“It is. But we do know one thing,” Magdalina said. “The Black Claw is seeking Emma’s blood for one purpose— to use it to raise the dark god, Droga, and install him as overlord over the fae.”
Finlay had gone pale. “So… the cult wants to raise the dark god from the dead, using Emma’s blood?”
“Yes. The Black Claw plans to take my blood on December fourth, during a total solar eclipse,” Emma said. “If they do it, Droga will rise, and hell will take place on earth. If that happens, it’ll nearly be impossible to stop him.”
“We decimated the cult’s numbers when the catacombs caved in. We killed all the acolytes,” Stefan said.
“Not all of them. Acolyte Vesper got away,” Alexei said darkly, and Kiara laid a hand on his.
“We also believe that Gabby has been keeping her own stock of oppressors from the Black Claw hidden, to use as her own personal army,” Kiara added. “We aren’t out of the woods yet.”
“But the Black Claw is weak,” I insisted. “They’ll have a harder time taking Emma now than they ever have before. We still might be able to avoid the ceremony, and stop them from using Emma’s blood to bring Droga back to life.”
“What about the part on Emma’s death?” Amantha asked. “It says she’s going to give her life away for Malovia.”
“Emma’s death has been prevented,” I growled. “The Hidden King was prophesied to kill Emma, and he was proclaimed by the Black Claw to be Elijah. My cousin is dead. He cannot hurt Emma from beyond the grave. She is safe.”
Emma said nothing, but the group relaxed. Theo prodded at Odette, but she refused to speak up— so I asked directly.
“Odette, you said you foresaw Emma’s death at the hands of the Hidden King,” I said. “Can you tell us if that vision has been stopped?”
Odette’s face twisted. “Well… the Hidden Kingisdead, so I don’t see how he could hurt Emma, now. We must’ve changed the future by killing him. Emma should be safe.”
A couple of sighs resonated from around the room. I felt my body weaken as I slumped against the chair. Emma’s death was the main thing I was intent on preventing, and it looked like we had done it. We’d tricked fate, and gotten around destiny. My mate would remain alive.
Magdalina shook her head and slapped a hand on the table. “We can’t discuss prophecies when the future is still unclear. We have to decide what we’re going to do about Gabriella. She is still a queen, and in power.”
“I know where she’s heading. She’ll go with her armies and her followers to theYrdza da Etza— the Fortress of Towers.It’s a citadel a hundred miles from Dolinska. It was built many years ago, a refuge for the king in a time of war,” I said. “She can rule Malovia from there.”
“And how do you propose we stop her?” Finlay lazily propped his legs on the table. “You’d need a king for that.”
“Finlay Dunbar, so help me, get your feet off the table,” Magdalina snapped, rubbing her temples. Finlay sheepishly plopped his boots on the floor.
Emma’s stare was heavy on me as I said, “We have a clear plan ahead. We raise a king, one who has royal blood, and is popular enough with the public who will be accepted by the people. Then that king will declare war on Gabby.”
The room went very quiet. Then Stefan said, “You’re not suggesting what I think you are.”
I remained silent, and Lady Magdalina said, “Of course he is. He’s raising a challenge to Gabriella. The choice is obvious. Ethan must become king, and Emmaline as his queen.”
Emma’s chair skidded backward, and she leapt out of her seat. “No,” she seethed. “I’m not going through this again.”
“Emmaline, please,” Magdalina said. “You must hear us out.”
Emma sank back into her chair, but it was reluctant. I felt guilt, but not so much guilt as to misplace my resolution as Magdalina said, “Finlay, now that Professor Mara is gone, you are the rightful leader of the revolution. We will need your help.”
“For what?” Finlay tilted his head. “What is it you ask of me?”
“We are asking you to gather supporters— to support Ethan’s claim to the throne. We won’t be able to do this without the public behind us.”
Finlay nodded. “The Malovian Revolution will back your claim. Ethan and Emma have a right to that crown. The two of you care about the people. I couldn’t think of anyone better to give a crown to.”
Emma snorted loudly. “Who’s going to vote us in? The Circle has to approve kings, and many Circle members were killed when the catacombs collapsed. The ones that weren’t ran off with Gabby.”
Stefan leaned forward. “I make my declaration now that I wish to become part of the Circle,” he said. “Install me, and I’ll vote for Ethan as king.”
“That’s only one vote,” Emma growled.
“You still have me,” Magdalina said. “I haven’t lost my place on the council, and therefore, that makes two. I have nobles working for me that we can place on the council at once, people who will do as I say. That will be enough to get the required votes.”
