The crowd went silent at my words. My only assumption was that they were at a loss for them.
“Us humans are not accustomed to fae traditions and lore. However, what I speak of is a phenomenon blessed upon us by the gods. It is decided by their fates, and the bond connects our souls to one another. Her very presence has forced me to come to terms with what I am, and that is a halfling. Both of fae and mortal descent. And as I stand here before you all today, you need to know that if you refuse to trust their kind due to their blood alone, then you will need to condemn me with them as well.”
A man stepped forward then, setting himself apart from the very front of the crowd. We stared down at him as he cleared his throat. “Commander, you have done everything you can to ensure we stay safe since you were a mere boy.Something as insignificant as a sire shouldn’t determine how you are judged. If Elianna has your sword, then she also has mine.”
My heart raced as he took a step back into his place in the crowd, echoes of agreement sounding from them. “Thank you, soldier,” I said, trying to shake the shock.
My gaze moved to Lia. “I know what lies in her heart. She wishes to bring peace to the realm but cannot do this alone. A target has been placed on her back, and she has been attacked, hunted,taken…”
My throat tightened with fury, and my hands trembled at my sides as I forced out the words I despised beyond measure—all she had been forced to endure.
Lia lifted my shaking fist and pressed it to her lips as she took a small step forward, her toes reaching the very edge of the step we stood on.
“What Jace is trying to say is that I have also suffered at the hand of my own kind. Males I once trusted and soldiers I once commanded myself. Your commander and I have defied the odds stacked against us so far, and we intend for that to continue. Wewilltake the realm back. But you should all know that the current queen’s fury will know no bounds, and she will do anything to remain where she is.”
Once my anger settled, I stepped up to her side and stood before the masses once more.
“We don’t know what lies ahead, but wedoknow it won’t be easy,” I began. “We are seeking out more alliances and possible routes to help us win this war.”
Lia gave a curt nod to the crowd. “Fae are now among you here. They will live alongside you—shopping, working, andmingling in the streets with their younglings. Please show them kindness, for their journey here has been anything but easy. They risked being trialed for treason just by fleeing here—seeking shelter and sanctuary away from the crown. Among them are also males and females who intend to bleed alongside you in these looming battles to come.”
“Magic is alive and well throughout Velyra, and creatures we once assumed to be extremely rare, extinct, or just a story to frighten our children in the night have presented themselves to us frequently in recent days,” I said once she paused. “Not only are fae now among us but also a witch who assisted in their escape.”
“And a wyvern who assisted in my own,” Lia announced with a menacing lilt in her voice. I peeked over and observed her smirk while she witnessed the crowd's simultaneous reactions of awe and horror.
When the shock of everything settled, questions began to ring out from them, and we answered truthfully. We told them stories of our journey. Lia spoke of her father’s kindness and how that benevolence extended not only to her but to her two red-headed siblings who stood behind us in solidarity.
And when the moon was at its highest point in the sky, the crowd finally dispersed.
Our court stepped up at our sides as we watched everyone funnel through the streets and back to their homes.
“I can’t believe you told the realm,” Zaela whispered. “I know Lia briefly referred to you as her mate in Ellecaster…but this was different. Thisfeltdifferent.”
“It was time,” I answered.
Gage clapped me on the shoulder. “I’m proud of you, brother.”
“As am I,” Lia cooed, resting her head on my chest.
And as the last of our people disappeared into the shadows of the streets, we said our goodbyes to Leon and made our way back home.
Chapter twenty-three
Elianna
I stood before thesmall cottage that was set an acre behind the manor of the Cadoria Estate, staring at my mate as he moved toward the house that built him. He rarely spoke of his mother, but anytime he did, I was paralyzed by an overwhelming sense of grief as his emotions consumed both of us.
He took another hesitant step toward the adorably crafted home that was set off to the far side of the backyard, surrounded by trees for a sense of privacy. I watched from a small distance behind him as he took in the sight of it all.
I closed the gap between us and laced my fingers with his as I pressed my lips to his shoulder. He took in a shuddering breath at the contact.
“It never gets easier. Returning here. I think it's the main reason I rarely ever do,” Jace admitted.
I pivoted my body and wrapped my arms around his front, our chests pressed together. “I’m very proud of you for what you did today.” He answered with a low hum. “And we don’t have to stay here, Jace. We can go back to your aunt's house and find a room, just as Zae and Gagehad with the others.”
He let out a breathy laugh as he pulled me even tighter to him and rested his chin on my forehead. “I know. I was hoping for some alone time with you. We’ve had so little of it.”
“I know,” I whispered into his chest.
