They were silent, but the feelings coming through the bond didn’t change. They weren’t judging me.
Vesper’s fingers were tracing my scars, and Aurelia had leaned closer, giving me comfort.
“When I went to visit the other coven, I was scared they would turn me away because of what I had done in service of the White Lotus. But Morgan, the leader, was the one who gave me an orb. The one I used to burn the coven down and rescue the seer.”
I finally turned to look at them.
“These scars are from how he punished us.”
Their eyes filled with understanding.
“This is a lot,” Vesper said. “They may be mostly gone now, but still… He abused you. I wish he were alive again so I could kill him myself.”
“You try to scrub these off in the shower sometimes, don’t you?” Aurelia asked.
I froze, not really knowing how I felt about being so seen. It was panic-inducing. I didn’t know how to admit it, but I knew I had to.
“Yes,” I said around the knot in my throat. “I hate them.”
“I heard you in the shower a couple of times too,” Vesper confessed. “But regardless…” They both hugged me, with Vesper resting her head on my right shoulder and Aurelia placing her cheek against my left arm. “These scars are a part of you. And no one will ever abuse you again. Not even yourself. We love every single part of you.”
“We do. Let’s be kind to ourselves going forward, yes?” Aurelia added, kissing my upper arm. “Nothing but love here.”
Bloodred tears filled my eyes, and I dunked my head in the water to wash them away.
How on this earth did the gods bless me with such perfect partners?
“Okay,” I whispered, letting them hold me. “Nothing but love.”
Aurelia
For the first time in centuries, the Castle family held no power.
People weren't flocking to the palace in hopes of joining us, and even though Adrian had declared war on everyone, no one really seemed to take that threat seriously.
Or at least they were smart enough to know I wouldn't be seeing it through.
And that meant that, for the first time in a while, the palace was mostly empty.
Mostlybeing the keyword.
Because even though we were supposed to be in ruins, this place looked anything but.
“It's a miracle,” I said, looking at the garden. The fountain that had once been cracked was now completely redone and flowing with clear water. The weeds and vines that had been growing throughout had been replaced with beautiful flowers of varying colors.
“Just needed some love and care,” my mother replied, her head popping up from a giant bush of pink flowers. The hat she was wearing didn't suit a former queen, but she was more than happy to be rid of the title.
She had never smiled so brightly. Her face was smudged with dirt, but it only enhanced her beauty. Her face had gotten plump from finally getting the blood she needed.
“I guess that can be said for a lot of people,” I said as I inched closer to her, inhaling her scent.
Even after three months and counting, I couldn't get over the fact that she was here with me. I was afraid to leave her, and she knew it.
“Why are you still here, Aurelia?”
I gave her a mock gasp.
“Are you saying you don't enjoy my company?”
