Chapter Magic Revelation
“My magic only really shows itself when I’m emotional, and even then, I don’t understand how I’m controlling it. I need to understand it.”
Valric studies me for a moment, his expression thoughtful, before he speaks. “You always did let your emotions rule you. It’s both your greatest strength and your weakness.” His words aren’t harsh, but they’re honest—blunt, even.
I swallow hard and meet his gaze. “Will you help me?”
I need him to say yes.
A smile tugs at the corner of Valric’s lips, and he nods. “Of course, Princess.”
I exhale, dipping my head in gratitude, but before I can thank him, he adds, “On one condition.”
My heart skips a beat, and I look up, confusion and trepidation swirling in my chest. “What condition?”
“If you take your rightful place as our queen.” His expression is resolute. “Bring the Outcasts home.”
Everything in me stills. Then the air leaves my lungs in a rush.
“What?” I manage, my voice barely above a whisper. This is not what I expected.
Valric’s gaze remains steady, unwavering. “Because it’s your rightful place. Your people have been waiting for your return, Everly.”
The weight of his words crashes down on me like a tidal wave.
How could I possibly take on such a role right now?
Plus, I’m Maxon’s mate—his queen, or I will be, though it’s not official yet.
But what Valric is suggesting . . . If I were to take up the mantle of queen for my own people, what would that mean?
Would the two kingdoms merge? How would it even work?
My head spins with a thousand questions, each one more complicated than the last. The politics, the responsibilities—I know nothing of how to rule.
“I . . . ” My voice falters, my thoughts scrambling for some sort of clarity. “But Maxon . . . ”
Valric’s expression softens, but there’s a firmness in his voice when he clarifies, “You can be both. The queen of your people, and his. It’s time for you to embrace all that you are, Everly.”
I stare at him, my mind reeling. Can I really do this? My attention shifts to Raiden, who stands a few feet away with his arms crossed, a scowl stretched across his face. But when he notices me looking, his silver eyes soften, the hard lines of his expression easing just slightly.
“It’s up to you, Princess.” His voice remains low and steady, like he’s offering me a lifeline—no pressure, just quiet support.
I try to clear my throat. My gaze flicks back to Valric, who is casually munching on his apple like this conversation isn’t reshaping the entire trajectory of my life.
“Okay,” I finally breathe, the word barely making it past my lips. But it’s out there now, spoken into existence. My hands reach for Nymeria, my fingers sinking into the fur at her nape, and the sensation calms me.
Valric grins, his teeth flashing. “Excellent. We’ll discuss the coronation after the funeral processions,” he says nonchalantly, like it’s a perfectly normal thing to toss out amidst plans of a royal funeral. But his words send a cold jolt of reality through me.
Funerals. My heart sinks, the reminder hitting harder than I expected.
“Lavina hasn’t been buried yet?” I question.
“We don’t bury our dead,” Raiden frowns at me. “But no. The former queen and a few others are yet to be sent off, including Rayna.”
This is all so much to take in and I understand none of it. A thought flashes through my mind.
“I want to see Nolan,” I blurt, my voice cracking slightly.
Valric’s grin falters, and even Raiden’s usually impassive expression shows a flicker of anger.
“Why?” he demands.
“We need him. And he doesn’t deserve to miss Lavina’s funeral. If Valric is allowed to roam the castle, and Kian, after everything that was done, then Nolan does, too,” I argue.
“He tried to get rid of you,” Raiden argues slowly.
I sigh, rubbing my temples. “It’s not like he wanted me dead.”
“He got people killed trying to get you away from Maxon,” Raiden snaps.
“By him!” I yell, pointing at Valric. “His people–”
“Your people,” Valric cuts in, earning a glare from me.
“–did the killing,” I continue. “Nolan only gave them the information.”
Raiden’s wings snap out as his anger flares. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“Look, we need all hands on deck here. Nolan has knowledge we may need. He helped raise Maxon, he surely would want his king back.”
Raiden growls, running a hand over his head. “I don’t like this.”
“You don’t have to. But we need him. Stick a guard on him if you have to, but we need his input. Whether we want it or not.”
Raiden grunts. “Fine, but you’re not going down to the dungeons. I will go myself and get things settled.”
“Thank you.”
Valric stands, his chair scraping across the floor. “Well, I will leave you to it. I will return tomorrow at dawn for the funerals. Then we train.”
Turning on his heels, he slips from the room.