Page 86 of Realms of Shadow and Sun

She pushed the thought aside, hoping Grayden was too preoccupied to peer into her mind. When her emotions ran high, he tended to check in on her, but she didn't feel his familiar presence. He must have attributed her apprehension to their current predicament. Once she was sure, she would tell him. She didn't want to be mistaken, and she knew such news could distract him during the battle. More than that, she knew Grayden wouldn't allow her to do anything remotely dangerous if there was a chance she was carrying their child.

From their vantage point, they watched as the first of the Shadow Queen's soldiers entered the city. As planned, Grayden swooped in on Beauty, landing before them. Renya had asked him to offer the soldiers a chance to retreat, hoping to minimize bloodshed. Though she couldn't hear his words, she watched as he pleaded with the army.

Cressida appeared, shooting a blast of magic towards Grayden. He ducked, and Beauty quickly lifted him to safety. Renya's heart clenched as the soldiers marched on, her hope for a peaceful resolution crumbling.

“I knew she wouldn't allow for a peaceful solution,” Renya said, twirling her engagement ring. “But I really hoped she would.”

The air filled with the sounds of battle—clashing metal, shouts, and battle cries creating a ruckus that hung heavy in the air. Renya shuddered, knowing each sound potentially represented a life lost.

Cressida weaved above the city on Brutus, shouting orders and commanding her troops as she slowly made her way towards the tower. Though Renya couldn't make out specific soldiers, her heart raced knowing Phillippe, Triston, Charly, and Sion were down there. She could see bursts of magic that she knew came from Kalora and her aunt.

Her mind wandered to Selenia, likely huddled in the library, sick with worry over Sion. She imagined Julietta and Esmeralda comforting her, though Esmeralda would no doubt be equally concerned for Phillippe. The thought of Sion finally being able to feel his bond with Selenia once Cressida was gone helped strengthen Renya's resolve.

“Can you tell who's winning?” Renya asked, her eyes straining to make sense of the chaos below.

Cyrus shook his head. “They're holding steady. Our side hasn't pushed her army back, but they haven't penetrated deeper into the city either.” His expression was pained, and Renya realized he loved these lands as much as Grayden loved the Snow Lands. With a pang, she acknowledged that this was her realm too, and she felt the horror her father felt as the darkly-clad soldiers tried to infiltrate the streets.

She watched, helpless, as a group of soldiers broke past several Tidal Kingdom warriors and set the communal garden ablaze. Her fingers clenched, teeth grinding as she took in the destruction.

“It won't be long now,” Cyrus warned, his eyes fixed on the approaching figure of Brutus. The dragon was close enough now that Renya could see his gleaming eyes and scales reflecting the harsh sunlight. Cressida, clad in a black skin-tight leather suit with a cape trailing behind her, circled the dilapidated tower.

“Renya, get back,” Cyrus ordered through gritted teeth.

A moment later, Cressida appeared in the large stone window, stepping into the room. A chill ran down Renya's spine as dread overcame her.

“Well, isn't this fitting,” Cressida crooned, her eyes taking in the destroyed room. “It's right that we should end it here, where it all began.”

“It began before this, Cressy,” Cyrus replied, his voice tight. “The second you found those scrolls, you set this whole cycle of events in motion.”

“Don't. Call. Me. That.” Cressida's face turned ashen, her body tensing visibly. Her elaborately braided hair and dark, menacing makeup gave her an otherworldly, threatening appearance.

“Why not? It's what I called you before.”

“Before you deceived me and broke our bond.” Cressida's eyes bulged, her nostrils flaring.

Cyrus chuckled, his arms crossed lazily against his chest in a show of false nonchalance. “Well, are you here to make the trade? Your cousin for all the magic you've siphoned out of this world?”

A cruel laugh escaped Cressida's lips. “You fool. As if I would go to any trouble to save my idiot cousin. Keep him, kill him, it matters not. I'm here to reclaim my daughter.” She made a motion with her fingers, as if to summon Renya, but Cyrus was faster. Golden strands of his magic shot out, binding Cressida.

She broke free with ease, laughing at the attempt. “Your magic is no match for mine.”

This time, she moved with lightning speed, freezing Cyrus where he stood. The surprise in his eyes told Renya this was unexpected. He struggled to break free, managing only to move his head slightly.

“I have a few more tricks up my sleeve since we last met,” Cressida taunted. “Did you ever wonder why Brandle was captured so easily?” The cruel smile she flashed made Renya take an involuntary step back.

“You took Brandle's magic?” Renya asked, finally finding her voice.

Cressida ignored the question, her attention laser-focused on Renya. “Daughter, come to me. Let's destroy your father once and for all. We'll take his magic, and then move on to even greater things.”

“Yes, mother,” Renya replied, feigning obedience as she moved towards Cressida. But before she could take more than a few steps, she found herself suddenly paralyzed.

Confusion swirled in Renya's mind as Cressida approached. What had happened? Why was she frozen?

Cressida grabbed Renya's arm roughly, pushing up her sleeve. “You thought you could fool me?” she spat, dropping Renya's arm as if it burned her. She began pacing the tower, her movements sharp and agitated. Horror rose in Renya's throat as she realized what her mother had seen—her mating mark, sparkling in the light that filtered through the gaps in the ceiling.

“Your bond was never broken,” Cressida accused, snatching a broken picture frame from the dresser and smashing it on the floor. Glass shards scattered everywhere, a fitting metaphor for the shattered façade of their deception. She turned to Cyrus, fury blazing in her eyes. “You deceived me!”

Cyrus remained silent, still unable to move. Renya could see his eyes darting frantically, searching for a way out of his former mate's hold.

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