Page 65 of Rescuing Mara

I know I have to pay attention to his words, but I tune out once he starts talking and focus on my mate.“They are all here for you.”

He smiles and looks at me.“And for you, Marra, do not underestimate how easily you have won them over. Just by being you and showing your strength.”

M’Ran takes something from one of the elders, and when he turns to us, I see he’s holding a golden band. “OUR KING!” he shouts as he places the crown on O’Rec’s head. All the spectators bump their fists across their hearts, and in unison, they shout, “OUR KING.” I break out in goosebumps and blink away my tears, squeezing his hand.

M’Ran walks back to the elders, and when he turns to me, he’s holding another gold band. However, where O’Rec’s crown is solid, mine is delicate. Strands of gold look like they’re woven together. It is beautiful. He places the crown on my head, and when he turns and shouts, “OUR QUEEN,” everybody in the crowd repeats his words.

Pride flows through my bond, and I look at O’Rec. He bumps his fist across his heart and bows his head. “MY QUEEN!” he shouts, and the crowd howls. Laughing, we embrace each other and share a quick kiss before we are swamped by happy people who want to congratulate us.

Lauren, D’Var, and Kepti are among the last people to congratulate us. Most of the others have already left, and I stand on my toes to see if I can spot T’Rak somewhere. I know O’Rec will be heartbroken if he’s not here.

D’Var embraces O’Rec, and they talk silently. Suddenly, they freeze, looking towards the shadows. I squint my eyes and see T’Rak slowly coming forward. He looks terrible, eyes sunken, with a vacant expression.

“Congratulations to you both,” he says gruffly. “I apologize for not being around, but I-”

O’Rec interrupts him and embraces him fiercely. “No apologies my friend, I am glad you are here.”

T’Rak first looks to O’Rec, then to D’Var. “Are you willing to take on one last mission?”

Lauren and I exchange a look, and I shrug. We haven’t talked about what would happen to the crew if O’Rec accepted his position as king, but I presumed we would stay on the Ring to do the things leaders do.

“What do you need?” O’Rec asks.

“Revenge.” He pauses, and his gaze flicks over us, guilt flashing through his eyes. “I want to hunt the High Commander down, and when I find him, I will kill him.”

O’Rec turns around to me, and I nod, walking towards them.

“Revenge doesn’t usually lead to healing. But we cannot let the High Commander get away with this. He probably hates us even more than he already did. So letting him go endangers us all.”

“Yes, we should go after him,” Lauren says, and I whip my head around. She walks towards D’Var and hugs his arm. “We should ALL go after him.”

“It is a long story, but where D’Var goes, typically L’Ren goes.”

“And what about me?”

“Do you wish to join us, my star?” he asks out loud. “It will be dangerous and probably a long mission, but it will be my last.”

I smile at him, my proud mate, my King. Where he goes, I go, and what’s best for him is best for me. And in this case, it’s best for our people.

“We will ALL go after him.”

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