Kael’s thumb traces lazy circles against my waist, pulling me gently back into the present and interrupting my reverence.
And that’s when I notice?—
Kael’s people lined the paths, each dropping to one knee,forming the inverted triangle symbol. Awe, reverence, and relief mingle openly on their faces, and tears glisten on some of their cheeks.
What is going on?I direct the urgent thought toward Kael.
I feel faint amusement and the gentle brush of laughter in response.
I’m not kidding, Kael. What the fuck is happening?
But before he can reply, a young woman with a vibrant, joyful face and wild, dusty-blonde hair streaming behind her races toward us. Herbs, twigs and potions dangle from a belt at her waist, and dirt smears across her cheek.
“Teddy!” she calls, excitement lifting her voice into an unrestrained shout. “Teddy!”
I glance around, bewildered, wondering who in the Stars she’s calling to. The young woman barrels toward Therion, joy lighting her features as she throws herself into his arms, even as he remains mounted on Aura. Therion nestles his face into her sandy hair, which tumbles in unruly waves, gradually lightening to a vivid white at the tips.
When she turns slightly, I glimpse her beautiful eyes—burnished bronze, luminous and familiar.
And that’s when it clicks?—
Her hair. Her eyes. Even down to her sun-kissed, golden skin.She’s unmistakably Therion’s blood.
Yes,Kael’s voice rumbles softly through my mind.That’s his little sister, Rubinia.
And Teddy?I ask.
That light chuckle returns to my mind again before he says,a nickname from when he was a boy that Rubi has never let go of.
That’s... oddly sweet, considering we’re talking about Therion here, I reply.
Varian clears his throat, drawing our attention. Rubinia quickly releases Therion, smoothing her skirts and lands a playful punch on his thigh.
In an almost regal voice, Varian bellows for the whole city to hear, “Today is a most joyful day, for we are welcoming home true heroes of Zerynthia who, each day, take us one step closer torestoring our homeland to its former glory, power, and freedom!” Varian’s voice fills with authority and eminence.
Cheers of fierce agreement ripple through the trees, the people of Thornewood clapping and whistling with great pride. Honor, even.
“Our deepest gratitude to Merrik Havlyn and Jax Dewhirst, whose infiltration of the Dravari Guard has brought critical intelligence to our cause!” Varian continues.
Another wave of cheers crashes through Thornewood. My pulse quickens, trying desperately to track this dizzying new world. I glance at Kael, searching for answers, but his face is an unreadable mask.
Varian lifts his hand, bringing instant silence. “We honor Therion Ashborne, General of War to the Rightful Crown, for securing both the Astral Compass and Elyssara, the Lightborne!”
General of War to who?
My breath catches sharply, and confusion surges. But the cheers become deafening, joyous, and unstoppable before I can process it.
Varian's voice rises higher still, booming through the air. “And above all, we bow to His Royal Highness, Prince Kael Thorne—the rightful heir to the throne of Zerynthia!”
THE WHAT?—
My heart stops.
My breath stolen entirely from my lungs.
Prince Kael Thorne?
Heir to the throne of Zerynthia?
