Syrena wanted me here for a reason.
I rolled my shoulders like I was getting ready for a fight. I suppose I was.
When she saw me, her eyes narrowed.
“I see you’ve been busy today,” she said, gaze skimming my soot-streaked face and dirt-covered clothes.
I didn’t flinch. I didn’t care.
“I’m going with them, Syrena,” I said, leaving formalities where they belonged—at the door.
She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.
“I know you want to.”
“No,” I said. “You know Ineedto.”
Her eyes lifted to mine—sharp, assessing.
“Look,” I continued, steady, “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I do. I know it’s been hard. Having me here, trying to figure out who I am—who Iwas. But you know me well enough by now to know—staying behind isn’t going to work for me.”
Syrena’s gaze didn’t waver. “And if you die?” she asked quietly.
The question wasn’t cruel. It wasn’t even cold. It was justreal.
“I won’t,” I said, stepping forward. “I’m not stupid, Syrena. I know Vael is probably the most dangerous person alive—next to Ashton. I have no intention of ever letting him touch me again.”
Her expression flickered at that. But I kept going.
“He’s coming for me, whether I’m out there or locked behind your best wards. That garrison won’t hold. You know that. At least if I go—I’m not alone.I’ll have support.”
There was a long pause. Then, softer than before—
“Why do you have to fight all the time?” A mother’s question. Not a queen’s. “When do you ever just … rest?” Not a command. Just… ache.
“I can’t.” I said.
“Why?”
“Because I am how he made me. Howyoumade me. And the Shades. And Finn. And a thousand other choices that led me here.”
I stepped forward, voice unwavering.
“None of them involved me lying down and taking my fate.”
I held her gaze.
“And I don’t plan to start now.”
“But what about me?” She asked, her voice small.
“Syrena…”
She looked away for a moment, then back at me. Her voice barely above a whisper.
“I wish you would call memother.”
I softened slightly. And I made a choice. I stepped up the step towards where she stood and I reached for her. Slowly, awkwardly. But it was the best I could do.
