Page 49 of Queen of Thorns
Power still floods from my hands. The fountain is not yet full. But I turn my gaze up to the domed ceiling, watching the palace reveal itself, bit by bit. Like a veil has dropped, this room has become something entirely new.
Near the ceiling, the lines of gargoyles shake dust from their leathery skin but then return to their stoic positions, eyes shining bright.
Black water bubbles up in the fountain until three streams of magical water shoot up and down in a gentle curve.
“Drink,” the queen tells the crowd. And as if a barrier was dropped, the people rush forward. Desperately, they claw at the water, like it’s the very source of life. They drink greedily, some scooping with their hands, others dunking their face into the magical waters.
The magic continues to flow from me, and my fingers tremble. I lick my dry lips.
“We have entered into a new era.” The queen’s voice booms over the crowd. More bodies press into the room. “Caelynn has the blood of the old kings, and the magic needed to rebuild our power. Caelynn Shadowspell will be your new queen.”
My head spins suddenly, knees weak. I blink and brace myself on the stand holding the bowl.
“Well done, child.”
I don’t know who says those words.
Darkness peppers my vision, and my knees buckle. And then, I fall into strong, gentle arms just as the power takes everything.
Rev
Iforce air throughmy lungs as I watch magic returning to this neglected palace. It’s palpable, the hope and power and love filling this large room. Around a hundred Shadow Court citizens have made their way up the steps and into the palace by the time the fountain began truly flowing with magic. The rush to taste of the power sends a wave of urgency through the crowd below, and fae began running for the palace steps.
Just a few sips will strengthen their own magic, increase their healing speeds, and sharpen their existing skills. It will make a big difference for these fae. But there are many thousands more in need.
Just witnessing this beautiful exchange causes my heart to soar because I know this is everything to Caelynn. I turn to watch her, stunning and ethereal, but... her face is pale, her eyes unfocused.
She’s giving too much, too fast. Without thinking, I rush forward while the queen gives her small speech. The people don’t react to her declaration that she’s a Shadowspell the way I would have expected, but I suppose they assume this queen is a Shadowspell. They don’t know that her line has been a replacement for several hundred years.
I reach Caelynn just as she collapses. Her limp form falls into my arms. I pull the bag off her back and sling it over my own shoulder, and then I stand, cradling her.
The queen faces me, the crowd still swarming the fountain below.
“Is there somewhere I can take her?”
She frowns, eyes examining me. “Reveln?”
