Reverie
We rode hard through the forest, mist curling low on the ground, Mira leading the way with Pantar by her side, their tentacles waving around, scenting for danger. Kharox followed in silence, hulking, protective, terrifying to look at but calming in his presence.
My men stayed close.
Too close.
Nathan kept glancing at the shadows. Zane nearly rode backwards in his saddle half the time to keep an eye on me. Jet never took his eyes off me, insisting I ride with him. Zeke was half-shifted into his Draxon form, feeding me snacks from his saddlebags now and then.
And my Oren was more stressed than all of them combined, shifting his gaze between me and our surroundings, never relaxing his guard for a second.
Ahead, Tanya, Razor, and Malik joined our formation, ready to help execute whatever plan would get Trent alone without any of us ending up dead. Razor had insisted on coming because he knew the ins and outs of Bellona along with my father, Sly.
Speaking of my fathers... they traveled at the back of our group, surrounding my mother. Each of them was edgy about having her and me exposed like this. But on the other hand, they understood that if they wanted Rue back, all of this was necessary.
I tried to keep my breathing steady. I’d ridden horses my whole life, but these animals were huge, and I was still a little hesitant around them.
One minute I was gripping Jet’s waist, and the next… the world tore away.
A cold voice whispered inside me.“Remember, child of my blood.”
I didn’t have time to scream before the vision hit.
White stone. Silver banners. A queen’s heartbeat.
I wasn’t me.
I was her.
Lilibet.
Standing in her throne room with magic pulsing through my veins like starlight. The six Faction marks burned bright across six chests. Mine glowed at the center.
Love.
Unity.
Power.
Destiny.
And then?—
The prophecy.
A voice like thunder cracking inside my skull. “One life must be given to save the realm.”
I felt the truth settle like a stone.
It had to be me.
The Ancestors demanded the queen.
My Faction—my heart—knelt before me one by one.
“We’ll support your decision,” Bren whispered.
“We tried to find another way, but we understand now.” Ambrose's deep voice spoke loudly, filled with assurance. “Our sacrifice will be rewarded, and we’ll live again together.”
