Caelynn
After the shock ofRev’s declaration died down, I was finally allowed to leave the council meeting, but that didn’t mean that I had calmed down.
My heart still pounds so hard it’s hard to think straight.
Caelynn Shadowspell.
Caelynn Shadowspell.
Caelynn Shadowspell.
Rev told the entire council that I am going to be the Queen of the Shadow Court. I will be expected to not only rebuild a court on the verge of collapse but put a stop to the rebellion.
I can do that, I remind myself. I have the power to refuel the magical well in the Shadow palace. That would be a great start to assisting the healing of my court. I’ve imagined that moment more times than I can count. It’s just hard to imagine it could really happen.
And the thought that I could live out something I want that badly honestly gives me anxiety. The Night Bringer won’t let me be happy. He’s going to do anything and everything in his power to ensure I fail.
I shake my head and begin pacing in the hall. What now? Now that Rev has declared me the rightful Queen of the Shadow Court. Will we go there now? Or will we wait until after the war with the Night Ancients?
He said during the meeting that it’s something we need to do even during the conflict. So, he means now? Like now now?
I shake my hands out before I explode from excitement and confusion and nervousness.
“Cae?”
I whip around to find a dwarfish fae standing at the entryway to the hall I’ve been pacing in for the last several minutes.
“You... alright?”
I release a breath. “Kinda,” I answer Tyadin’s question. “Not really.” Ty is yet another friend at risk from the Night Bringer. I know everything you care for...
I can almost see the big red target painted right on his forehead.
He approaches slowly. “Kari is alright,” he says. “I just saw her.”
I nod quickly. “Rev healed her.” But that doesn’t mean she’s safe. That was just a warning. The Night Bringer will taunt me before he begins plucking away the things that are important. Like Kari and Ty. Like the Shadow Court. Like Raven. Like Rev.
“So, what’s got you so upset?”
“I—I don’t know. I’m freaking out, I guess. Rev just told the whole council that I’m a Shadowspell, ancestor to the last Shadow Court High King, and that I’m going to take the shadow throne...”
Ty’s thick eyebrows rise, but then his sweet smile spreads across his face. “That’s fantastic news.”
I nod. “I suppose it is.”
“But...”
I shrug. But everyone I know is at risk.
