“So does that mean—”I started, afraid to hope that my lonely existence inside my head could be coming to an end.
Nell dabbed at the corners of her eyes, pushing up from her seat. “Yes. You released the block. You relived an absolutely torturous memory that has shaped you, Cotton. This is something that has held you back from getting closer to others. Now that you’ve let someone in, experienced it again from an adult’s perspective, maybe you’ll release the guilt that I know you must’ve been carrying around with you for so long. And in case you didn’t already know, you are not responsible for your mother’s death. That lies with King Forest alone. He is a monster.”
I swallowed, dropping my gaze to watch the yellow currents dance on the back of my hand.“I know that now. I just…if I hadn’t gone into the King’s Suite that day, none of that would’ve happened.”
Nell nodded her head in understanding. “This is true. But, Cotton, if that had never happened, who knows where you would be today? You are now on a path to true self-discovery. Every choice andaction you’ve made since that day has led you here. It’s absolutely heartbreaking knowing what you went through. Sadly, we can’t change it. No Mystic or Druid has the ability to go back in time and change things. But maybe, with a shift in your perspective, you won’t let that day define you anymore. Instead, you can control your future. You no longer serve that dark tyrant. You’re free. Free to be you and live your purpose.”
A weight that had been pressing heavily on my chest for so many years lifted. She was right. I no longer answered to Forest, and now, I had no fear keeping me from sharing this truth with those I wished to.“Thank you, Nell. I’m sorry you had to see that.”I lowered my head in shame, hating that I’d subjected someone so kind and wise to something so atrocious.
“There is nothing for you to apologize for, Cotton. And right now, you can speak easily with me telepathically because we have forged a strong link. But we’ll continue practicing until you’re able to establish one with anyone of your choosing seamlessly.”
“Just being able to speak like this relieves so much frustration. I still want to learn sign language in the event I’m rendered powerless.”
“I understand, and that will most certainly be arranged, my dear. Now, I would love for you to stay here. You’re safe, protected, and won’t have to worry about crossing any more Endarkened creatures during your treks back to the castle.”
I nodded, but the thought of Scarlett panicking over my absence quickly made my heart sink.“I can’t leave Scarlett to worry about me.”
“Oh, don’t worry. We’ll send word to Valik. She’ll be welcome to stay as well if she chooses, if that is okay with you?” Nell raised her perfectly trimmed eyebrows, waiting for my response.
I nodded.“Of course. I’d love to have her here. Thank you, again, Nell.”
“It is my honor, Cotton.”
Chapter Eighteen
Chrome
Iscrutinized Forest, wondering what he knew about Gray. Surely, he didn’t know I’d just seen her. “Why?”
Forest raised his brows, incredulous. “Since when was it acceptable for you to start demanding answers from me?”
“Since it involves my Twin Soul.”
“Just do what you’ve always done best and do what you’re told.”
I seethed, barely containing my shadows. “Just fucking tell me where we’re going.”
“The Charleston Domain.”
My face contorted in confusion. “In South Carolina?” Had Forest or Celanea gotten hold of Gray after I left? And why take her to the Charleston Domain?
Forest dipped his chin. “Yes. Unless you want me to tell Celanea about the dead Infernal on her hands being your responsibility, then I’d suggest you get up and travel us there. Now.”
I clenched my jaw, despising the fact that he still held power over me, even now. I walked to where Forest and I stood only inches away from one another. I grabbed his biceps, imagining the CharlestonDomain in my mind until I allowed my shadows to envelop us in their darkness and carry us away.
We landed outside the gates of a sprawling white mansion. Beautiful Spanish moss decorated the drive leading up to the front doors.
“Come on.” Forest strode toward the gate. He touched the bars, and they immediately opened upon his contact. It made sense considering he had been the king of all Kinetics. Of course, all the Domains would allow him entry.
I followed behind, taking in the scenery that embodied the Southern charm that everyone had once touted. It seemed that Charleston had survived my blast back at the King’s Palace a few months back. The same couldn’t be said for the nearby domains like Kennesaw. They, too, had been obliterated to ash.
Kinetic Guards stood by, and once they spotted Forest, they halted, their expressions full of surprise as they recognized him. When their eyes landed on me, the blood drained from their faces as if they were seeing a ghost. In a sense, they sort of were.
Forest didn’t acknowledge anyone as they bowed. He continued his overconfident strut to the brick steps. Once we reached the front door, a guard greeted us with a bow. “Your Majesty. We weren’t expecting you.”
“No, this was a surprise visit. But I need to speak with someone. Can you bring me to Royal Okrafor?”
I shot him an accusing glare. “You said we were here for Gray. Where is she?”
