Frankie blinks, caught between shock and discomfort. “Uh…thank you?” she manages, voice small but genuine.
The Queen’s lips curve faintly as she leans in, her words meant for Frankie alone. “I was wrong to question your judgement. You risked everything to save us. I cannot undo what was done, but I promise you this, my court, my crown, and my realm stand with you now.”
Frankie nods, too stunned to speak.
The Queen straightens again, her composure returning. “And you,” she looks at me, “I’ll admit I was hesitant when I first allowed a demon into my realm. Now I see the wisdom in it.” She gestures to Brynn. “First Commander, if you would.”
Brynn crosses the floor, stopping in front of me. “The Guard has been without its commander since Kara’s fall,” she says, her voice steady despite the shine in her eyes. The tears never fall as she stands, straightand unyielding. “The falkyrie deserve one who can lead them with strength and reason.”
I frown. “And you think that’s me?”
Her mouth twitches, not quite a smile. “Kara did.”
My throat tightens while I shake my head. “I’m not falkyrie. Half your Guard would sooner draw their blades than take orders from a demon.”
Brynn doesn’t look away. “They trusted Kara. Kara trusted you. That’s enough.”
Behind her, the falkyrie move as one. Knees hit the floor as they all bow their heads…to me.
Brynn steps back, and for a moment the hall is quiet again. My pulse pounds as the falkyrie wait on their knees.
The Queen studies me. “You’ve led your own once,” she says. “You know what it means to fight for those who don’t always have enough to fight back.”
“I have,” I nod. “And I do.”
Macen appears in my head. He’s smart and patient, a natural leader. The Recreants did fine without me for the last two decades. They’ll continue to do so. He’s held them together through everything I couldn’t. Maybe with me gone, he’ll finally take the title he’s earned.
The Queen’s voice carries over my thoughts. “Then you’ll understand why this matters. A demon commanding the Guard of Light is more than title or tradition. It's an alliance. Proof that the realms can stand together when the next storm comes.”
I won’t lead them out of convenience. They need to trust me. “Can I have time to think about it?” I ask. “A title is nothing if it isn’t earned. If I ever lead the Guard, it’ll be because they’ve decided I’m worthy of that privilege.”
Silence stretches through the hall until a voice finally rises from somewhere in the line of armored guards. “I’d be honored to fight beside the Emberlord.”
Another follows. “As would I.”
A third joins in, then another, until the falkyrie erupt in cheers. Laughter, shouts, and chants ofEmberlordfill the court.
Frankie grins, her eyes bright while I shake my head. I might very well have my hands full.
The Queen lets the noise fall before she speaks. “I believe they already have.”
Frankie and Jess stand locked together, rocking slowly, neither one willing to let go. “I’m gonna miss you so much,” Frankie says, wiping away a tear. “I wish I could go with you.”
Jess pulls back enough to look at her, eyes glassy but fierce. “Don’t you even dare. Those babies are staying right here in the Light Realm where they’re safe and sound.”
Frankie laughs, tears finally breaking free. “Fine, but you better bring me back a shirt that says,My best friend went to the Mortal Realm to find a healer, and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.”
Jess snorts through her tears. “Deal.”
Frankie’s laugh fades into a shaky breath, and for a moment neither of them move. They just stand there, holding on like it’s the only thing keeping them steady.
I’m surprised to find I’m actually going to miss her too. She’s loud, impulsive, and a pain in the ass, but she’s good for Frankie. She loves her in a way I can’t, the way no one else can…Like a sister.
I glance at Graven. “Take care of her,” I tell him, clasping his shoulder. “And, ah, try not to kill one another.”
His mouth twitches. “I can’t make any promises.”
CHAPTER 49
