We made it somehow.Together.
Overhead, the Orb of Vaelith flares—silver and pulsing,its surface rippling with shifting images of the council, the queen, and the people.
They're all watching. They saw what we did. What we proved.
With a final pulse, the obelisk parts the air before us, revealing a shimmering white portal. The way out.
Without a word, we step through it side by side.
Chapter 40
?---- Serenya ? ----?
As soon as we step out of the portal into the courtyard, resolve slams into me. Koen and I did it.Together.
We were a good team. Once we found our rhythm, the fight felt effortless. Like a dance. Every thrust, a measured step. Every dodge, a graceful pirouette. Beautiful.Exhilarating.
Suddenly, I realize how long it’s been since Kallan’smemory haunted me. I didn’t feel guilty waking up in Koen's arms. I don’t feel guilty that I want to again. That he’s all I think about. I know now that I’m not betraying Kallan. I will always keep him in my heart. But Koen has already carved his own place in what remains…and I’m okay with that.
…I just don’t know how to tell him.
I’ve never been good with feelings. And when I lost Kallan, I only got worse. Giving someone your heart is dangerous. It hands them the power to break you. I barely survived once. If I lose Koen too…I don’t think I’ll survive again.
But I’m tired of running from this.
I take a deep breath, turn to Koen in the fading light of the courtyard, and meet his steady gaze. My throat instantly goes dry.
“I need to talk to you. About what you said this morning.”
We are interrupted before he can respond.
“Serenya. The queen has requested your presence,” Torin’s voice cuts in, sharp as a blade. He approaches with Alira at his side, as always.
“Okay. Just a minute,” I say, trying to sound calm.
“Now,” he snaps.
I turn, slowly. “Excuse me?”
“The queen has requested your presence.Now.”
And there it is. My patience cracks. Before I do something stupid like punch him, I turn and stalk off, fury radiating from every step.
Boots echo behind me. I whirl. “What are you doing?”
“I’m your personal guard. It’s my duty to escort you,” Torin grits out.
I glance at the guard stationed by the staircase. “Gaius, it turns out Torin has other duties to attend to—”
“I don’t—”
I cut him off, never taking my eyes from Gaius. “Like taking Koen to a healer. Would you be so kind as to escort me to the council chamber in his place?” I smile sweetly.
“Of course, Your Highness.” Gaius bows.
I don’t look back at Torin as I resume my walk, Gaius following close behind. But right before we reach the doors, I hear Koen say, in a low, lethal voice, “I don’t care how longyou’ve known her, Torin. Centuries of friendship don’tgive you a free pass to disrespect her. Cross that line again, and I’ll make you regret every lesson you gave me.”
I tilt my chin down, biting back a grin as his words echo in my head. The way he defended me…There is no doubt about it—I amsogoing to kiss that man.If I can ever figure out how to admit how I really feel.
