Page 90 of Taloned Heart

She gave it the hard tug they’d wanted from her and watched as it slithered off his form. The spell landed on the ground and left a small black smudge in the moss, a terrible reminder of what elves could do if they wished.

Zephyr sighed in relief, rubbing his hand over the skin there. “That’s much better. Thank you.”

“I did very little of the work. Don’t thank me, but I can help you find something that the Ashen Deep will enjoy.” Perhaps a little more elfweed. Certainly that deepmonger had found it nearby, or someone was a growing stash that she had yet to sniff out.

He chuckled, “Yes, well, you would know more of what they like than I do. I’ll admit, it’s been a relief to be around so many humans of late. Being surrounded by elves makes me a bit... twitchy these days.”

“Understandably so. At least the Ashen Deep are nothing like the rest of us.” In more ways than one. She narrowed her gaze on him as Zephyr started kicking his foot at the moss and looking anywhere but at her. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

“Uh, the... The humans have been... Well, you see, they’ve been talking. And it’s nothing against you. They just aren’t comfortable with elves either, or any magical creature, and I know the dragons are coming as well.” He’d started babbling like he always did when he was uncomfortable. “They think that... Well, it’s easier for them to talk with me, you understand? I know that’s strange to think, but they tell me more than they should. And they keep talking to me like I’m making decisions, and I’m not. You are. You’re the only person who I want to make decisions, too. I trust you, you know—”

Lore held up her hand for silence, and Zephyr nearly bit his tongue in his haste to shut up. “You’re rambling, Zeph. Just tell me what you came out here to say. You will not insult me.”

He took a deep breath, and she felt all the tension leak out of him as he blurted out, “The humans want me to take the throne when all of this is done, and the Baron has been rather vocal that they will not accept anyone but a mortal on that throne. And I would like you to take the throne instead.”

Sucking in a deep breath, she repeated to be sure, “You want me to take the throne when all of this is done?”

He nodded firmly. “It makes the most sense. You are the most qualified for the position and I think you would make a very good queen. I trust you and Abraxas.”

Oh. All the breath wheezed out of her lungs and Lore wished they had stayed next to her log because she would very much like to sit down. “No,” she finally said.

“What?”

“No,” she repeated, although the temptation lingered. “I will not take the throne.”

“But you have earned it. You came back from the dead, Lore! You have saved all of us countless times, and this throne was made for you.” He threw his hands up in the air. “There’s a prophecy and everything! You’re supposed to be on that throne, and I will not stand in your way. Neither will I ever align myself with people who do not see you for who you are.”

“Oh, you sweet young man.” Lore felt all the power in her vibrating, and she knew she had to share with him the struggles she faced. Lore let it out, showing him the glimmer of moon magic that had always turned her skin to diamonds and how it had changed. How her skin no longer glowed with moonlight but with a darkness that had an edge, a rippling power that was black and red like poison. “If I took the throne, you would have an avenging goddess ruling this kingdom. I wasn’t lying when I said it. I am undying and so powerful that I could wipe all of Umbra clean. I would rule over a vast and barren world, for power always corrupts.”

“Not you,” he denied her words. “You would never be corrupted.”

“I already have been,” she whispered, and the power flowed out of her again. “My path is not goddess or queen. What Umbra needs is a kind and giving ruler who sees the good in everyone that they meet. Someone with patience, who hasn’t had hope stamped out of their very soul. They need someone who will give them the time to grow, and will nourish them with happiness and light. This kingdom does not need a goddess, Zephyr.” She stepped close to him and put her hand on his shoulder. “This kingdom needs you.”

He gaped at her, his mouth moving like he was trying to speak, but couldn’t get the words out. Until he wheezed, “I am not fit to be king.”

“Because you believe that, Zephyr, I am certain that you are very much fit to be king.”

And it felt right. It all clicked into place so perfectly and she knew what to do after all this was said and done.

She squeezed his shoulder. “You will rule Umbra as you should have after the death of your brother. You will have advisors from all walks of life, and you will listen to them as no one else ever has. You will prove to the magical creatures that you care about their wellbeing and you will work to make their lives better. And the mortals will see you do that, a king that they stand by, and they will follow in your footsteps.”

He swallowed hard. “I am afraid.”

“We all are. But you will never be alone, Zephyr. I will always be here with you, but I cannot and will not take that throne. I give it to you, Zephyr. So you can lead this kingdom into the light.”

And though she knew it terrified him, he looked up at her and she saw the change. She saw the hope build in his chest and when he nodded, she knew this was the right step.

The right way forward for them all.

CHAPTER35

He skirted around a cloud, tilting his wings so he could maneuver through it without being seen. This felt... strange. He remembered the path that Tanis had detailed to him. He remembered this journey as though he’d done it before, but he couldn’t have gone this way before. Abraxas stayed away from this side of the kingdom.

Solis Occasum had already fallen, but there were cave systems beyond it. Tanis had felt them as she made her journey here, and she had been certain that was where the crimson dragons had spoken with her.

It was the final resting place for many of his kind; she had said. She’d warned of what he might find within those caverns. If there were any other hidden crystals, she would have sent him there. But this? This was the journey he had to make.

And so he landed outside of the cave system and tucked his wings tight against his body. These caves were made by dragons. He should journey into them with the bravery and body of a protector who had seen his family through much hardship. He should hold his head high and proud.

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