“It is you!” she breathes, her green eyes wide with disbelief and relief.
“It’s me,” I cry, barely able to get the words out. “How did you get here?”
“He brought us.” Mia points to where Nero stands calmly to the side.
I’m acutely aware of the audience around us, but for a moment, all that matters is that my friends are here. Mia grips my hands tightly, her blue eyes searching mine for any sign of injury or distress.
“Are you okay?” Concern is etched into her features.
“Of course she’s not okay!” Scarlett shouts, her fiery temper flaring. “Who tattooed your face? I know you wouldn’t have done that willingly.” She pushes up her sleeves, looking around the tent with a fierce expression. “Whose ass am I kicking?”
The tension in the room escalates as Scarlett’s defiant stance draws the attention of everyone present. Raiden steps forward, his wings still partially spread in a protective gesture.
“These are my friends,” I explain quickly, my voice wavering with emotion. “They mean no harm.”
Raiden’s gaze softens slightly, though his posture remains tense. He nods to Kian and Tristan, who reluctantly put away their swords but stay close.
Nero steps forward, his expression unreadable. “You have extremely stubborn friends, Everly.”
I swallow hard, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions. “I know.”
Mia and Scarlett flank me, their presence comforting.
“I promised I’d bring them here to see that you’re safe and sound, but given the news I received since returning, it looks as if you might need them here.”
I stare at the dark-skinned warrior in front of me, his golden eyes kind and understanding, the tattoos that cover his body swirling with magic. A tear spills, running down my cheek.
“They took him.”
Stepping forward, he cups my shoulders. “I have no doubt in my mind that you will find him again.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because you, Everly, are the druid heir, the promised one, and you will not break.”
His words sink in, lingering in the quiet spaces inside me.
“No, I won’t break,” I repeat.
“Okay, girl, you have a lot to catch us up on,” Scarlett cuts in. Her voice is light, but I can hear the concern.
“Yes, we do,” I agree, wiping away the tears.
Mia tilts her head as she stares at me. “Like how your eyes are a different color.”
“Or the fact you have a tattoo on your face.”
I grin. “You’re really hung up on this tattoo, Scar.”
“Well, yeah,” Scarlett says in utter exasperation.
Nero clears his throat and bows deeply. “I have to return to the human realm for a bit, but I will be back in a few days to assist in any way I can.”
“Thank you, Nero.”
He gives me a wink. “You got this, Your Majesty.” His golden gaze goes to my friends next. “Behave. Don’t make me regret bringing you here.” With that, he turns and leaves.
Scarlett and Mia’s hands tightly grasp mine. “Your Majesty?” they echo, making me chuckle.
