Page 115 of Throne of the Wolf Queen

I threw the others off, ignoring their cries as I pushed Matthias over, lay my head against his chest, desperate to quell my thundering pulse.

‘Sorrow…’

‘Damn you, Asher. Do you ever possess the ability to shut up?’

Asher cursed, and I pressed myself harder into Matthias’s chest. My heart froze. His chest rose, a movement so slight, so small.

Asher’s breath warmed my ear. ‘I’ll say this and never again utter another word.’

Was that a heart beating? Was it my own?

‘His eyes, Sorrow.’ I sobbed as an arm reached around me, tucked me in. ‘His eyes are… You bloody wonder. He…’

Lives. He lives.

Matthias groaned, his lungs filling with air, and I clutched him. He jolted as life flooded him once more. My lips pressed against his as he writhed, a cry splitting the air. Enfys soothed him.

His arm, the severed arm, shifted, my own skin prickling as Enfys sealed the fissure where his hand had once been.

‘Sorrow,’ Matthias cried, his voice laced with fear. I clung to him as he coughed. His body learning how to be alive once more. I pressed my forehead against his as he bucked, his hand almost tearing his heart out of his chest.

I couldn’t hide the sobs as we lay in a forgotten temple. My Matthias returned to me with every new breath. Every frantic beat announced his second chance – our second chance. I smoothed his skin, fighting back tears as I traced his warmth.

I’ve no idea how long we lay there, as he battled through confusion and pain till finally his breathing eased, his heart calmed and I sent my thanks to the Gods, wherever they were.

We were who we’d always been. A boy and his girl, who only knew how to adore each other.

CHAPTER 46

SORROW

The Alliance has died. In this new dawn, we forge a Union. A Union not only of nations but of souls, of dreams, of potential. Our new world values equanimity and equality above greed or profit. A world of peace, wonder and opportunity. A world to be truly proud of.

​— ​A STATEMENT OF ABSOLUTION. DICTATED BY QUEEN SORROW ELMSWOOD

‘There.’ I flinched as Skye placed the tiara onto my head. ‘She looks stunning, doesn’t she, Asher?’

‘A true queen.’ I heard the smile in his tone.

I smoothed down the silk. ‘I’ll have to take your word for that, then.’

Asher laughed, while Skye sucked in a breath. I still hadn’t had the opportunity to mourn the loss of my sight in the three months since we’d defeated Delphine. There hadn’t been a single moment. She’d razed our world without a single care. Her desperation, her greed to be more than she was, had destroyed far too much. The fractured Alliance. The damn Brotherhood, who’d gone underground since we’d collectively disbanded them and ended the cruel practice of sacrificing Tributes.

We’d removed Delphine’s title. Erased it from history. She’d never again be called by the moniker she so coveted. Delphine would forever be known by the name she despised. I set my dark gaze to the Heavens. Did Evella still watch over us since Delphine had tried to destroy her?

And what of Vyrus? Both he and Evella had vanished, returning humanity to the silence we were so used to. Had they reconciled amongst the stars? Did he seek absolution for his sins or, as I hoped, had he finally given up on vengeance and set her free?

I rolled my shoulders as a familiar warmth settled beneath my fingers and smiled. These were questions I’d only discover the answers to once I passed to the other side. And as a hand laced within mine on the other side of the wolf, I knew I would make sure it was a long, long time till my curiosity was finally sated.

‘Ready?’

I nodded, leaning my head against Matthias’s shoulder for a moment, revelling in his warmth. He’d needed time to talk with King Musa. To purge themselves of their shared memories. He rested his head against me and I knew he wore that grin on his beautiful face. The one he wore just for me.

‘Has my sister arrived yet?’ I asked as he moved his remaining hand to my elbow and led me towards the first-ever assembly of The Union.

‘The Drufaeran entourage entered a while ago. Queen Enfys waved, but…’

I raised my brows. ‘You could have told me. I’d hate to look rude.’