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I look at Shayde once more and he turns his attention to me, the sun just behind him casting him in a darkened silhouette. As we embark on this next chapter of our journey, I know that whatever obstacles we may face, we will overcome them, hand in hand. For love has the power to conquer all, even in the face of betrayal and darkness.
CHAPTER18
The air hangsheavy with sorrow as we lead the defeated enemies through the dimly lit corridors of the prison. The odor of mildew in the stale air causes my nose to cringe. Chains clink and scrape against the cold stone floor as the prisoners captured from the battle make their way forward, a haunting echo of the lives they once lived. Shayde and I maintain our composure, but beneath the surface, a mix of relief and grief swirls within us.
The weight of justice rests upon our shoulders, for these prisoners are responsible not only for the murder of my parents but for the countless lives they extinguished in their misguided loyalty. Their cause, once formidable, now lies in ruins, its foundation shattered by our relentless determination.
Amongst the desperate faces, one stands out—Davanna Frangidi, a woman wracked with worry and fear. Her piercing gaze searches our faces, her voice trembling with anguish as she pleads for news of her daughter, Dafni. Unbeknownst to her, Dafni had attempted to take my life during the chaos of battle, only to be slain by Shayde in a desperate bid to protect his mate. We cannot bear to tell Davanna the truth, not now, not when her heart is already burdened with grief.
Now, if the shoe were on the other foot, Davanna would waste no time rubbing salt in the fresh wound, however, we are not her, nor would we ever enter a world where we would ever cast a shadow the way she did.
Instead, I glance over to the guards at the post and offer a single nod. In turn, the doors open and they wheel in a gurney. We present her with Dafni’s lifeless form, clothed in the armor of her misguided cause. Uncertainty clouds Davanna’s eyes as she gazes upon her daughter’s still figure, her voice scratches with a desperate hope. “How did she die? Tell me, please!”
A supporter of Davanna’s, consumed by anger and grief, steps forward. “Blame is laid bare upon the woman who stands before us. By dragging your daughter into this political quagmire, you ultimately led her to her demise.” The accusation hangs in the air like poison, and before our eyes, Davanna transforms from a grieving mother into a tempest of rage.
Her voice heavy with sorrow and fury, erupts like a volcano. She hurls curses and accusations at the one who dares to lay blame at her feet. Her grief, once contained, becomes a raging storm, threatening to consume all in its path. But we cannot allow her to cause more harm, not to herself or to others.
Swiftly, the guards intervene, their hands firm as they restrain Davanna, her cries of anguish echoing through the prison halls. She is led away, her fate sealed by the consequences of her actions. In due time, she will face trial for her crimes and be held accountable for the lives that were lost.
As I look around the room, the weight of responsibility presses upon my shoulders as I stand in the dimly lit chamber, surrounded by the remnants of the once mighty Necromantic Council. The council, once a pillar of power and guidance, now lies disbanded, leaving a void that needs to be filled. And according to the rules that govern our order, I’m next in line to rule.
But am I truly ready for that?
Doubts swirl in my mind like restless spirits, whispering insecurities that threaten to consume me. I have yet to complete my studies at Blackthorn Academy, and my knowledge of ruling extends no further than managing my own laundry.
How can I lead an entire community?
As I ponder my predicament, a familiar voice breaks through the haze of uncertainty. “Teagan,” Declan Powell, an elder warrior and a trusted mentor, steps forward. His eyes, aged and wise, hold a glimmer of assurance. “I have faith in you. I will aid in teaching you the art of leadership and be your guide through this journey.”
His words offer a flicker of hope in the darkness. Despite my reservations, I find solace in his presence and the wisdom he carries. After all, he knew my parents and was supporters of theirs. If it were not for Declan, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Perhaps, with his guidance, I can grow into the role that has been thrust upon me.
A shiver runs through the room as Shayde, my dark elf lover, materializes at my side through the shadows. His ebony skin and piercing crimson eyes accentuate his mysterious charisma. “Teagan, my love, you need not face this alone,” he murmurs, his voice a soft melody. “I will be here, supporting you every step of the way. Together, we will embrace the unknown and find our strength.”
His unwavering loyalty and love send warmth flooding through my veins. With Shayde by my side, I feel bolder, ready to face the challenges ahead. The love we share is a force that transcends the realm of the living, and it fuels my determination to prove myself worthy of this role.
He may have hurt me once upon a time, but something tells me he’ll spend the rest of his days making up for the predicament Davanna placed upon him, at no fault of his own.
A gentle squeeze of my free hand lets me know Evie is by my side. I glance at her and smile.
“You have me, you know?” She winks. “Your crazy bitch who will always be your ride or die.”
I laugh. I can’t help myself. Giving her a nod, I hold her hand tight in mine and give thanks to the Gods above for sending Evie into my life.
As news of my ascension spreads through our community, others step forward to pledge their loyalty. They offer their expertise, their knowledge, and their unwavering support. Their faith in me lifts my confidence in the path I must walk.
However, not everyone in the community embraces my rise to power. Some dissent, questioning my capabilities and challenging my authority. But their skepticism only strengthens my resolve. I am not here to force loyalty or bend others to my will. Those who choose to leave of their own accord are free to do so. I hold no ill will. For the path I tread is not an easy one, and I require those who stand by my side to do so willingly.
In the wake of the council’s dissolution, a newfound clarity takes hold of my heart. I may not have all the answers, and the weight of the future may seem daunting, but I am not alone. Declan’s wisdom, Shayde’s unwavering love, the friendship with Evie that ties it all together, and the support of my community, have become my pillars of strength.
Together, we will forge a new path, breathing life into the ashes of the past. And as I step forward to claim my place as the leader of our community, I know that I am ready to embrace the shadows, to learn and grow, and to become the necromancer and ruler that our community needs.
* * *
Back near Blackthorn Academy,Shayde and I find solace in each other’s arms in our secret place in the woods. The weight of the world may rest upon our shoulders, but in this moment, we can set it aside. The flickering of moonlight through the tree’s casts dancing shadows upon our faces, and the warmth of our love envelops us.
We share a tender embrace, our hearts intertwined in a delicate dance of healing and hope. In the quietude of the evening, we find comfort, for we have fought against darkness and emerged victorious. Our love, forged in the crucible of adversity, burns bright in this dark world.
As the night unfolds, we lose ourselves in each other, cherishing the respite from the burdens we bear. In this fleeting moment of tranquility, we find strength and rejuvenation. The weight of the world, the battles fought, and the lives lost, momentarily fade into the background, replaced by the tenderness of our connection.
