"But she's in the Shadowlands," Alessia says, her voice breaking slightly. "I'm not even sure she'll make it. What if something happens to her before she reaches us? What if weannounce this and then she dies, and we've given everyone hope for nothing?"
Elara's expression softens. "My dear Alessia, that Omega has survived this long. She's made it farther into the Shadowlands than any Valorian has in decades. She's clearly more than capable of taking care of herself."
"She's not alone," I add. "The Beta is with her. Protecting her."
"Then you have even less to worry about," Elara says. "Trust in the prophecy. Trust in the magic that brought her scent to you. Trust that she's strong enough to complete this journey."
I can feel Alessia trembling beside me, caught between hope and fear. I squeeze her hand tighter, trying to ground her.
"You need to throw a feast," Elara continues. "Announce the news. Let the kingdom prepare to welcome their future queen."
"Queens," I repeat. "Plural."
"Of course plural," Elara says as if it's obvious. "Your Omega and her Beta will rule alongside you and Alessia. A quad rather than a triad. It's unusual, yes, but the magic has chosen. Who are we to question it?"
"I need time," I say firmly. "I need to wrap my head around this before we make any announcements. And I need to be sure.”
"They're coming," Elara says with absolute certainty. "I can feel it in my bones. The magic is gathering, preparing for their arrival. It won't be long now. I'm asking you to have faith," Elara says gently. "I know it's difficult for you, Zara. You've been disappointed too many times. But this is real. I stake my reputation on it."
"Give us a few days," I plead. "Let us prepare. Let us make sure the palace is ready, that security is tight, that everything is perfect for when they arrive."
Elara studies us for a long moment. "You have until the end of tomorrow."
"That's barely any time at all," I protest.
"It's not fair to withhold hope from the people much longer," Elara says firmly. "They deserve to know. They've waited centuries for this moment, just as you have. Tomorrow evening, you make the announcement. That's my final word on the matter."
I want to argue, but I can see there's no moving her on this. Elara may be our royal physician, but she's also one of the most respected voices in Embrath. If she says we need to announce this, then we probably do.
We stand to leave, and Elara rises as well, pulling both of us into an unexpected embrace. "This is a joyous occasion, my queens. Try to remember that. You're about to meet your mates. You're about to complete your bond. This is what you've been waiting for."
"Thank you, Elara," Alessia whispers. "For everything."
"Thank me by being happy," Elara says, releasing us. "And by throwing a spectacular feast tomorrow night. The people need something to celebrate."
We leave her chambers, stepping back out into the corridor. The moment the door closes behind us, Alessia sags against me, and I wrap my arm around her waist to steady her.
"Are you all right?" I ask quietly.
"I don't know," she admits. "I'm terrified and excited and so full of hope it hurts. What if Elara's wrong? What if they don't come?"
"Then we'll deal with it," I say, guiding her down the hallway toward our chambers. "But Alessia, I don't think she's wrong."
"But you're always the skeptical one," she says. "You're the one who tells me not to get my hopes up."
"I know," I admit. "But this time... this time feels different. I can't explain it, but something in me knows that Elara's right. They're coming. Our Omega and her Beta. They're coming to us."
We reach our chambers, and I guide her inside, closing and locking the door behind us. The sheets have been changed, fresh linens replacing the ones that carried those precious scents. Part of me wishes we'd kept them, kept that proof of what we smelled. But Alessia has them safely stored away in a chest, unwilling to let them be washed just yet.
She turns to me, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Zara, hope for me. Please. I know I said I would hope enough for both of us, but right now I'm so scared that I can barely breathe. I need you to believe this is real."
The vulnerability in her voice breaks something open in my chest. I pull her close, cupping her face in my hands. "I've already started praying," I admit quietly. "To whatever god will hear us, to bring those beautiful beings to us safely. I'm praying that the magic is real, that the prophecy is finally coming true, that in a few days we'll meet the ones who will complete us."
"You're praying?" Alessia looks stunned. "You never pray."
"I'm praying now," I say firmly. "Because you're right. This is real. I can feel it in my bones, in my dragon, in every fiber of my being. Our Omega is coming. And I will do whatever it takes to make sure she arrives safely."
Solace
