Page 273 of Of Masks and Fury

Trew had appointed her to the position two months ago, tasking her with writing the true account of everything that had happenedin the past sixteen years. The veil breach, the Day of Mercy, the resistance that had formed, and even the final battle. All of it was being documented accurately for future generations.

He’d also given her unrestricted access to previously sealed sections of the library, much to her delight.

Since the head librarian had retired, Kerralyn’s mother had arrived at court and taken over the job, making Kerralyn feel comfortable going to the library at any time day or night.

“I’m up to volume three already.” Kerralyn produced a tiny leather journal from among the folds of her gown. “The research Velacross left behind is fascinating. Did you know he theorized that bloodlines like yours might exist in other realms too? That was why he traveled so much. He was hoping to find more people like himself. He also speculated that the ability to see and manipulate the weave could be?—”

“Later,” Nia said gently, her hand tightening on Kerralyn’s arm. “You promised not to turn every conversation into a history lesson.”

“I promised totrynot to.” But Kerralyn tucked the journal away with a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I got excited.”

“The world needs people who care about truth enough to chase it down and record it properly,” I said.

“The first volume is already being copied,” Nia said. “We’ll have versions distributed throughout the realm within the month. People deserve to know what really happened.”

“They deserve to know what heroes you all are.” Kerralyn’s eyes found mine. “You, Addie, Trew, and everyone else who fought. I’m making sure that’s recorded accurately.”

My throat went tight again. “Thank you. Don’t forget to include yourself.”

She quivered. “I’m not sure I should name myself in this document.”

“So you were lying when you told me you attacked the woman who’d killed two queens and the former Syllavar king to stop their attempt to rule the world?” Nia said, her eyebrows lifted.

“Well, I did play a small role,” Kerralyn said.

Nia nodded. “Then take the credit you’re due.”

“If you think I must.”

Nia rolled her eyes our way.

“You must,” I said.

We moved on, working our way through the celebration.

Maddox stood near the far wall with Mae and Leo. There had been a remarkable change in him over the past months. He still carried himself like a warrior, but his angry edge had softened into something steadier.

Leo bounced beside him, demonstrating a small flame he could conjure in his palm. Mae watched with pride rather than fear, no longer terrified of her son’s abilities now that he lived in a world that celebrated them instead of condemning him to death.

Maddox’s companion perched on his shoulder, watching Leo’s demonstration with interest.

When Maddox spotted us approaching, his expression shifted into something uncomfortable. He stepped forward.

“Your Majesty.” He addressed Trew first, then turned to me. “My queen. I wanted to?—”

“Don’t,” I said. “If you’re about to apologize again for the poisoning, we’ve had this conversation already. Multiple times. You’ve proven yourself since.”

“I nearly killed you.”

“But you didn’t. And you’ve spent months making different choices.” I gestured to where Leo was showing Mae his fire. “You’re teaching the next generation to survive without learning to hate first. That matters more than past mistakes.”

His jaw worked, emotions flickering across his face too quickly to name. “Jaxon would’ve been proud of who you’ve become and what you’ve built here.”

“He’d be proud of who you’ve become too,” I said. “You’re not the same person who blamed me. You’re someone who chose to grow instead of staying angry.”

Maddox smiled, and I found peace there.

“Instructor Maddox now,” Trew said, patting the other man’s shoulder. “The new warriors say you’re brutal but effective.”