Page 20 of Frozen Star (Star Touched: Fae Bound #7)
“Zoey is my best friend. My sister in all but blood.” I saunter over to him and pull the Star Disc from his chest, watching coldly as his body goes limp. “And I’m going to bring her back home.”
Time feels like it slows as I study Thanatos’s lifeless form, blood pouring from the wound inflicted by the Star Disc. Because the Night King is dead. His blood stains his own throne, a crimson testament to the end of his reign, and it’s all because of me.
If Matt’s seeing this from the Underworld, I know he’d be proud.
He’d give me a high five and insist on a big celebration in the field we always partied at in high school.
I’d be in charge of mixing drinks, using juices from plastic containers we got from the grocery store to transform cheap vodka into something way more delicious than it had any right to be.
In my mind, I give him an imaginary cheers to celebrate avenging his death.
Then, I turn away from the king’s corpse, scanning the room to see what happened while I was occupied killing him.
Queen Ravenna lies crumpled at the base of the dais, her head separated from her shoulders by Riven’s blade.
The winter knights have closed ranks, surrounding Prince Malakai’s broken body that’s sprawled across the marble floor in a pool of his own feathers and blood.
Ghost and Nebula prowl near the doors to protect us against any night fae who might miraculously still be alive in the palace.
Only Princess Mirena remains standing.
She surveys the carnage—her entire family dead, their blood painting the throne room in shades of crimson and shadow.
Her eyes move from corpse to corpse before settling on Riven and me, calculation flickering behind her composed expression.
Her wings twitch slightly, a breeze stirring around her as she appears to be weighing her options.
Our plan is to keep her alive. Still, the Star Disc hums in my hand, ready to defend us if she attacks.
For a long moment, no one in the throne room speaks.
Then, slowly and gracefully, Mirena sinks to her knees.
“I surrender.” She lifts her chin with what dignity she can maintain despite her position. “The Night Court yields to your authority.”
Riven approaches her carefully, his sword gleaming with blood. “Smart choice,” he says, his tone matter of fact. “At least someone understands basic survival instincts in this court.”
“I know when to pick my battles, Prince Riven,” she replies evenly, meeting his gaze without flinching.
“Good.” Riven sheathes his sword, his expression shifting from ruthless knight to diplomatic prince.
“Then I suspect you’ll appreciate my offer for you to join with the Winter and Summer Courts.
Help us rebuild what this war has destroyed, and reject all alliances with the Blood Coven.
In return, you’ll rule the Night Court under our protection. ”
He takes a deliberate step forward, his eyes locked on Mirena’s, his gaze unyielding.
“But let me make myself abundantly clear—if you accept this offer, there will be no half-measures, no games, and no secret ties. You will completely and immediately sever every connection, allegiance, and contact with Ambrogio and the Blood Coven. No letters, no messengers, and no whispers behind closed doors. From this moment forward, your loyalty is to the Winter and Summer Courts, and to us alone.” His tone lowers, his voice dangerously calm.
“Should you stray, even in the smallest of ways, there will be no second chances. Are these terms clear to you, Princess?”
Mirena’s eyes narrow. “And if I refuse?”
“Then you die here with the rest of your family.” He shrugs, as if discussing something as simple as the weather.
She nods slowly, understanding clear in her expression. “I’ll consider your offer,” she says diplomatically. “But I won’t promise loyalty lightly. Not without thought.”
Riven inclines his head. “As long as you don’t attack, that’s all we ask for now.”
But I can barely focus on their political maneuvering. Because Thanatos’s cryptic words are echoing in my mind, each one sharpening my desperation and fear.
The human wing. Body, mind, and soul. She’ll never belong to you again.
“Riven,” I say, my voice trembling with urgency. “I know where Zoey is. The human wing. We have to go there. We have to find her.”
He nods once, and the bond thrums as my determination becomes his, until our feelings are indistinguishable.
He turns to address the winter guards who remain in the throne room. “Keep Princess Mirena alive and secure,” he orders. “She’s not to leave this throne room until I command it.”
The knights move to surround the princess, maintaining a respectful distance as she stands.
“Ghost, Nebula—stay with them,” Riven tells them, and both familiars pad forward, positioning themselves around the throne room.
Ghost’s eyes never leave Mirena, while Nebula settles near the entrance, blocking any potential escape route.
“The human wing is in the western section of the palace,” Mirena says, and when we look at her in surprise, she shrugs with elegant indifference as she gives directions.
Riven and I already knew the way, thanks to our interrogation session with Zythara, but Mirena’s help is a show of diplomacy that can’t be ignored.
“Let’s go,” I tell Riven.
He falls in step beside me, and together, we move toward the massive doors and race through the blood-stained corridors of the conquered palace.
We’ll find Zoey.
We’ll also find Aerix.
And when we do, he’ll receive no mercy.