“The Isle is a target because of its key location and rich magical history. The ley lines that crisscross beneath these lands are exceptionally strong, some of the strongest in the world,” Silas said. “The magic here is vibrant and diverse, but the island is isolated, a strategic fortress—everything a conqueror could want.”
“So how do we stop him?” Lily asked. “If he does break through the barrier?”
“We’ll need Alessia’s powers, certainly,” Silas said, “but it won’t fall solely on her. If we can prevent the spirits from taking solid form, they’ll have a hard time attacking us. That should be the first priority.”
Ranger X was nodding along in agreement. “We can do that by concentrating on the wards, certainly, as well as fortifying other methods of defense. And, of course, the last resort of ensuring we have a proper arsenal of weapons and spells, should the breach become inevitable. Lily will get a head start on that, as well as the Ranger scientists at the lab.”
“How can the spirits gain a solid form?” I said after pausing to consider. “Is this the ritual you all have been mentioning?”
“I believe so,” Silas said. “That is most likely the reason he needed the three fishermen, as innocent sacrifices. Which means if the spell is not already in motion, it will be soon.”
“Can we stop it?”
“I don’t know,” Silas said. “But he wouldn’t flaunt his spirits in such a brash display, like he did at the procession, unless he was confident in his plan moving forward.”
Lily drew a sharp breath. “That isnotgreat.”
“I expect you’ll need some rest,” Ranger X said, “but after a short recess, I think it imperative you meet us at Ranger HQ, Alessia. Combining your Fae Queen magic with our extensive set of Ranger knowledge and skills could buy us time.”
“Yes,” I said. “I’ll be there.”
“Then we’ll reconvene at noon to discuss the wards and plan our next steps.” Ranger X nodded, pushed back his chair with finality. “There’s plenty of work to do, but everyone needs to rest first.”
I knew he meant me most of all. It was my magic that they were counting on, at least in some way. I’d just exhausted myself by releasing hundreds of spirits from our world; rest was a very good idea indeed. Plus, we could all probably use a beat to process everything that had happened. A quiet, private beat not existing in a war room or a castle.
We silently filed out of the castle, one after another. Several Rangers remained on guard, and I instructed them to listen for Liza and escort her to Wisteria Cottage if and when she woke if I hadn’t yet returned.
When I arrived back at Wisteria Cottage with Silas and Millie, we all filtered into the living room. I sat down first on the couch, just plopped down in a very un-regal sort of way, the tiredness finally catching up to me. Silas settled beside me, and Millie took the armchair across from us, crossing her legs delicately, as if this informal setting was new and uncomfortable to her.
“What can I do for you?” Millie finally asked. “You must have a lot of thoughts racing through your head. How can I help you prepare for what comes next?”
“Why don’t you get some rest, Millie?” I said quietly. “We’ll need your help in the coming days, but for now the best thing you can do is take a break and get some sleep, just like the rest of us.”
Millie nodded, looking relieved to have been given instructions of some variety. She wiped her hands on her skirt and stood. “Take care of yourselves. You’ll need energy too.”
Silas gave Millie a few moments to disappear from Wisteria Cottage before sliding an arm over my shoulders. He let my head rest against him, and the warmth of his body, the quiet stoicism of him beside me, was beyond comforting.
“She’s right, you know.” Silas nestled the words into my hair. “We should really get some rest.”
“Both of us,” I agreed, though neither of us moved toward the bedroom. “Silas, what do you think about all of this?”
“I think you need to be officially crowned queen.”
I stiffened, tilted my gaze up to see his dark eyes staring down at me. Reverent, kind, gentle. “That’s not what I thought you were going to say.”
“After tonight, it’s pretty much official that you’re a Fae Queen,” he said. “It will be useless to argue you’re not; the title belongs to you, and nobody can deny that with any credibility. You’ll need an official coronation ceremony.”
“I don’t know that ceremonies have a place at a time like this,” I hedged. “It feels celebratory and unnecessary.”
“Respectfully, I disagree,” Silas said. “Not only do we need a spark of hope and brightness in our lives, but the coronation ceremony comes with some concrete benefits.”
“What sort of benefits?”
“First, it’s a way to respect the traditions of your Fae Queen sisters. Coronation ceremonies are ancient, beautiful ways to mark the passing of one queen and the crowning of the next.” Silas gave me a slow, understanding smile. “It’s not just about you wearing a gown and placing a crown on your head. It’s about the entire island marking a historic moment as one united front.”
“I get that,” I said. “But maybe it would be better received if we waited until after this business with the Darkest Lord has passed?”
“Once again, I respectfully disagree. There’s another part of the coronation ceremony when real power is transferred when you accept the crown,” Silas said, his voice somber. “Before you argue, it’s not a one-way street. You might be accepting the official title, but we as a court are collectively agreeing to accept you. There’s power in that.”
