washed over me. This would all end soon. Nicholas and I would be able to begin our life together. We could let the past go
and move forward into the future holding each other’s hands.
A part of me longed to say those words. Those three words that people said to each other when opening their hearts to one
another. But then, would those three words be enough? Surely I would need to say something grander, more daring.
Riding through the threshold of the main gates, no one stopped us, the entire castle grounds empty, eerily quiet and my heart
stopped. Both Genu and Marcus looked at each other with worry in their eyes, and then towards me, as if I knew the answer.
Dismounting my horse, to the protest of Genu, I rushed through the main courtyard and towards the front doors of the castle.
Which would take me to the foyer, through the grand open space that connected to the stairs, and towards many different
hallways until finally my feet found the throne room.
Genu, Marcus, Karim, and many of Genu’s soldiers followed behind quickly, each with their swords posed and ready.
There, sitting on top of Nicholas’s throne was Dorian, with Nora beside him in my throne. At their feet, bound and gagged was
Nicholas and his sisters.
Panya stood beside them, her hands up as a dark grey light oozed from them, she was holding them in place. Karim was the
first to step forward, confusion spread across his face while Marcus placed a hand on his forearm, pulling him back.
“Sister? What is this?” Karim asked, broken.
“I am so glad you finally decided to join us, Ornella. Oh, and you’ve brought more of our esteemed guests. Welcome!”
Nora exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
I didn’t need another betrayal. I waited for the shoe to drop with Genu admitting she’d played me. Instead, all she did was
laugh, swing her sword in the air and stepped forward, standing beside me proudly.
“I believe you’re in my seat,” I spoke, growing in confidence by having the empress beside me.
I couldn’t make a fancy move with my own sword, but I felt powerful just by wearing the armour of Nadrolan. The crest of
Obsidian, a raven in flight with the moon cycle above it, was etched at the last minute before we rode here.
Dorian laughed that disgusting, pompous laugh as he clicked his fingers. Panya pushed forward with her magic, making the
three sisters scream out in pain, whereas Nicholas stayed silent.
“When you didn’t come for Panya, I had to take matters into my own hands. She was given a choice, die at the hands of me
and my soldiers, or do as I command, and she will be spared.”
In the time we had spoken, Karim and Panya set eyes on each other and were possibly already communicating between
themselves. It was unknown if anyone else in the room knew of this form of contact, but then it dawned on me as I looked at
Nicholas. He too wasn’t looking at anyone, but Panya.
He could hear her.
