It was so much to consider. So much to mourn.
I hadn’t even begun to process these losses. To allow myself to truly feel them.
Yet now I stood before Sheyah, the Queen of the Summer Court, guardian of my soul, wondering what news would befall us next.
“Queen Sheyah,” I said reverently, forcing myself to stay strong for just a little longer. Later, back in the arms of my rebels, I could fall apart. But not now. Not yet.
“You and your people have fought bravely,” she said. “As I told Mr. Alvarez, I am deeply sorry that it had to come to this at all. I am especially sorry for the losses you have personally suffered.”
I choked back a sob and lowered my eyes. “As am I, your Highness. Thank you for your kindness.”
“I wanted you to know that I have disbanded the Fae Council. Talia and Fenlos were captured trying to leave the city. They will be escorted back to my realm as prisoners, where they will be dealt with according to our laws. The Council shall be replaced with a new group comprised of representatives from each of the supernatural races, as well as three witches. As guardians of earth’s magic, we thought your people should be better represented.” She paused to let it sink in, then asked the question I knew was coming next. “Would you consider serving on such a council?”
I was honored by the Queen’s faith, but in truth, I had no interest in a government job. My place was here in the Bay, rebuilding my home, however long that took.
As diplomatically as I could manage, I said, “Regretfully, I must pass on the opportunity, though it is quite an honor. I’m wondering if you might consider my sister, Addie.” Addie was a natural peacemaker. I knew she’d be perfect for the role, and she’d enjoy it, too.
The Queen gave a small bow of her head. “If she is willing, then it shall be our honor to have her serve.”
“Thank you,” I said.
At this, the queen took my hands, surprising me with her touch. “There is one more matter I wish to discuss with you, and it is one of great importance.”
I nodded, my stomach fizzing. It could only be about one thing.
My soul. My eternal fate.
“I have come with a blessing from the Old One,” she said, her voice taking on an official tone that was as intimidating as it was regal. In that moment, I was grateful we were on the same side.
“You, heir of Silversbane,” she continued, “daughter of Darkwinter, daughter of the first witches, daughter of the night, shall not be damned.”
Before I could even ask what she’d meant, she released my hands and retrieved a glowing sphere from her cloak.
I gasped. The moonglass.
Without warning, she smashed the glass on the ground, and I watched with tears in my eyes as my soul swirled before me, floating back home, filling me completely.
“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling whole and right for the first time in years. In decades. “I don’t know what to say. I’m…”
I trailed off, but when I looked up to meet her eyes, the Queen was already gone, leaving nothing but mist and memory in her wake
* * *
Goodbye was the most painful word in the English language, and I’d already had to say it way too many times in this life.
Calla, the mother I loved and missed every single day.
My life in Phoenicia, the home she and I had shared there.
Sophie.
Reva.
McKenna.
All the others I had only just begun to know, their names still fresh on my lips from the very first time I’d ever uttered them.
The accounting made my heart ache.
