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A tree on the water’s edge has burst into soft pink blossoms. A delicate fragrance fills the air. Some of the blossoms have scattered across the lake, forming a carpet of pale pink against the startling blue water.
There’s something in the pond that wasn’t there last time—when Corvan and I stood on its frozen surface and shared our very first kiss.
A pavilion has been constructed, attached to an elegant bridge extending from the footpath beside the water. The pavilion is octagonal in shape, made of wood and steel, its curving roof covered in porcelain tiles that are a delicate shade of pale green.
My mouth hangs open. When did Corvan arrangethis?And without me even noticing.
Life is full of surprises when the one you’re bonded to can do literallyanything.
But the biggest surprise of all is standing in the center of the pavilion, looking out upon the serene waters.
As I approach, she turns around.
I forget to breathe. My chest tightens. A tingle of magic dances across my skin.
We lock eyes.
Her gaze is the color of emeralds; of the new spring and the deep forests. Her long hair is a rich shade of bottle-green, so deep it’s almost black. It’s been bound into a pair of long braids that trail down her back.
She wears a dress made of foliage; of thousands of tiny leaves knitted together without seam or stitch, clinging to her lithe form like a second skin before flaring out at her hips to form a long, flowing skirt.
Her skin is flawless; ageless, she could be mistaken for being on the cusp of womanhood if not for the weight of her gaze and the wisdom etched into her expression.
She looks formidable; unimpregnable.
For a moment, I’m awestruck and utterly intimidated.
But then she breaks.
Her expression crumbles. Her eyes shimmer with tears.
She might look like an ethereal being, but her expression right now is soveryhuman.
She opens her arms, beckoning to me.
I have no words. As if in a trance, I walk towards her, my feet moving of their own volition.
Into her embrace.
She wraps her arms around me, and suddenly everything feelsright.
“Finley,”she whispers, her voice smooth and resonant. It’s like a balm for my anxious soul. “I’m sorry it took mesolong to reach you. What a fine young woman you’ve grown into.” She softens her embrace and extends her arms just a little, putting some distance between us so she can take a good look at me. Tears are streaming down her cheeks. I reach up and wipe them with my sleeve. “If only I could have nurtured you the way I wanted…”
I can’t bear to see her like this; filled with bitterness and remorse and grief. This should be a joyous occasion. “I’m sorry, too. For so long, I didn’t know. That man hid your existence from all of us. I’m sorry it took us so long to find you.Youdon’t need to be sorry for anything,mama.You never did anything wrong, and by placing the seal on me and cursing Lucar Solisar, you protected me. It worked out all right, didn’t it? I’m here. I’m well. And so are you… I hope.”
“I am well, my child.” She leans in and gently kisses me on top of my hair, her love and warmth radiating through me. “Now that I’ve found you, I am well, and I know that you’ll be in good hands. You’ve made a fine choice of mate.”
“I certainly have.” I beam through my own tears. “Did you know that we were getting married today? Is that why you’re here?”
She nods, a knowing smile curving her lips. “Corvan and I have been in communication. One might say that all of this was his idea. I am sorry I didn’t come and see you sooner, but I was in no state to meet you yet. I was weak, and consumed with the need for vengeance. But all that has been dealt with now—Lucar Solisar included.
Oh?My eyes narrow in curiosity. “What did you do to him?”
Her smile turns devious. “I have my ways. I could have simply devoured him, but I thought it best that he should suffer. He works for me now—both he and the one called Dorava. He’s to make me a forest in the middle of the empire. After that… I’ll decide what to do with him, but regardless of what I choose, he’s going to be my slave for the rest of his life.”
Her eyes glow faintly. For the first time, I get a sense of how terrifying she can be if crossed.
She wraps her arms around me again. “But let’s not worry about that now. Today, you’re to be wed, and I am so very happy for you—and proud.” She takes my hands into hers and squeezes tightly. I don’t feel even the tiniest sliver of ill intent. She exudes warmth and love, and it’s as if I’ve known her my entire life. “The entire time I was held captive—when those stupid Rahavans used my power for ill-conceived purposes—the only thing that kept me going was the thought that I’d meet you again someday. But even though I wished for it, I never imagined that our reunion would be as perfect as this. I’m here now, Finley, and Iwillbe here for you from now on. I’ll teach you all about your heritage; about the power that you are yet to unlock, and although you probably don’t need it, I offer you my vow of protection.”
