Page 70 of Fate of the Fallen
I leaned into Liam’s side as agonizing screams rose into the air, the howls of Sebastian’s lycans and dragons being consumed by the blue flame of an original—our clan’s failsafe to ensure that we would never have to live through another era of hell.
I turned away from the blaze, glancing up at Liam. The sweetest part of all was that finally, for the first time in our lives, there was no threat ofanythingtearing us apart. He was mine and I was his.
Forever.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Two Weeks Later …
Evie
This garden was now so familiar. I’d seen it from the terrace in my dreams countless times, but this was the first time I walked through it.
My eyes stayed trained on my feet, staring as a long, blue dress trailed through the grass. At either side, stones outlined the path. It only took a moment to realize I wasn’t alone, a moment to understand the sense of being surrounded by love to overwhelm me.
I glanced right and my gaze landed on a face that shouldn’t have been familiar to me, but it was. At the sight of his dark skin creasing with a broad smile—the kind that made his eyes crinkle at the corners—my heart filled with emotion. To the point that I believed it might actually burst. I knew him, knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was Noah.
My father.
“I thought I’d join you,” he said, the smoothness of his deep, soothing voice ringing familiar to my senses. “I hope you don’t mind the company.”
I took his hand and felt so safe, so loved. “I’m glad to have you,” I replied, resting my head on his shoulder as our pace slowed.
The breeze kissed my face just like the heat of the sun high above. I recalled Liam saying once that the garden was one of my favorite places. Being here now, even in a dream, I understood why. There was so much peace. It inspired me to reflect and seek clarity.
“Your mother is concerned,” he said, breaking the silence.
My smile dimmed a bit before replying. “Why would she be concerned?”
A flock flew overhead, and while I had zero knowledge of birds present day, I couldn’t say the same for theoldme. I was able to identify them without a second thought—white-tailed swallows.
I lowered my gaze, keeping my eyes trained on the path ahead, and listened when my father replied.
“She fears you were overwhelmed by your new charge.”
My stomach sank hearing him acknowledge it, and I didn’t respond.
We walked in silence for a moment before he spoke again.
“Do you know why I chose you?”
I breathed deep.
“I was a bit confused,” I admitted. “I’m unsure why you’d overlook my brothers, your own sons.”
A deep sigh left my mouth. Just acknowledging the task he’d given me—one day inheriting the kingdom—made me feel incredibly overwhelmed.
His eyes were so gentle when he stopped walking and turned to face me. “I can see why this would be difficult to understand.”
“Most fathers cannot wait to see their eldest son follow in his footsteps. Declan is strong, noble, certainly fit to be king,” I argued.
My father nodded. “I agree with everything you’ve said.”
“Then why would you put this responsibility on me?” I snapped, immediately regretting the tone I’d taken with him. “I’m … I apologize,” I said, humbling myself.
He hadn’t let the harshly spoken words rattle him. Instead, he seemed to sympathize as my hands were taken into his. The same peace that rested on him throughout our conversation took a hold of me, too, as my eyes roamed his features. He was regal, handsome.
“Evangeline, the crown will one day be yours because … this is your calling. Appointing you was not a choice … it was my responsibility,” he declared.