Page 44 of Queen of Thorns
“They need you,” he tells me again.
I pull in a long breath. They do. I know that. I’ve always known that.
“This is what I’ve wanted... forever. There’s not a thing I can remember ever wanting more. To belong here. To give power back to this court.”
Rev’s smile is sad. “And you were born to do it. This is your destiny.” Rev swallows, his eyes darkening as he turns to stare at the palace again.
I watch him for longer than I should. His eyes distant, pained. It was a quick change.
“Our destinies are separate,” I murmur, realizing the source of his pain. How wonderful would it be for us to have a future together? As one. But we don’t have the luxury.
Rev doesn’t respond.
“Thank you,” I tell him.
“For what?” His voice is lighter, almost amused.
“For bringing me here. For believing in me.” Forgiving me, trusting me, bonding to me, loving me. All of it, really.
My heart is full, even though I know it’s short term, him being here with me is everything. “You’re welcome,” he whispers.“In the Schorchedlands, I made a decision. I saw all your sacrifices. I saw the pain you’d endured for so long.”
The back of my throat stings.
“And I decided I wanted to give some of it back to you. Any bit of happiness I can grant to you, I will.”
“Well, this is it. This is—”
“I know,” he whispers. “Now, go and take it.”
Rev
Istay at the hillsideand just watch as Caelynn takes long purposeful strides toward the Shadow palace—my mate approaching her destiny. The people gather to watch her ascent to the gates. Uncertain murmurs scatter over the crowd, but the shadow sprites leap through the streets.
The swirling darkness of those playful creatures bound onto shoulders of the fae lining the path toward the massive structure covering the horizon.
“Queen?” a few people murmur.
