King Azaren stood with Chief Shaasi and Lyr in front of the stone. After the battle, Azaren succeeded the throne and was coronated as the new fae king, and Lyr had been nominated as a leader to handle matters on behalf of Katakin. At least until a new council was formed, that was. According to some of the monsters, being the descendants of Queen Izla, Cara and I held claim to Katakin, but I’m not sure if either of us really wanted that. And with the curse no longer keeping the Katakin residents tied to the land, many decided to leave. Some had chosen to live on the island, while others planned to travel further inland from Katakin. Some of the older texts spoke of lands and cities beyond Katakin’s borders, and they were eager to see what was out there. Most of the wolves from the House of Worzel had chosen this path for themselves. Kasey had hoped Kade might go with them, and she extended an offer to me, Locke, Darian, and Asher, to also join, but Kade was quick to refuse on our behalf. I was sure a part of him would miss the wolves, but he seemed certain that they no longer needed an alpha, and that we’d see them again one day.
A few select monsters took up King Azaren’s offer to explore the fae realm and see if they’d like to reside there. There was still unrest in Zalei with the Forgotten Fae, but it sounded like things were headed in the right direction.
When the treaty was signed, King Azaren held up the parchment, and all around the mountain, fae and humans alike applauded, cheering and laughing.
“Whether the peace will last is another matter,” Kade commented, his scratchy voice making me shiver.
Asher scratched his neck. “Let’s fuckin’ hope so.”
Father twisted his head like he was about to chastise Asher for cursing, but he promptly closed his mouth, like he only just realized how tall Asher was and that he had no clue how the male would react.
Darian nudged Asher in the side with his elbow.
“What the fuck was that for?” Asher griped, and I grinned as Darian gave me an apologetic look.
When the ceremony was over, the fae and humans took turns placing flowers at the foot of the Stone of Shetan, the petals fluttering in the breeze.
I watched as Vasken lingered, his fingers trailing over where I’d etched Queen Izla’s name. I still hadn’t spoken to him to find out if I was right, and Cara and I were his descendants, but I was going to have to get around to it.
When the crowd began to disperse, everyone making their way back down the mountain to join the celebration in the village, King Azaren came over to us.
~ Cara ~
King Azaren turned to me, his fine robes flapping in the wind, and his crown nestled in his azure-colored hair. “Well, I think that went rather well, don’t you?”
I returned his smile but noted the exhaustion clinging to his eyes. “You make a fine king,” I replied. I meant it, too. The kind-hearted prince was exactly what the fae needed to heal.
“Are you staying for the celebration?” Raine asked, no doubt noting Azaren’s weary expression like I had.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” King Azaren said with a broad smile, but his eyes softened a moment later. “Though I can only remain for a few hours. Then I must get back.” There was a beat of silence before he added, “You know you’re all welcome in Zalei. As members of the royal bloodline, you’re Queen Izla’s rightful heirs and all of her remaining assets belong to you. You will also always have a place in my court.”
“As tempting as that sounds, we promised Lyr we’d stay in Katakin for a while to help rebuild,” Raine replied.
“My sister and I still have more catching up to do,” I said when King Azaren’s gaze fell on me. “But I should be in Zalei by the end of the week.”
At that, he dipped his head, his eyes sparkling. I wasn’t ready to separate from Raine just yet, but the fae needed me. Xander might have agreed to stand down during the battle, but until the negotiations were over, the risk of more violence was still there.
“And what about your new…friend?” King Azaren said, gesturing with his head to where Garan stood a short distance away, watching us with a stoic expression.
I smiled softly. Raine had explained what had happened between the gargoyle and me on the battlefield. Whatever protective spell Queen Izla had placed on our bloodline, it only activated when we visited Katakin. As Raine told it, likely the first four monsters I touched with my bare hands would be bound to me. I fidgeted with my gloved fingers. One monster was enough. I wasn’t going to be taking the gloves off anytime soon.
“My offer to break the bond is still there,” King Azaren added.
I blushed. “Actually, Garan doesn’t want us to break it just yet. He believes he owes me a debt because I saved his life, and he thinks there’s a practical side to the bond. It’s silly, because he saved my life first, but he insists.”
Raine and her mates grinned stupidly as they looked at Garan and then me, and my cheeks warmed even more. Not that I could blame them for thinking we were like that. Ever since we left the battlefield, Garan had been staying close to my side. He was mostly quiet, but lately, he’d started speaking more, and at times he’d accidentally projected images in my mind. Some of them being a little more…detailed, than I expected. It was strange having the monster around, but it was surprisingly nice to know someone was there.
Many of his gargoyles had been lost during the battle, and most of those that remained had chosen to stay on the island or explore the surrounding lands. So, I think he liked having me as a distraction. In any case, King Azaren had pointed out that since Captain Pezar was also killed during the battle, he was in need of another Captain. I told Azaren not to get his hopes up.
Feeling my stare, Garan peered over, his gray gaze locking with mine. I tried not to think about how having the attention of the handsome man made my stomach twist.
“Though, I guess I can understand you keeping it,” King Azaren said his gaze softening as he stared at Raine and her mates.
The five of them shifted uncomfortably, and I didn’t miss the way Raine’s mates were all touching her in some way. Like talking about the bond they’d lost made them more vulnerable.
“We’re simply glad we survived the war,” Raine commented with a sad smile.
King Azaren stared at Raine for a long moment, and just when I realized his lips were moving almost imperceptibly as he whispered something under his breath, he smiled abruptly.
