Seconds felt like minutes.
Minutes like hours.
But when the runes flared a brilliant blue, its edges tipped in a bright shade of green, the gears and mechanisms that held the lock in place began to creak. The sound of metal grinding together after years of misuse filled the silent corridor.
“Fuck, it’s about time.” Xander breathed, the tone filled with relief.
Nodding, Auraelia waited until the sound of groaning metal ceased, then stepped forward and pushed the doors open.
Sconces flared to life, cerulean flames dancing along the walls and illuminating the scene in front of her. It was unlike anything she’d ever seen. Rows upon rows of floor-to-ceiling shelves covered in emeralds of every shape, size, and color lined the center of the room and seemed to stretch further than the castle itself. There were satchels—presumably filled with gold or silver—piled in the corners, and rolls of parchment shoved haphazardly into open spaces, their edges pristine with none of the telltale signs of age.
Magic.
There was no other explanation for it. That room had been constructed from pure magic, and it slammed into her like a battering ram as soon as she stepped foot across the threshold.
Ancient power buzzed along her skin, and her magic responded in kind. Purring against the caress as it turned languid in her veins like it was saying hello to an old friend. Auraelia looked down at her hands—fully expecting to see them glowing with the amount of power that was suddenly rushing through her—only to find her stained fingers shimmering in the flame's glow.
The sound of a sharp intake of breath from behind her pulled her focus, and as she turned toward the sound, she saw Daemon—eyes wide as he stared at his own hands, turning them back and forth like he would find something new marking his skin.
When he finally met her gaze, his eyes were wide with awe and shining like twin suns in a crystal clear sky. They were stunning, and she could have melted in the heat of his gaze…if it hadn’t been for the sound of a cough coming from the entryway.
“I hate to interrupt. But, Rae, we can’t get in.” Xander called from the doorway.
Shifting her focus, she met her brother’s questioning gaze with one of her own. “What do you mean you can’t get in?”
Rolling his eyes, Xander attempted to step over the runes and through the opening. But instead of landing on the opposite side, his foot collided with a wall of golden light, one that flared brightly at the contact, then dimmed back into nothing as he pulled his foot away.
An eerily familiar warmth washed over Auraelia as a honeyed voice slipped into her mind. “Only those destined as rulers of this kingdom are welcomed into these chambers.”
The voice may have faded, but the words lingered. It made sense whyshehad been allowed entrance…but Daemon? Her gaze slid to where he stood to the right of the door, his eyes just as wide as hers felt. Had he heard it, too?
“He did, young queen. Though I speak directly to you now.”
“Who areyou?” she muttered to herself, her eyes flying around the room looking for the voice inside her head.
“I am the soul of Emerald. I am the heart of her people. I amyou.”
Auraelia shook her head. She hated riddles, and that one made about as much sense as hugging a rabid animal.
A soft chuckle reverberated in her skull.“Think with your heart, Auraelia.Listento my voice. In your heart of hearts, you know who I am. You know my voice as well as you know your own.”
“Auraelia? Is everything alright?” Daemon asked, his brows furrowed as he took hesitant steps toward her.
Closing her eyes, Auraelia breathed deeply.
I am the soul of Emerald.
I am the heart of her people.
I amyou.
Me?
Clarity blossomed as countless dreams flooded her mind. Ones from years ago, fromlifetimesago, unfurled in her mind one right after the other.
It couldn’t be.
“And yet, it is. Hello, Auraelia. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
