“And if we don’t pass them?” Killian inquires, his tone clipped.
“That’s not a possibility. You are the saviors. You will pass.”
I feel the strength of conviction behind Sariah’s words. Her faith in me, in us, is unwavering. But a tendril of doubt creeps in, nonetheless. What if we’re not able to surpass the challenges left behind by an all-powerful, cruel Goddess thousands of years ago?
My shadows slide soothingly on my skin, like the warm embrace of a loved one. I understand the meaning behind it.
We will not fail.
“Indulge me, though,” Killian insists. “What would happen?”
Sariah’s look is somber as she whispers the death sentence. “You would meet your end. How, I don’t know.”
My muscles go taut, and I suppress a shiver. But Killian feels it, regardless. His fingers curl protectively against my collarbone.
“We will not die today, little umbra. I promise you this.”
I sure hope he’s right.
But even if we’d be facing certain death, it wouldn’t matter. We have the weight of the realm on our shoulders, a responsibility far greater than our individual well-being.
Not because I’m the Foretold One.
Not because it’smyevil sister who threatens to be Imiryion’s undoing.
Because it’s the right thing to do.
For all the innocents out there. No matter their race.
Vampires.
Fae.
Humans.
They all deserveto know peace.
“I’d like a proper bath and a change of clothes this time before we go,” I say, glancing at Killian, and his only response is a half-smirk.
“Actually,” Blaise says, “if we could postpone the doom and gloom for one more day, tonight is the last night of Kronna. You always spend it among your peers, Killian. I believe it’s wise to give them a sense of normalcy during another gruesome war that befell us. Hope is a powerful weapon.”
“Spoken like a genuine leader, pretty boy,” Sariah jests from beside him. “Who knew you had it in you?”
Blaise grumbles under his breath, something that sounds a damn lot like, “You’ll be the death of me, moonlight,” just as Killian nods his approval.
“I suppose we can all take a reprieve for one night. And I would like you to see Kronna, little umbra.”
“What is it?” I ask, not bothering to hide my curiosity.
“Only the biggest celebration in Wrahta, kitty cat,” Blaise answers animatedly. “A kingdom-wide jubilee in honor of Killian’s coronation. But the best party happens here in Drovillan. It will be a night to remember.”
“Why doesn’t it surprise me, Blaise, that where there’s a chance at debauchery, that’s where you’ll be?” Sariah giggles, making Blaise sputter.
“As if you’re not the same,” I retort, laughing. “Come,” I say as I stand from my seat and grab her hand in mine. “If there’s a feast to prepare for, I’d like to do it together, for old times’ sake.”
Sariah recognizes the gesture for what it is: an olive branch that she readily grabs.
“See you later, pretty boys. That means you too, Vampire King,” she says over her shoulder to a flummoxed Killian and a mumbling Blaise as I guffaw in delight next to her.
