The suns are high overhead, blazing through the haze of smoke, when a hush falls over the crowd. Out of nowhere, there’s a shower of gold sparks, and the parents closest to it snatch their children out of the way. The air between the sparks grows opaque until it shimmers and solidifies.
It’s a portal.
I rise, my wings snapping to their full span. The last time such a gateway opened in my kingdom, Renee disappeared through it, and my world was shattered.
My heart is thudding as I wait, my fists clenched, inundated with memories of that awful day. But instead of Renee stepping through the golden circle to a palace in Altrim, she is stepping out, daintily holding up the hem of her gown so she doesn’t trip on the rocky ground.
The villagers murmur, keeping their distance but craning their heads to see the spectacle. Renee straightens up, her fire-stone hair glinting in the light of the suns, and the Pyredii gasp as if she’s the most beautiful thing they've ever seen.
She is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
I dare not move or speak, lest this is a dream. The bond in my chest hums.
Renee picks her way delicately over to the throne, beaming at me, her smile like sunlight I don’t deserve.
“Hello,” she calls in her musical voice.
I want to say,Hello, my pet, but her bare neck is a stark reminder that she is mine no longer. She looks healthy, her cheeks flushed and her green eyes sparkling.
“Renee.”You’re here. Tell me you’re real.I clear my throat.“Is this a dream?”
“No. I’m really here. I’ve been watching you. For days now. When I first saw what you were doing, I thought you were just blessing the people of Solum—the ones who found me and gifted me to you. But I kept watching, and saw you go to every village in Pyreda. Day in, day out, you were there, granting requests and spreading joy. I believe this is the last one?”
“It is.”
“You gave them all Christmas!” She bites her lip. “I guess I just wanted to know… why?”
“Because speaking of this holiday gave you such joy. You have such happy memories of it, your face lit up when you described it to me. I wanted to give the Pyredii the same experience… what did you call it?”
“Holiday cheer?” she whispers.
“Yes.”
She’s gazing up at me, her eyes full of emotion. Even more freckles are sprinkled over her cheekbones and across her nose. I want to look at her for hours and count them all.
I force myself to continue, “They enjoy the gifts. And thejynxinfused the white juice with essential nutrients that’s good for the little ones’ growth.” I raise my voice, addressing the gathered crowd. “For too long, I have been a neglectful ruler. My father taught me that demons should rule through fear. But he was wrong. The Omega Renee showed me the truth. There is a better way.”
The people cheer, but all my attention has returned to the little Hoo-man in front of me.
“Krav,” she whispers.
“I was wrong,” I tell her. “I’ll never forgive myself for how I treated you. While I cannot go back and change that, I have resolved to be a good king in future, as you admonished.”
“You’re doing well.” She casts an admiring look around, but still does not move closer or touch me. Her scent wafts my way, making me dizzy.
“I had hoped to one day see you again. But I did not dare to dream it would be so soon.” I give in to my longing and lift a finger to her cheek, caressing her smooth skin where the pink of her blush blends with the amber constellation of markings. “You are beautiful, as always.”
She curves her mouth into a smile but her lower lip wobbles. “You always know what to say. I missed you.”
“I missed you, too. So, so much.” I can no longer hold back my tail. It slides around her leg, gripping her ankle under her skirt. “Have you been well?”
“Not really. Not until I looked into an orb and saw you. Saw this.” She gestures to the throne, the decorations, and the citizens waiting in line. “And I came to help. I even dressed the part!” She gives a little twirl, making the fur hem of her red gown spin. Her outfit matches mine perfectly. “That is, if you’ll have me?”
There’s a rock in my throat, straining my voice. “Of course.” Ensuring my talons are retracted, I hold out my hand. After a moment, she takes it. Hope spears my chest.
Renee came back to help me. I’ve being given another chance. Her slender fingers in my palm feel like home.
“But I must disagree with you on one thing,” I tell her. “I donotalways know what to say.”
