Page 122 of Black Crown

Tyrrik and I waved back.

I crossed the now empty courtyard and jumped up onto the lip of the fountain. Chest bursting, I brushed my hand over the welded flower and then looked to the night sky to the blue star, blowing a kiss to my beautiful mother.I love you, Mum.

Then I got down to business.

Prying the welded flower from the stone without bending the metal was difficult, but I’d had a lot of practice in Gemond; the metaltyrwould be the crowning treasure of my hoard.

You’re taking that?Tyrrik asked, his shoulders shaking.

I covered their kingdom with flowers; I get this one.

The welded flower came free, and I leaped back down, glaring at my hooting mate. With a deep breath, I peered once more around the empty town square.I’m glad we came here. I feel settled somehow. Like what we’re doing is the right thing.

You still had doubts?

I lifted a shoulder.Sure. A little.But I was determined to embrace life—all of it.

And you shall. I’m glad we came, too. Now, I don’t have to pretend to stay asleep when you fly here at night.He kissed my forehead, and before I could protest something we both knew was true, he added, We should get going so we can reach the forest in time.

“In time for what?”

He paused. “A surprise.”

“Is the surprise revealing ourselves to people who think we’re dead?” I asked.

“No.”

“A huge diamond carved in your likeness?”

His lips curved. “I’m afraid not, my love. Don’t bother trying to guess.”

Pretty sure I’d spend the entire journey to the forest doing so. A thrill shot through me, and I exhaled, a slow smile crossing my face.We’re going to be part of this realm, live among the people and make things better.

We are,Tyrrik answered, reaching for my hand.And you will inspire many to do the same.

I gave his hand a squeeze, the welded flower safe in my other hand.

Letting go of residual fear was hard.

But residual was all that was left. I’d fought my horrors, and I’d won.

I’d conquered my fear.

Epilogue

Those who knew we existed were small in number but integral in the restoration of our realm: Lani, Kamini, Caltevyn, Zakai, and of course, Dyter.

Tyrrik and I circled the middle of the Zivost, my stomach a bundle of nerves. Lani didn’t bother to keep the gold veil up these days. No point when there was a treaty between our kinds. That, and I could get through the veil anyway. My Drae ears made it impossible to ignore the gasps and screams from the Phaetyn below as we descended. The gaping Phaetyn pressed back to the outer edges, trampling each other. I chose to believe they were giving us space to land.

“They’re alive—”

“But Isawthem die—”

“Impossible.”

I think they’re taking it pretty well don’t you?Tyrrik asked me.

I chuffed with nervous laughter as we landed. My gut churned, and I hesitated before shifting.