“Abominations are not who should be feared. They’re beings of love, created by fae who choose to mate outside their kingdoms to other beings of similar but different heritages. That’s something to be celebrated, not destroyed.” I looked at the Elemental Fae Monarch. “Wouldn’t you agree, Queen Claire?”
She was a Halfling, a being born of an Elemental Fae and a human. But because of her mortal half, no one seriously referred to her as an abomination—just a few used it as an insult when feeling cruel. However, was it really so different?
“I would,” she replied, her tone regal, her head high. “Love is the most powerful element of all.”
“Emotions are powerful tools,” I agreed, returning my attention to Constantine. He’d created more of that smoke, his expression impassive in his attempt not to give anything away. Because he had no idea I could see him for who he really was—a broken soul trapped in the body of a powerful Elite Blood Elder.
Destroying his shell wouldn’t fix the darkness inside him.
He needed to live. To see. Towitness.
His fate appeared to me in the blink of an eye, the dark source agreeing with my decision in my next breath as I began to spin those obsidian fibers into vine-like roots near his feet.
He didn’t notice, too focused on creating more… and more… his desire to manipulate and control consuming him from the inside out and blackening his ability to decipher his destiny.
He was a being of his own creation.
Dark ire.
Obsidian flames.
Obsessive soul.
Tadmir gave a brief nod, having either seen my intent or felt it, I didn’t know. But Zakkai’s palm squeezing mine suggested the latter. Because he could see the enchantment forming now, weaving around and through Constantine’s legs as the Elder continued to exude power.
He didn’t seem to understand why it wasn’t working, his frustration beginning to mar his brow as he issued a demand through the dark source.
But the dark source no longer responded to him.
It was mine to command.
I couldn’t say when I’d ascended, but I felt it thriving through my veins, the energy calling me queen as I stood upon the ancient breeding ground of Midnight Fae power.
I’d had no idea why I’d run here all those months ago to expel the abundance of vitality swimming through my being. But I understood now. The LethaForest had called to me for a purpose, demanding I revitalize the land here in preparation for my eventual ascension.
I’d been the chosen queen all along.
Kols had been the Midnight Fae Prince meant to guide me through his trial… and then sacrifice his throne to me, the rightful royal.
An Earth Fae Queen connected to two regal Midnight Fae bloodlines, the mate of the Source Architect, and the chosen ward of a strong Warrior Blood.
This is the path we were always meant to walk, I whispered to Shade.
Yes,he agreed.It just took eight tries to get it right.
I merely smiled.I have some stubborn mates.
He snorted.Understatement.
I heard that,Zeph replied dryly.
I think we all did, Kols replied.
Our minds were connecting in a strange way, almost as though I’d crossed all our wires to ensure we could have one open link. I still had my links to each of them as well, but this new open forum… was the result of my Earth Fae magic.
I glanced at Claire in surprise, noting her smile.
Earth Fae bonds, I realized.The fourth level.
