The sheer gravity of the moment catches me off guard. This isn’t just a ceremony. It’s a vow. A new path I am choosing to walk, one that others have placed their faith in.
Elowen comes to stand in front of me, taking both my hands in hers.
“As queen, you hold command over the druids, respected guardians of nature and ancient lore, and the fae who, by choice, follow your path. You are the bringer of light, a radiant force of healing and hope in a world beset by shadows.
“Prophecies foretold your coming, naming you the one to unite the realms of nature and spirit. Through your connection tothe land, you draw on powers both fierce and gentle, representing the balance of all life.
“You are the last of the royal druids, the last true blood heir to a lineage as ancient as the stones and as enduring as the rivers. Your rule is not marked by force, but by peace. A peace woven through respect for all life, and through your deep understanding of the natural order. Creatures of the forest bow as you pass, and the trees themselves lean closer, eager to offer their strength and shelter.
“Under your guidance, the bond between the druids and fae grows stronger, woven with trust and mutual respect, their shared purpose clear. To safeguard the realms and bring balance to a world forever shifting.”
“Long live the Queen,” echoes after the priestess, the words resonating through the crowd.
Goosebumps make all the hair on my body rise at the chants, her words hitting me harder than I expected.
As everyone rises to their feet, my eyes scan the crowd, looking for familiar faces among the sea of fae. At the very front, Alivar catches my gaze and, with a grin, gives me a playful wink. His light heartedness steadies me somehow, reminding me that I’m surrounded not only by allies, but also by friends who believe in me. Though I do notice his mother isn’t here.
I see Gideon’s vibrant red curly hair and his brother Malick standing to the side. Both offer me bright smiles.
I take a deep breath, centering myself before I address the crowd. “I do not take this role lightly,” I begin, my voice ringing out over the gardens, strong and resolute. “I will do my best to be a fair and just leader, to see us through this hard time. But I want you all to know, I will banish the Shadoweaver from this realmand reclaim what is ours. Our king will be returned to us. That, I promise.”
As the words leave my lips, a faint ripple seems to pass through the air.
Suddenly, there’s a flash of movement, and two snow white forms leap onto the dais—Nymeria and Anika, but their demeanor gives me pause. Their heads are lowered, hackles raised as they snarl at an unseen threat.
I step forward to reach out for them, but a scream cuts through the silence. My head snaps up, gaze sharp, but before I can react, Raiden is in front of me, his massive wings unfurling in one swift motion. They stretch out wide, creating a protective barrier that blocks my view of the crowd. A tremor runs through my body, quick and sharp. My magic flares in response, a searing heat that churns beneath my skin as opposed to the gentle tingling hum I’m used to.
Another scream echoes, followed by the unmistakable whistling of arrows slicing through the air. Then, one after another, I hear the dull thuds as they strike the ground. I barely have time to register what’s happening before reality crashes down.
We are under attack.
A cold fury rises within me, fueled by the instinct to protect. I glance around Raiden’s wings, catching a glimpse of my friends, who are already moving. Tristan and Kian have their swords drawn, ushering them from the viewing platform. Valric’s blade is drawn, his gaze focused on our surroundings, while Fenris’s eyes flicker with the beginnings of his own magic, his expression fierce and deadly.
Raiden’s wings shift slightly, and he glances back at me, his jaw set. “Stay behind me,” he orders, his voice low but firm.
But I’m not about to just hide. My hands tingle with power, my magic swirling like a storm ready to be unleashed. “I’m not hiding, Raiden.”
He hesitates, but only for a second, giving me a quick nod. “Just stay close,” he murmurs, his voice softer but still edged with urgency.
As the next wave of arrows hurtles toward us, I raise my hand, letting my magic rise fully this time. An invisible shield forms, shimmering faintly as the arrows hit it and fall harmlessly to the ground. The power surges through me, this is not the gentle magic, this is my true magic, the one those fae were told to fear.
Chapter forty-six
Everly
Rose vines shoot up from the ground, thick and twisting, to form a protective canopy over the crowd. The lush tendrils stretch and intertwine, creating a living shield against the storm of arrows. Commanding the vines, I build an arch of woven greenery, a path leading straight to the castle's towering doors.
“Get to the castle!” I shout, my voice cutting through the cacophony.
Alivar doesn’t hesitate to begin ushering the frightened villagers forward, his commanding presence spurring them into action.
“Move! Stay together!” he barks, propelling them toward the sheltering arch.
My gaze flicks upward to the castle walls. Shadows dart across the balconies, and I spot several archers drawing their bows. They are positioned strategically, their vantage points giving them a clear line ofsight of the dais.
“The perimeter wall!” Kian’s voice rings out, urgent and clear.
I turn my head, following his gesture toward the wall on the left. More figures are rushing toward us—fae rebels, their movements swift and predatory. One of them nocks an arrow, the sharp tip glinting menacingly in the sunlight.
