Page 21 of Gift from the Source (Source of Elementra #5)

Sixteen

Willow

“Are you all about to blindfold, then have your way with me?” I ask, placing my hands on my hips.

Four—well, three—low chuckles sound around me. Corentin attempts and fails to hold a straight face. The longer I smirk at him, the more his serious mask cracks.

Quickly enough, his lips twitch and I smile in victory.

“That wasn’t on the itinerary, princess, but I can make time for that,” he says with a wink that has me squirming.

“Don’t tempt me with a good time, your highness.”

“You’re becoming just as bad as Draken, little warrior. You’re going to be late for your surprise.” Tillman laughs from behind me.

“Surprise?” I ask excitedly and they all grunt, shutting back down. “Oh, come on. I’ve indulged your bossiness all morning. You’ve allowed me two cups of coffee on the balcony, I’ve showered, dressed comfy, and now you’re trying to blindfold me. Time to tell me what’s going on.”

In all honesty, I’ve quite enjoyed them—mostly Corentin—telling me what to do this morning. I haven’t had to think or do anything for myself in the last two hours since I’ve been awake .

Also, it was such a wonderful surprise not waking up to the blaring sound of Tillman’s timekeeper. He told me last night we were working out this morning since Aurora canceled our normal practice because of the ball tonight. I groaned and made my unhappiness clear.

I was ecstatic that he was just giving me shit and I got to sleep in.

They’ve all been extra sweet this morning, though. I’ve got a sneaky suspicion it’s because they’re nervous for the ball tonight so they’re trying to make sure I’m not.

I’m trying to respect their privacy and not read their minds, but now, they’re all giddy at what’s about to happen. Despite their sealed lips, I still feel their eagerness. Even Cas has small little zaps of happy anticipation passing through him.

So I know they’re up to something.

“Just trust us and put the blindfold on, baby,” Corentin hums.

I melt.

I’d basically do anything he told me to with that tone.

“As you command,” I whisper, slowly lifting the covering to my eyes.

I make sure to take my time so I can witness his face darken.

The thick cloth steals my sight and fiery hands run along my arms until they reach my fingers. Draken’s warmth crowds in behind me and I release the blindfold as he takes over tying it in place.

“I really liked where your mind was going, little wanderer. I say we ditch the surprise and do what was on your naughty mind.”

Fuck. I’m really starting to like that idea more too.

“We’ll have time for that later, dragon. Get ready, Primary. I’m going to move you through the shadows,” Caspian says as his icy touch closes in beside Draken’s heat.

My hands instinctively reach out. It’s a little nerve-wracking not being able to see a thing. Every other sense of mine seems to kick into overdrive. The delicious smell of chocolate and allspice swallows me as Corentin’s lips kiss my fingertips. Then the wall of muscle my other palm lands on soothes those nerves out and Tillman’s hand engulfs mine whole.

“We’ve got you, Will. ”

I can’t say everything grows darker as the shadows take us away, but the weightlessness to my body is a sure sign we’re moving.

It’s over far too fast and I almost whimper at the loss of Cas’s touch. The caress of his gift was intensified tenfold just now. It was to the point I would’ve sworn to you he had me cradled in his arms.

I think I like this whole blindfold thing.

Not seeing but feeling them this strongly…a girl can get ideas.

“Let’s keep those ideas to ourselves for now. We’re in front of people.” Tillman laughs, and I instantly suck up all that desire that was starting to course through me.

“Where are we?” I ask.

Instead of answering, Corentin’s voice breaks through the silence. “One, two, three.”

My blindfold is lifted and I blink rapidly against the bright light.

Once my eyes clear, they collide with three other Primaries who look just as confused as me. Until we all see each other and realize what’s going on.

“Shit. Your bossy man did it again, didn’t he? He planned a girls’ day,” Oakly squeals, snatching Aria into her arms since she was the closest.

“Did you really?” My head whips to the side and I stare at his growing smile.

“I figured it would be nice for the four of you to get ready together,” he says nonchalantly, and I throw myself at him.

He easily catches me, and the sweet sound of his laugh melts my heart. I’m almost hesitant to steal the music away with my lips, but that doesn’t last long.

“Oh my,” Aurora says softly behind me and Corentin slides me back down his body.

When I turn to smile at her, I’m taken aback by the emotions clouding her face.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“Nothing, it’s silly. I’m being silly,” she says.

By the way her men crowd closer, it’s obviously more than that .

“Did you already have plans, Mom?” Corentin asks, glaring at his dads like they gave him wrong information.

“No, not at all. I just…I haven’t had anyone to get ready with in years. I’ve gotten ready for the ball, every ball, by myself since Tilly,” she says, smiling as her eyes soften. “I’m really happy to finally break that tradition today.”

She’ll never have to get ready for special events alone again.

I’ll do it with her every time.

“We’ll leave you to enjoy your morning, angel,” Dyce says, leaning down to lay a kiss on her shoulder.

Swoon. That’s so damn sweet.

My men each lavish me in love before telling me if I need them they’ll be in the east wing with all the other men. I can’t help but chuckle at the image I paint of all of them getting ready together.

It’s just us four Primaries, but there’re like twenty of them. Not to mention adding in Gaster and Keeper.

The east wing is going to be packed with testosterone.

They roll their eyes at me as I continue to giggle at myself. I choke back an even bigger laugh as I spy on my brother awkwardly telling Aria bye. You can tell he’s so far out of his depth.

Poor thing is probably so confused over his feelings.

“Enough, Alphahole. She’ll be fine with us girls. You go enjoy your boys’ morning,” I say as he continues to ask her if she knows her way to them if she needs them.

“Whatever, fortune teller. Trouble follows all of you, so I’m just making sure you all will be okay.”

I snort at his bullshit. “Whatever you say.”

He pulls me in for a quick hug before he basically shoves me away as though I was the one to hug him.

Testy little wolf.

As all the men finally pile back through the door that leaves Aurora’s patio, the four of us release sighs. Then we die laughing.

“I promise you, girls, even after two hundred years, the men don’t let up. If anything, they get worse,” Aurora teases .

“I thought I had it bad with one infuriating vampire man. You poor things have to deal with multiple of them. And have to have relations with them. Could not be me. I’d eat one of them surely,” Tanith says, and our laughter once again echoes across the garden.

“Yeah, well, once I finally shift, no one be surprised if I take a bite out that damn Alpha,” Aria huffs, and I arch a brow.

“I’m so curious.”

“Go figure.” Oakly snorts and I elbow her.

“Yeah, yeah. I know it’s a subject you’re not ready to talk about but know that we’re all ears when you’re ready.”

Aria smiles secretively at all of us and I roll my eyes that she’s not giving in. Although I understand it. “Yeah, I know and appreciate that more than I could tell you. Once I figure it all out myself, I’ll be ready to spill my guts. Hell, I’m going to need all the advice I can get on managing men who are so completely different.”

“Well, give me some coffee and food, then you can ask your little heart out. I’ve got years of experience,” Aurora says as she waves us over to the table.

The four of us make our way over to the chairs and the delicious aroma of all my favorite breakfast foods and lunch snacks hits me. My mouth instantly begins watering. It’s clear now why Corentin said we weren’t having breakfast yet when I asked after my first cup of coffee.

There’s enough food spread across this table, the four of us could munch on this all day and there will still be some left over.

Tanith moves in closer to us as we pile our plates high and easily fall into conversation. When you take our Nexuses out of the equation, there’s nothing in the realm like spending some quality girl time together.

No one has to watch what they say. We can eat whatever and however we like. Granted, none of the guys would ever say anything serious to us about that on any given day, but I for sure could see Ry talking shit for how all of us just shoved like three different things in our mouths.

“I’d like to know what to expect from the night. Lyker has given me the very clinical report, like a damn mission statement, but I’d like to know what it’s really like,” Aria says after countless minutes of us stuffing our faces and listening to Tanith ramble about annoying vampires.

“I wouldn’t know that. I’ve never been to a ball or any event here,” I say, looking at Oakly.

“I’ve never been to the Spring Ball. I’ve had to attend the parties and whatnot my parents hosted. But nothing here at the palace.”

All of our eyes turn to Aurora, who lets out a small chuckle as she brings her mug to her lips.

“It’s dreadful.”

“What?” the three of us shout.

She continues to snicker like this is hilarious and we all stare at her. “It’s not nearly as bad as it used to be now that my mother is gone, but there’s always an expectation of the Ruling Nexus that does suck the fun out of the festivities. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the ball. Aside from the elite and five families, people from all over Elementra will attend and that makes it worth it.

“I made my expectations clear to the five many, many years ago, I expected them to invite more than just their acquaintances. They honor it just enough that I can’t make a stink about it. But honestly, I’d love it a lot more if only the people viewed beneath the elite attended. They are the ones who make this realm so magical.”

“You can say that again,” Oakly grumbles.

“So what do you mean by there’re always expectations of the Ruling Nexus? What does that mean for us?” I ask.

She lets out a sigh that doesn’t bode well with me. I’ve had this night painted pretty in my head. The last thing I want is for it to go south. Although I know we’re going to have to do a little recon, meet Dillon and Pran, but other than that, I really do want a magical night with my men.

“We’re expected to speak with everyone or at least as many people as we can reach. The five and the elite will basically demand our attention. For them, being seen so closely with us, gives them the air of importance. You remember when I told you, I was always forced to dance with people when I didn’t want to, and I wouldn’t be doing that to you?”

“Of course. ”

“Yes, well, that’s an expectation of the five. My mother always claimed it showed unity. If the people saw us dancing together, it would look like we were a unified front. I just always saw it as disrespectful. They haven’t attempted it since I sentenced her to death. But I have no doubt they’ll try it with you. It really wouldn’t shock me if they attempt to get their claws in you the second they can. You’ve learned enough by now to know that doesn’t have to mean physically.”

No, I know what she means. Corentin’s prepared and warned me of the political games the five and elite play. I have no doubt if they don’t like something I say or if I make it clear I won’t be playing by their little games, they’ll push some sort of unfit for a ruler campaign against me with the people. I’m one hundred percent certain the Everglows and the Gales already have it planned.

“Well, we’ll see how that goes. My men will flip their shit if someone asks me for a dance, but depending on who asks…it may not be the worst idea.” I grimace at even the thought.

It makes me want to gag imagining twirling around the dance floor with anyone other than my men. At the same time, though, from a strategic standpoint, I really can tear some shit out of people’s heads when I touch them.

“So what about us? Willow is the Awaiting Matriarch. We’re just her royal court,” Oakly says.

“There is nothing just about the royal court. Especially for the two of you. I don’t have female advisors. Technically, I never had a royal court aside from the council. So it’s been a whole generation since the positions were recognized. Willow presenting with the two of you at her side will have every other female—those who care for the power this brings—wondering why and how you. They’ll try their hardest to befriend you and no doubt the Primary-less Nexuses will also be trying to get closer to you. More so you, Aria. Once one of Oakly’s men make a fuss over the first man to approach her, the smart ones will get the picture.”

“Thanks a lot, Willy,” Oakly grumbles and Aria huffs her agreement .

“I didn’t cause the people to act like this. Also, I think Aurora is just giving us all the bad to prepare us. I don’t believe the whole night will be awful,” I say, arching a hopeful brow at my mother-in-law.

“That’s exactly what I’m doing. I never got truly prepared. My mother just expected me to be silent and deal. I do not expect that of any of you. If anyone takes anything too far, you have my full permission and approval to handle it as you see fit.” She smirks deviously at our little laughs before taking a sip of her coffee, then carrying on.

“Aside from what I have warned, the night will be whatever you make it. Since Tilly’s passing, I don’t give much stock to what the elite and five demand. Despite what everyone says and claims to know about my fierce little sister, she enjoyed today. She liked to get dolled up with me and have Orien spin her around the dance floor. Once her Nexus came along”—she pauses as her eyes shimmer—“I used to love watching her glow in their arms. I never could understand why she enjoyed the balls, but I soon realized it was because no one was watching her. She could be and do as she pleased. She could let go of the tough exterior and just be. I vowed I’d do the same. For her. And I have at every Spring Ball since. This year, though, I feel it will be different.”

I hope not. Not for her.

That’s wishful thinking on my part. I already know in my gut that it will be different. I’m here, my men will be present the entire time, and like she said, for the first time since her mother’s rule, we will be presenting with an actual royal court. One that probably for the first time ever consists of a true family. There’s no betrayal or ill intentions behind any of us.

We’ll be announced together as a real unified front for the five, the elite, and the people of the realm to see.

That alone makes it different.

“It’s going to be a great night no matter what. That’s what we’ll make it. We’ll smile, be announced, show our faces, then have a blast,” I declare.

“Speaking of being announced…” Aria says, trailing off.

“Willow’s filled me in for the most part and your secrets are safe with me. I’ve arranged for you to be announced as her advisor, then Lyker’s Nexus will be right after. I didn’t necessarily put you in their Nexus, but I didn’t leave you out of it either,” Aurora informs her.

“Thank you.”

“Of course. Now who’s ready to get pampered and make dresses?” Aurora asks as she claps once and laces her fingers together in excitement.

I surely won’t be turning her down and spoiling her fun, so I’m the first to hop up. Oakly and Aria aren’t far behind me.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“Going? Nowhere. Right out here, of course.”

“Out here? In the open? Do you know your sons? If they get a whisper that I’m taking my clothes off out here, heads will roll. Literally.”

“Where do you think they get those attitudes from? Your Paterna-Nexus has knocked more teeth out than I can count.” She snickers like it’s the sweetest thing. “Don’t worry, my girl. I got us covered.”

And covered she does.

Walking a few steps off the patio cement, a couple feet from Tanith, she calls on her element. Her earth glides easily across the lawn at her command and within a few moments, she’s created a whole new space.

Glass walls go up all around us. Some have reflective surfaces like mirrors, while others still provide the perfect view of her garden. Tanith looks around curiously, swishing her tail, and the three of us turn in circles, laughing in surprise.

“The windows are one-way. We can see out, but no one in. The natural light provides a way better view than what we have trapped inside. Let’s get started.”

She moves back over to the corner of the patio and turns the crank on her music player. With our new dome in place, the music echoes around, and the three of us cheer as she starts dancing.

On her first spin, we all suck in a shocked gasp as her whole outfit transforms into a ball gown. The astonishment wears off quickly and we’re back to clapping, jumping up and down, and encouraging her on.

I don’t hesitate for a second when she holds her hand out to me.

I can barely catch my breath I’m laughing so much and my heart doubles in size. I’ve wanted moments like this my whole life. Never in a million years did I believe I’d get to experience it with the realm’s greatest mother-in-law, sister, and best friend.

My eyes slam closed in anticipation when her element coats my body.

“Oh my Elementra, Willy.” Oakly cackles, clutching her stomach.

“Aurora,” I squeal when I look down. “Where in the realm is the rest of it?”

She’s covered me in a nude slip from my chest down to my ankles. On top of that is just bedazzled silver lace that only covers the important bits. It’s absolutely stunning really, but I’d only ever wear this in front of them and my men.

Yes, I’m fully covered. But it doesn’t leave much to the imagination.

With a wave of her hand, Oakly and Aria are suddenly matching me, just with different colored lace. I point my finger, teasing, just as they did to me.

Calling my own element forward, I bedazzle Tanith, who rumbles in maybe amusement, maybe disgust. Not really sure. Then I do the same to Aurora and make her match the rest of us.

“Willow,” she squeals. “I’m far too old to be dressed like this.”

“Nonsense, you’re in your prime.”

I’m confident that ‘prime’ in Elementra last a couple thousand years.

Hours pass in our own little realm. We bounce from dancing and making the most stunning dresses I’ve ever seen to the most hideous Aurora and I can come up with.

We munch on our lavish buffet, tease each other, and gossip while drinking an alarming amount of coffee. At one point, Aurora slipped a little Vito whiskey in the pot. Claiming to “You know…take the edge off.”

When my feet start getting sore, I come up with the grand idea of creating us a small little hot tub right here in the middle of our glass room. We sit in there until we’re sweating.

Oakly, the little shit, sprays us down with her freezing cold water when Aria bitches about her hair getting greasy from the sweat.

My stomach hurts from laughing so much. My cheeks are sore and no doubt red. Above all, though, my heart is so light. This will forever be ingrained in my memory as one of the best days I’ve ever had .

“Great, Oakly, now I have to redo my hair,” Aria cries out as she shakes the water from her arms and shoots a little spark of fire at Oakly.

Oakly just giggles mischievously as I pull all the water from everyone.

“So what—”

My question is cut off as the blaring sound of a timekeeper cuts me off. I look around confused, then my eyes follow Aurora over to where she cuts it and the music off.

“Well, girls, time to really get ready.” She sighs.

For a moment, I actually forgot we were supposed to be getting ready for something. I was so caught up in the moment with them, all my other worries just faded away.

Realistically, it won’t take us but a minute to truly get done up. Between our elements, it’s just a matter of doing it.

“Willow.”

“Yeah?” I ask in response to Oakly’s softly spoken call of my name.

“I’d like to wear that dress that I saw that I wasn’t supposed to. Maybe some curls in my hair,” she says, running her fingers through the straight strands.

“I can do that for you, Oak,” I mumble. “Aria, any ideas?”

“Surprise me, but I’d like the color to be red and black.”

“Aurora?” I ask.

“Don’t worry about me, my girl,” she says as she drags her hand down her body.

Cascading down her body is a white ball gown. The top, down to her waist is tight, accentuating her curves, while the bottom puffs out. Across her chest is gold lace that travels down the gown in delicate patterns. To match, a gold cape drapes over her shoulders and falls to the floor in a train.

She looks like a literal angel.

“You look stunning,” I whisper.

“Thank you, my girl. Now your turn. Let me see these dresses.”

Nodding, returning her sweet smile, I manage to tear my gaze free from her beautiful gown and I walk over to the girls .

Lacing my fingers with theirs, I give them both a squeeze before I close my eyes. I’ve pictured Oakly’s and my dresses countless times, and I’m ecstatic to be including Aria as well.

I want them all to match.

Starting with the base material, I create a soft satin slip. It forms a strapless sweetheart neckline that subtly perks up our breast, then the rest flows down to the floor. I add just a little puff to the bottom. Not as much as Aurora’s but enough to give it body.

Oakly’s is a dark rich black. Aria’s is blood-red. Mine is violet.

Around our necks, I form a vintage collar made of lace that hangs down our chests like necklaces. I make sure to coat the underneath with a soft nude material so we won’t itch all night long.

From each side of the collar, I connect more lace and have it crawl down our arms in intricate designs. I stop mine short just an inch, so my marks on my wrist are seen. For the girls, when it touches their wrists, I move back to the body of the dress.

I coat it in thin sheer material that doesn’t hide the colors of our dresses but gives me something to create embroidery all over the surface. I give each of our designs a little originality.

For Oakly, the violet-colored lace twist and turns like waves rolling in from the ocean. For Aria, the black travels the curves of her body like lava flowing from Pyra. And myself, my silver lace spreads across my body like I’m wrapped in the wings of my dragon.

To anyone else looking, these will just be complex stitching. They may not even make reason to them, but to me, I know what they mean.

None of us are high heel girls and our feet will be covered anyways. Plus, with all the standing and dancing, it makes no sense at all to make our feet hurt. So I just cover them with matching flats that resemble ballet slippers.

Before I open my eyes, I move on to our hair.

Just like Oakly asked, I give her curls and lots of body. I don’t have to see to know that the loose ringlets sit around her neck and frame her face perfectly .

Aria loves braids, and although I’m not the best at it, I give it my all. I start by giving her hair a little bit of curl, then I command my air to weave the strands together. The long rope falls over her shoulder and I gently loosen the tight braid.

Lastly, for myself, I pull all my wild curls up in an elegant updo. With it out of the way, Corentin’s mark on my chest is clear to be seen. I wish I had a way to display Draken’s and Tillman’s, but that would expose too much body for my liking.

“Ready?” I ask quietly.

“Ready.” Aria and Oakley mimic.

We all open our eyes together and my jaw falls open at the sight of the two of them.

I have the most beautiful best friends in the entire realm .

“Willy,” Oakly whispers.

“Don’t even start. We’re far too pretty for useless tears right now,” I say, glaring at her teasingly.

“You’re right…” she says, then clears her throat. “I’m so getting laid tonight.”

I snort and smirk. “Damn right you are.”

“Well, turn around, let me see,” Aurora says from behind us, and I do as I’m told.

“Oh, girls,” she says softly, laying her fingers gently to her lips. I give her the same glare I gave Oakly when her eyes begin to mist. “Stay right there. I’ll be right back.”

Before I can ask her where she’s going, she has her dress hiked up and she hauls ass through the doors.

“I think she approved,” Aria says.

While we wait for her to return, we spend a moment obsessing over each other. I have to give myself a pat on the back. We look damn good.

Hopefully good enough to eat.

“You all look stunning, Adored.”

“Thank you, Tanith.”

“If you’ll be so kind to open the dome for me. My lord needs my approval of his attire.”

“Does he really?”

“Yes, undoubtedly. He has decided, whilst still matching your color scheme, he wanted to dress in the style of the Keep. Your mind reader mended his outfit for him. I believe he’s a tad nervous he’s forgotten how he dressed back home.”

Although the sass is plentiful in her words, I don’t miss the underlying longing and sadness. I’m not sure if it’s his or hers, maybe both. Regardless, I nod with no questions or complaint.

I don’t draw attention to it now, but I will be thanking Tillman for making that for him and I’ll be thanking my father-in-law for matching us.

Calling forth my earth, I open the mirrors overhead large enough that she can fly out. She’s so graceful with her take-off, she doesn’t ruffle my hair or dress as she takes to the sky with a small rumble.

I turn back to the girls just in time as Aurora steps out through her door. In her hand are three medium-sized boxes and my heart flutters some more.

“You got us gifts?” I swear Oakly, Aria, and I ask at the same time.

“Hand-me-downs. I hope you all don’t mind.”

“Those are the best,” I say.

Her smile widens and she waves us over. We watch her gently lay the boxes down and she pays each one a bit of attention. A pang hits my chest, and I swallow down the breath trying to flee me.

“I…Here, Oakly, we’ll start with yours,” she says, passing the first box over.

Oakly squeals like a child on their birthday until her eyes land on whatever’s in the box. Then she goes deathly silent.

“What is it? Let me see,” I say but all she does is gape at me.

“Aurora, I can’t—” she whispers, but Aurora holds her hand up.

“Please do. It’s very fitting. This was one of Tilly’s favorite pieces. You’re like her in many ways. Most importantly, you’re an amazing sister, just like she was. I remember placing it on her head the first time. ”

Oakly’s misty eyes meet hers and the pounding of both their hearts beats against my ribs. I’ve yet to see what it is in Oakly’s hand. Whatever it is has them both glowing with bliss and…acceptance.

“May I?” Aurora asks and Oakly rapidly nods, then hands her the box back.

My hand flies to my heart the second I see the small circlet crown.

The thin silver is adorned with black jewels that are going to pop against her bright purple hair. It’s stunning and matches her dress to perfection.

My breathing stalls as Oakly leans herself down to give Aurora better access to her head. I can’t tear my gaze away from the sight. This is one of the most beautiful, proudest moments I’ve ever experienced.

My sister is a literal queen in my eyes.

That little crown just adds to the high regard I hold her in.

“Thank you,” Oakly murmurs softly as she stands back straight and Aurora pulls her in for a hug. “How do I look?” she asks as she turns to Aria and me.

“Amazing.”

“Like a queen,” I hiccup. I’m trying so damn hard to hold my happy tears back.

“Don’t start,” she grumbles and I choke on a laugh.

“Aria,” Aurora says, opening and turning her box to show her. “The second I saw your dress, I knew exactly which one I wanted you to have.”

My eyes widen at the black metal with a blood-red gem in the center while Aria turns as pale as a ghost. The gem shines so bright in this light, it’s reflecting in her eyes as she gawks at it.

Again, Aurora picked one that matches her dress exactly.

“You’ve heard about my mother and her…tendencies. One party she hosted, she had a ghastly pale pink dress picked out for me. Demanded I wear it. One of the palace staff let it slip to me while I was getting ready that she was trying to color match me to a Nexus she preferred. That night, I showed up in an all-red, honestly a little too revealing dress, and this crown. It was one of my first acts of rebellion. Yet it felt like freedom.”

“I like the way freedom feels,” Aria whispers .

Aurora gives her a bright smile, one that she matches, and I have to fan my face to stop myself from crying. I bite my lip to distract myself from the elation pounding in my chest as Aria repeats what Oakly did. The dam nearly breaks as Aurora lays the small crown on her head.

“Perfect fit.”

“Thank you, your—”

“It’s always just Aurora to my girls,” she says, tilting Aria’s chin up.

“Last but not least, Willy. I’m about to die to see yours,” Oakly says and I meet her gaze.

“Calm down. It might not be a crown. It might be something else.”

“Yeah, okay.” She snorts. “You’re just trying not to cry like a baby. It’s definitely a crown and it’s about to knock you off your feet.”

Probably.

My nerves kick up a notch when Aurora lifts the lid to the last box. Her small smile and sigh give me butterflies that flap around my stomach chaotically. The way her eyes settle softly on whatever she’s staring down at makes me believe it holds a very special place in her heart.

“What’s that you say about coincidences, Willow?” she asks, peeking her eyes up at me with a teasing smirk.

“There are none in Elementra,” I mumble.

She laughs lightly, picking the box up and walking to stand in front of me. “I’d have to agree with that, my girl.”

She turns the box around for me to see and my whole body freezes.

It’s most certainly a crown.

It’s a little larger than the girls’ but still small, delicate. Something fit for a princess. That isn’t what has me swaying on my feet, though.

There is silver filigree along the curves and dips all the way around the crown. Small clear crystals decorate the design randomly. Instead the points along the rim being topped with a gem, each tip is as sharp as my claws.

What stands out the most, though…

The five large violet stones that complete the piece.

It’s the shade of purple that matches my eyes, my dress, my Memoria stone .

“Where did you get this?” My question is a whisper on the wind.

“My brother gifted me this. For my first Spring Ball after I completed my Nexus. The same ball that Tillman questioned me about the other day. This crown was the only reason I could recall that night as easily as I did.”

“What did you wear that night?”

“A silver dress,” she says with a sweet smile.

“Are you sure?” I ask as she pulls the crown from its protective casing.

“I’ve never been surer, filia mea . This is yours now.”

Closing my eyes, I curtsy to Aurora.

For a moment, I swear the weight of the crown is going to cause my knees to buckle.

Then it becomes weightless, fitting to my head perfectly.

It becomes right.