’s white fur shinesfaintly under the dim light, while Anika’s coat seems to be covered in dust or dirt.
“What have you been in?”
Anika’s golden eyes lift to mine, and she tilts her head in question.
‘Me?’
“Yes, you’re filthy.”
Anika blinks, as if thinking. ‘The chicken coop.’
I feel my eyes widen at her response, but before I can answer her, Nolan’s snotty voice cuts through the air.
“Is she speaking to the wolves?”
My gaze snaps up, and I pin him with a glare. “That’s none of your business.”
There is a long, tense silence before Nolan steps forward. Every eye in the room is on him, waiting for what he has to say. He drops to one knee and bows his head.
“I want to apologize for the disloyalty I have shown toward my king,” Nolan begins, his voice rough. “I’m at your service, and I thank you for releasing me from the dungeons. For allowing me to join you today.”
There’s a beat of silence, and then Nix’s voice cuts through like a knife.
“Bet that was hard to get out, old man,” she snickers, her wings giving an amused twitch.
I bite down on the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. The tension shifts, lightening for just a moment. Nolan rises slowly, his eyes narrowing into slits as he turns his glare on Nix, but he holds back from responding.
Nix’s grin widens, thoroughly enjoying the reaction, but she doesn’t push further.
“Right,” Raiden says, clapping his hands together. “The funeral rites will be held on the edge of the Elysium Bluffs, as per usual.”
At my confused look, Nolan adds. “Royal and high-ranking fae are sent there.”
