Magnor City had been restored.
As far as the Dracoryn Realm was concerned, the war had been won now that Sanctus had been destroyed. The Ruxnoth of it all was merely a footnote here because Kai’s additional ward that now protected the Realm—and many other realms and institutions throughout the supernatural world—would effectively keep that maniac out. It was also known that he’d been severely weakened, and weakness plaguing an enemy was seen pretty much as their definitive defeat for dragonkind.
Of course it wasn’t merely a footnote to me and my loves. It hung heavy over us.
Especially when it had been confirmed that the bastard was alive.
Ariana had been able to pick up a register of his magic on the mortal plane, but it had slipped away all too quickly, meaning Ruxnoth had concealed himself. The only other option was that he’d perished, but Sylas had checked and Ruxnoth hadn’t passed into the Valley of the Dead.
“Evira?”
I blinked as Cornelius Martel’s voice brought me back to the immediate.
I’d been conferring with him and ironing out some details for Exalt to evolve and somewhat meld with his Inter-Realm Ambassador role. It would provide Exalt more influence and political legitimacy and recognition, while also giving him valuable insight into deeper issues and mechanisms that, with the loftiness of his role, he hadn’t been able to access. He conferred with the leaders, heads of state, but with what I’d already accomplished with Exalt, and would continue to progress much further with, he’d seen the power and the very real need in connecting with the heirs and those like us—a collaboration.
“I’ll gather the members to review what you and I discussed today, then we’ll set up a meeting with you to finalize everything,” I told him.
“Excellent. I’ll prepare my home for such a gathering.”
“Your home?”
He lifted a shoulder. “Yes, I wish to begin our partnership on amiable and comfortable terms.”
In a burst of wolf speed, a hand landed on his shoulder, Warlow Boyd now beside him, his shaggy brown hair a little windswept from the movement. “He’s all about the friendly and accommodating route with those he deals with these days,” Warlow said, smiling kindly at me. He was like that with everyone and I’d heard, as Cornelius’ husband and chief confidant, it had brought that out in Cornelius, much to everyone’s surprise when they’d first gotten together a few decades ago. Warlow was the leader of Crossborn, an integral and respected figure in the supernatural world.
It hit me then—I was now on the track to becoming that as well.
But not as Crown Heir. Not as something I’d just inherited.
Through something I’d created.
Because of my efforts, my ideas, having some ace foundational members in Vaxan, River, Octana, and Fanor. We already had two dozen more applicants that we were currently reviewing as well. It was surreal.
And now with Cornelius’ involvement, it was beyond even that.
“Well put, sweet boy,” Cornelius said, beaming at Warlow and tucking him into his side. The two of them were dressed in matching sleek black suits, Cornelius sporting a silver tie, Warlow with a purple one. It wasn’t for this celebration they’d come by for, but because they haddate nightatPolarisafter this.
“Well, it sounds lovely,” I said.
Cornelius grabbed a flute from one of the floating trays passing through the crowds and handed it to Warlow.
“Yes, thank you.”
“I know you’ve had your eye one of these since we arrived. Enjoy,” Cornelius said, kissing his cheek. Then he told me, “I need to have a word with your father now. We’ll be in touch.”
As they took off into the crowds of hundreds upon hundreds of dragons and many of our allies, I caught sight of Vorzyr in one of the tide pools teaching Ariana and Nyx how to use their magic dragon-style temporarily to ride them. Not sure where Kai was. After the spell he’d created to protect the Realm, my dad had intended to present him with a Key to the Realm today. Huh. Anyway, Vorzyr was happy on two counts—Dad had officially reinstated his place in the Dracoryn Realm, undoing his banishment. And also… something major… Torvek had been sworn in as official Crown Heir.
I’d permanently given up my title.
Forme.
This had been my home for a long time. I’d grown up here happily. And I’d always be back to visit often with Dad, Grandma, and T.
But it wasn’t where I wanted to be fulltime.
Being Crown Heir had never properly suited me. I was too… free spirited for such a rigid role.
Torvek wasn’t. He actually enjoyed rules. Strict protocols. Loved to adhere to very specific expectations. Although his girlfriend working with me at Exalt in between her role here was sure going to cause some friction. Yes, they were now officially and openly together. T had even texted me about them finally “making love so incredibly”. Obviously without the details. He was too much of a prude for that, and honestly, I didn’t really want them. Him finally being happy and being his true self was what mattered.
