Page 22

Durin

I’m not sure how symbolic this crown is supposed to be. I really have no desire to be a ruler. The realm needs one, though. Someone to make sure it’s protected. My power isn’t going anywhere. It will continue to grow, and grow back, for as long as I’m alive. It would be ungrateful not to use it for good.

But power isn’t everything. And fae don’t get to be in charge just because they’re fae. I set Rue on her feet and take her hand. “Seer, will you take us to the battlefield? I need to see how everyone fared.”

“Of course. I’ll join you,” she says, raising her hand.

The blackened part of the forest blurs, giving way to a different scene of death. All across the grass, kelpies and wolves work together, dragging the bodies of dead nobles into a large pile. There’s a short line of our fallen warriors, each adorned with delicate flowers to honor their sacrifice. My soul weeps for them, but I’m thankful the toll is so few.

“Durin!” Sashon calls, tossing a severed arm aside as he rushes over. The Majestic quickly joins him, standing proudly at his side.

“Look at that crown!” Sashon whoops and whistles, inciting the rest of the Alphas to howl and cheer. “I knew you’d do it!”

“ We did it,” I say, clasping his forearm. I glance at the Majestic, then smile at them both. “That’s why we’re going to need more crowns.”

Sashon huffs a laugh and brushes it off, but I’m serious. “There are four species of high fae. Five if you count the dryads. There’s no reason for any one of them to be in charge of ruling or protecting the others,” I say, taking off the crown and plopping it on top of Sashon’s head. “I’d like to establish a kingdom of rulers who work together like it should have been from the beginning. And I want it to start with the two of you.”

Sashon beams and strikes a few poses with the crown before offering it to the Majestic. He snorts, I think out of humor, and stomps his feet. His long mane falls over his eyes as he bows in appreciation.

“What about the elves?” Rue whispers next to me.

The only two elves with any real power we’ve seen are Vaegon and the seer, who we’re not exactly fond of. To be fair, though, they did what was necessary to save the realm. That’s what makes a good leader–not someone who seeks the approval of those around them. Plus, I learned that Vaegon is the reason Phen was there to help us at the end. The seer had a vision, and Vaegon acted on it. I’m sure we would have fared much differently without their help.

“It’s not up to me,” I tell Rue, pressing a gentle kiss on her fingertips. “We’ll let them decide.”

The seer closes her eyes and gives me a small bow. “The elves will meet and discuss. Thank you, Durin.” She straightens and turns to Rue. “I’m sorry for what we had to put you through. I truly am.”

Rue huffs and leans against me. “I forgive you,” she tells the seer. “But just know that I plan on getting to know Durin’s illusionist friend. You’ll get to try on a lot of new expressions–smiles, frowns, that face everyone makes when they eat something sour…” Rue smiles wickedly. “I can’t wait to see what an expressive elf looks like.”

The seer looks only mildly disturbed, but I’m sure she’s panicking inside. I wonder if the elves will choose to stay hidden or join the rest of the realm now that it’s free. There are still twisted individuals here, but that will always be the case. They’ll be dealt with as they’re found, but overall, this is going to be a safe place for every species.

Vaegon walks over and gazes up at the castle behind me. “Shall we burn it down?” he asks casually.

He has no history with this place, no nightmares or scars that were born there. He’s offering this for my sake.

“I’d love to reduce the whole thing to ashes,” I tell him, turning to look at the sad, lifeless building. “But the castle itself never did anything wrong.” I kick at the brittle grass along the base of the wall. “I think we should restore it. Bring it back to life.”

“The gryphons’ home is there,” Rue says, reaching out to Sashon for the crown. “It’s beautiful. The rest of the castle can be beautiful, too.”

I kiss her on the top of her head and look at our son. “There is one room that needs to burn. Would you like to join me?”

The queen’s bedroom sits at the end of the castle. Burning a chunk off the building won’t hurt anything. And that place can’t be allowed to remain standing, whether Rue and I decide to live in the castle or not. That room and everything in it need to die with the queen.

I glance over at Folas, who’s sitting in the grass, staring at nothing. I’ve imagined killing him in so many ways, but he’s endured enough torment of his own. Growing up in a hidden room, isolated except for a guardian and his depraved mother… he has his own scars that need healing. He needs new life breathed into his soul.

I won’t be able to do that, but I know someone who can. And once I’ve made amends with my parents, I’ll ask my mother to help him. Right now, there are shadows of my own past waiting to be destroyed.