Page 68 of Awakened Destiny
I freeze.
"Is that safe?" I ask, rising to my feet. Considering the rebels’entire plan revolved around Marius and I becoming vessels for the Raven King and the Morrigan, it’s doubtful they’re very happy with him right now.
Marius crosses the room until he stands directly before me. "I contacted someone I trust. Someone who might help bridge the gap between us and them."
"Are you sure that’s wise?" The skepticism in my voice is unmistakable.
A smile touches his lips. "I trust very few people. You should know that by now."
I consider his words. "Why now?" I ask.
“The balance of power has shifted, now that you know you can control the Morrigan’s power. Now that you know who you are.”
I think about Callen, about my declaration as High Fae Queen, about the destiny that courses through my veins. So much power, and yet I feel more vulnerable than ever.
"Do they know who I am? What I am?" I ask.
"They know enough to be cautious." Marius reaches out, his fingers hovering near my face before he drops his hand. "But they're willing to listen."
The weight of responsibility presses down on me. Another alliance to forge when I barely understand my own power.
"When?" I ask, resignation and determination mingling in my voice.
"Soon." Marius steps back, giving me space. "We'll need to tread carefully. The rebels have their own agenda, their own grievances against the established order."
I nod. "Tell me what you know."
As Marius begins to speak, I glance toward the window. Night has fallen completely now, and somewhere in the darkness beyond the academy's walls, a new group of potential allies, or perhaps enemies, awaits. It's becoming harder to tell the difference.
Marius paces across the floor. "These rebels aren't just random dissidents," he says. "Many are descendants of those who fought alongside the Raven King. His descendants, my family, kept him alive for generations, and these rebels kept that secret."
I sink onto the edge of my bed, trying to process everything. "And they're angry that he’s not here. That the power went to me instead of you."
"Some are." Marius stops pacing and kneels before me. His fingers trail up my arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake. "But what matters is what we can offer them now. Protection. Purpose. A chance to step out of the shadows."
His touch is distracting, comforting, and unsettling all at once. His hands move to my face, thumbs brushing my cheekbones with surprising gentleness.
"They need you, Brigid." His dark eyes hold mine. "They need someone who understands both shadow and light. Someone who can unite, not divide."
"I don't know if I can be that person," I admit.
His hands slide down to my shoulders, then back up to touch my face. "I do. I've seen your strength."
I've spent so long trying to be invisible, to keep my head down and survive. All my life, that has been how I’ve gotten by. Now Marius wants me to step out into the spotlight. To be a beacon for the shattered factions to come towards, and come together.
"The Council has already weakened," he continues, one hand moving to my hair, fingers threading through the dark strands. "With the rebels brought in, we could reshape the entire thing. Unite the realm."
His proximity makes it hard to think. His smoky, dark and spicy scent fills my senses. His thumb traces my bottom lip, and for a moment, I forget about rebels and elites and destiny.
"I have news too," I say, forcing my mind to focus. His touch moves to the nape of my neck, gentle but possessive. "About Callen."
Marius's fingers still briefly before resuming their caress. "What happened?"
I take a deep breath. "Callen ascended. He's the High Fae King now."
Marius's expression darkens slightly, but his hands remain gentle as they trace patterns on my skin. "And?"
"And he declared me Queen."
