Page 63 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

Renya stretched, her muscles pleasantly sore from the day's exertions. As she rose from the bed, a soft knock came at the door.

“Come in,” she called, smoothing down her rumpled clothes.

The door creaked open, revealing Selenia and Julietta. Selenia's eyes were rimmed with red, a stark contrast to the anger Renya had seen earlier.

“Renya,” Selenia said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Can we talk?”

“Of course,” Renya replied, gesturing for the two girls to enter. They settled on the plush chairs near the fireplace, Julietta's hand resting supportively on Selenia's arm.

“I'm sorry if we woke you,” Julietta said, her eyes filled with concern. “We didn't know where else to go.”

Renya shook her head. “Don't apologize. I'm glad you came.” She turned her attention to Selenia. “How are you holding up?”

Selenia's lower lip trembled. “I thought I was doing better. I was so angry earlier, and that felt...easier. But now...” She trailed off, a sob catching in her throat.

Renya moved to kneel in front of Selenia, taking her hands. “It's okay to be sad, Selenia. What you're going through, it's not easy.”

“But I should be stronger than this,” Selenia protested. “I told him off, I stood up for myself. Why do I still feel so horrible?”

“Because you cared for him,” Renya said softly. “And caring for someone, even when they're not right for you, it leaves a mark. It's okay to mourn what could have been, even if you know it's for the best.”

Julietta nodded in agreement. “My mother always says that the heart doesn't always listen to reason. It's okay to feel conflicted.”

Selenia looked between the two of them, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. “I just...I feel so foolish. I thought he would change his mind. I thought I could be enough.”

Renya squeezed Selenia's hands. “Listen to me. You are more than enough. Jurel's inability to commit has nothing to do with your worth. Some people just aren't ready for the kind of love and commitment you're looking for, and that's on them, not you.”

“But what if I never find someone who wants what I want?” Selenia's voice was small, vulnerable.

Julietta spoke up, her voice gentle but firm. “You will. You're amazing, Selenia. Any man would be lucky to have you. And in the meantime, you have us. You're not alone.”

Renya nodded in agreement. “Exactly. And think of it this way—now you're free to find someone who truly deserves you. Someone who will cherish you and want the same things you do.”

Selenia managed a watery smile. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” Renya affirmed. “You're strong, Selenia. Stronger than you know. This pain won't last forever, I promise.”

Selenia leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Renya in a tight hug. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I don't know what I'd do without you.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

Aloud horn sounded, jolting Renya from the depths of sleep. She awoke quickly, disoriented and scanning the dimly lit room. Grayden's side of the bed was empty. His naked silhouette stood before the fire, struggling into his clothes.

“Grayden, what's happening?”

“I don't know, Renya. But that horn is a warning. Something's going on. Get dressed—quickly. Make sure you have your dagger. We need to head to the throne room.”

Renya's heart pounded an irregular rhythm as fear choked her. She knew what it was. The Shadow Queen had found them. Renya pulled on the outfit she wore the day before, not caring that it was dirty. She found the dagger on her nightstand and tucked it into the bodice of her dress. Guilt washed over her as she watched Grayden sling his sword over his back. She had brought this here, to the Twilight Kingdom. Cressida would follow her wherever she went. It wouldn't be over until one of them was dead. Renya knew it in her heart.

The horn sounded again, and then Renya heard something that made her stomach drop and bile rise in her throat. A loud roar, trembling like thunder, pierced through the night air. She looked at Grayden, knowing what it was, but desperately hoping she was wrong.

His look said it all. Dragons.

Cressida was here, and with her dragons. Renya shuddered all over, and Grayden grabbed her by the wrist.

“Look at me, Renya. You can stay here if you want, and I'll go negotiate with Cressida.”

“Like hell I'm leaving you.”

---