“My mother’s most treasured possessions were four memory stones. A relic of pure magic from her people—crafted to store memories. Minaeve utilized the power of the Heart of Valdor to amplify their magic and twisted it into a weapon.”
Skylar’s voice softened. “She stole the memories of all who opposed her, shifters, High Fae, humans… everything about who she truly was and what happened.”
Réalta’s expression darkened. “How was the wilt created? How did she acquire enough power to steal the Heart?”
“She killedeveryonefor it,” Skylar said. “Her own parents. Her brother, Istar, aided her, binding his power to hers as an amplifier. Together, they performed the sacrifice. They sought to control all of Valdor.”
A flicker of grief passed through Réalta’s eyes. “Alright. And then what happened?”
I couldn’t help finding amusement in the curious mind of this human. She was clearly related to my mate.
“The gods intervened,” I said. “The alpha shifter broke free and regained his memories. He retook the Heart and sealed it away, sacrificing his life to trap it beyond her reach.”
“Thankfully, before our memories were stolen,” I continued, “my father and the other royals of the InnerKingdom constructed the veil to keep Minaeve trapped. It caged her in the Inner Kingdom. But before we could destroy her, she wiped our memories clean. Every truth we’d fought to preserve vanished.”
Réalta’s shoulders stiffened. “And the veil held… until you.”
Skylar’s eyes flicked toward me. I felt her hesitation through our bond—the familiar ache of guilt she carried even when she tried to hide it.
“I didn’t know what I was unlocking,” she said quietly. “I completed the trials and healed the land. But I also gave Minaeve the weapon she sought for centuries.”
“You did what you had to,”I sent across the bond.“You healed the land and saved countless lives lost as fallen.”
“And I allowed her to escape,”Skylar answered, her shame hitting me square in the chest.
I couldn’t believe she blamed herself for this.
Réalta stepped closer, studying her cousin’s face. “Then it’s true. The surges in power, the awakenings among the shifters… It all began when the veil started to vanish.” She exhaled, eyes narrowing in contemplation as she pieced everything together. “I thought it was preparation for an attack, but now I understand why this was all happening.”
“Minaeve is gaining strength with creatures from the wilt,” I said, relaying Zola’s intel. “She’s rebuilding her army in the shadows.”
Réalta’s gaze flicked toward her captain. “My father remarried and named her his queen. No one understood why, but now I do. Minaeve is controlling his mind somehow.She’s poison, spreading slowly into the minds of all those in my father’s company. They don’t see the rot spreading beneath their feet.”
“And Istar?” Gunnar asked from the edge of the light.
Réalta’s tone hardened. “He amplifies her magic. Always has. And now, she’s near unstoppable. But they do not know I’ve turned against them.”
Skylar’s fire pulsed faintly. “You’re building a rebellion?”
Réalta met her gaze. “Quietly. Carefully. My banners still fly beneath her gaze, but my loyalties have shifted. You can help me make that shift permanent.”
Gunnar’s eyes narrowed. “Then say it plainly, Princess. What do you want from us?”
“An alliance. During and after this war is done,” Réalta said.
This was what Skylar and I had hoped for. Peace beyond this darkness that had plagued our world for far too long.
Skylar moved closer. Her expression was fierce but calm. “You’ll have it. The shifter and High Fae armies stand ready. We’ll march south from Solace when the time comes.”
Réalta shook her head. “We can’t risk meeting with you in the north. It will draw too much attention.”
“What do you suggest then?” I asked.
“Minaeve watches those lands too closely, with Istar taking residence there years ago. When you are ready to make your move against the White Fang Mountains, I can rally the cities still loyal to me. Together, we’ll strike when her guard is down and surround her. We have to time it right.”
I studied her for a long moment before saying, “You’re risking everything for this.”
“Living in a cage is not living,” the princess answered. “I’m taking a stand to fight for a free world.”
