Page 63 of Awakened Destiny
"You seem very certain about confronting the Council," I say.
Callen glances back at me. "They think they're gathering to plan our demise. Instead, they're walking into their own reckoning."
I catch Lochan's eye. His expression is grim but determined, a silent communication passing between him and Callen that speaks of years of trust.
"And what exactly is your plan?" I ask.
"That," Callen says, stopping before a weathered door in an unassuming building, "is what we're about to discuss."
He places his palm against the door, which glows faintly before swinging open to reveal a modest but well-kept interior.
"After you, my lady," he says with a theatrical bow.
I step inside, my heart racing with equal parts fear and exhilaration. Today I walked into a fairy tale kingdom. Tonight, it seems, we're planning a coup.
The room inside is simple—a stark contrast to the opulence of the palace. A large table dominates the center, maps and papers scattered across its surface. Various crystals embedded in the walls provide soft illumination.
"Your secret hideout?" I ask, running my fingers along the edge of the table.
"One of the few places in the kingdom not under the Council's surveillance."
Lochan moves to secure the door behind us.“Callen and I used to sneak in here as children.”
I circle the room, taking in the detailed maps of the kingdom. "It's really happening, isn't it? You're going to claim the throne."
Callen comes to stand beside me. "We're going to claim the throne. I can't do this without you, Brigid."
His words send a flutter through my chest that has nothing to do with fear. I look up at his face, searching for doubt and finding none.
"What can I possibly offer that you don't already have? I know nothing about fae politics."
"You underestimate yourself," Lochan interjects. "Your shadow magic is unlike anything the fae have seen in generations. The Council fears it—and that makes it valuable.”
He doesn’t mention that the Council doesn’t yet know that I have the Morrigan’s power, and the ability to see the threads of fate. I wonder if he’s worried about speaking that out loud.
"And," Callen adds, taking my hand, "you have something no strategist can teach—compassion that tempers strength. You saw my mother today and understood her without a word passing between you."
I think back to Queen Maywen's haunted eyes, the fragility beneath her regal bearing. "She's being controlled, isn't she? Not just manipulated, but actually controlled."
"Yes," Callen nods, squeezing my hand. "And you sensed it immediately."
"So, what's our next move?" I ask, surprising myself with the "our." This morning, the idea of being involved in fae politics would have seemed absurd.
“We have the advantage of knowing their plans,” Callen says with a dangerous smile, "so we use their own plans against them."
Chapter Thirty Three
Brigid
The marble floor of the palace chills through the soles of my boots as we stride down its endless corridor. Paintings of ancient fae monarchs watch our progress with cold, judging eyes.
"The Council chambers are just ahead," Callen says, voice low. He walks slightly in front of Lochan and me, back straight, shoulders squared.
I notice how different he looks wearing the silver crown—not physically heavier, but somehow more substantial. The delicate metalwork catches the light from crystal sconces lining the walls, casting brief patterns across his face.
"How many Council members should we expect?" I ask, tucking a strand of dark hair behind my ear. My magic coils inside me, ready but controlled—for now.
"There are a number of them left, plus members of the elite families who still support their corruption."
