As I end the call I rest my arms on the railing, the bright star catches my eye once more, seeming to wink at me from the night sky. A smirk tugs at my lips, a silent acknowledgment of the hope that my brother is watching over us in this important moment.
“She made it, bro. We fucking did it.”
When I hear the balcony door slide open, I side-eye as she steps outside with me. As she stands beside me, I gaze at her, noticing her staring at the same star I was.
“You feel it’s him as well?”
She carefully draws her pretty eyes away from it until they meet mine and she gives a small silent nod. I softly smile before rising and I step behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist, dipping my head to speak into her ear as she embraces me back.
“He will always be with us.”
She smiles in return as I kiss her cheek before I withdraw and as I take her hand in mine, she turns to face me.
“You ready?”
She straightens her shoulders and gives a sharp nod.
“Absolutely.”
As Reign and I arrive at the towering dark skyscraper nestled in the heart of New York City, his reassuring grip on my hand provides me a sense of calm.
With each step we take, his presence beside me gives me every ounce of courage, pushing my confidence to confront those who once wanted to tear me down.
Together, we ascend to the highest floor, walking through the labyrinthine corridors with determination. With each passing moment, anticipation builds within me, fuelled by wanting nothing more than to see their faces when they find out theywill now answer to me from now on, or they will face the consequences of their refusal.
As we come to a stop outside a set of double doors at the end of a lavish corridor, Reign turns to face me. He gives me a small smile before bringing my hand to his lips and placing a gentle kiss against it. My eyes ease at the loving gesture and when he lowers it, I speak.
“What should I expect, Reign?”
He shakes his head once, glancing all around my face while sweeping my long, curly hair over my shoulders.
“Nothing. Do whatever you feel is natural to you and I will be beside you the entire time. You might recognize faces in there, but do not allow anything or anyone make you forget who the fuck you are.”
He takes a step forward and I tilt my head back as he cups my cheeks.
“Strong and fucking beautiful.”
I smile before he places a soft kiss to my lips and we linger before he rests his lips against my forehead, giving my hand a squeeze.
“I’m so fucking proud of you, Char.”
I try to push the emotions he is making me feel aside so I can face what we need to face with the utmost strength and as he turns, he pushes the handle down on the door and we walk past the threshold.
Entering the vast room, Reign keeps his hold on my hand as we stride beside one another. With my chin held high, I cast a sidelong glance at all the black-suited figures seated at the longtable as we make our way past them. As we reach the very head of the table, I steal a quick glance up at Reign and he winks at me before we both turn our attention forward, ready to face everyone gathered before us.
My gaze wanders over the sea of men and women who stare at us until I land on a face very familiar, and I feel my throat tighten as we hold eye contact. Chaos's mother. Her eyes narrow on me but I simply raise an eyebrow before Reign catches my attention when he speaks beside me.
“Today is a very important day for the Bratva. After many years of uncertainty about who should have been holding the title here in New York City, most of us knew who the rightful person was for many years, yet due to greed, hate, and power, we forgot what this family is about.”
Gazing up at him, I admire the commanding presence of my future husband, radiating power and authority like never before. As he meets my gaze, a silent understanding passes between us before he continues.
“Swan Morozov has returned to regain her rightful crown.”
Gasps and whispers fill the air around the room, and I give a small smile to Reign until I hear her voice.
“She isn’t fit to be a queen.”
I inhale deeply, raising an eyebrow before looking at her. As we have a stare-off with a heated exchange, I address her sternly.
