Page 73 of The Fate of Eternity

I both love and hate that he knows what I’m thinking. I love it because it makes me feel connected to him on a higher level, but I hate it because that also lets him call me out on my shit.

He’s right. I have been putting it off, but we don’t need to both know that.

“Fine, I’ll meet you out there,” I grumble, squirming in his arms as he squeezes at my sides and presses a kiss to my temple, earning a soft giggle from me despite my attempts at being grumpy.

He leaves without a backward glance, sadly, dressed once again, giving me the moment I need as I slowly approach the attached bathroom. Taking a deep breath, I run my hands over my t-shirt, which has definitely seen better days. Using it as my excuse, I use my magic to clean myself up, right to the top of my head, where I fix my crown braid into place.

When there’s nothing left for me to do, I bite the bullet and step over the threshold. As if sensing my nerves, a colossal mirror faces me, making it impossible for me to hide from my reflection.

My feet are carrying me toward the vanity that stands before it, my brain awash with disbelief as I stare at myself. Thankfully, a light switches on as I walk halfway into the room, making it easier to see among the all-black aesthetic that consumes the space.

The decor is long forgotten as I twist my face from side to side, taking myself in as warmth rattles in my chest.

This is me.

This has always been me.

Now, my symbol has been restored.

I feel complete, in a way nothing else could make me feel. I feel like I’m glowing. I feel like I’ve won, even though there’s still so much uncertainty in my life. The restoration sprinkles me with each spark as my belief grows.

To be here, with my men, my friends, and my ears, it’s special. All I need is my family and I can never want for anything else in my life.

That’s my reality.

I was chasing a dream: to be the heir of the kingdom that failed my father. Even though it’s still a dream, it’s not what I’ve been hunting for all this time. It’s this. To be where I am at this moment, knowing there are people out there willing to stand at my side, so much so that it’s impossible not to trust them while they choose to trust me too.

I belong.

It’s not a place I’ve been searching for, not a physical one, at least. It’s the feeling I get when contentment washes over me—a rare but distinct feeling nonetheless.

Running my fingers over my ears one last time, I roll my shoulders back and head for the hallway. I have no idea where I’m going, acutely aware that I did, in fact, arrive here completely passed out, but as I follow the murmured voices, I wander into the kitchen where everyone is sitting.

Flora is the first to notice me. She jumps up from her seat, where she is curled up beside Arlo, and storms toward me with purpose. She darts through the air, almost knocking me off my feet as she holds me in a deathly tight grip.

“I don’t know whether to kiss you or kill you,” she squeals, earning a huff from Cassian, who leans against the fridge with his arms folded over his chest. She waves him off with an eye roll, making it abundantly clear that this isn’t the first time he’s been an ass to her, but she continues to ignore him as her giddiness pauses for a beat, her eyes finding my ears before theygrow watery. She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip, shaking her head as she tries to contain her emotions.

“I’d like to see you try,” I rasp, trying not to make a big deal about it.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” she says, grabbing my arms as she gives me a pointed look, which I match with one of my own.

“I wouldn’t have done anything else,” I answer honestly, and her shoulders slump before she drags me in for another hug.

“Can you at least share her for ten seconds so I can have a hug too?” Raiden grumbles, appearing beside her, and she giggles, stepping out of his way so he can swoop me up off the floor.

“Hi, Raiden,” I whisper against his ear as he swirls me around, peppering kisses over my skin before I’m placed back on my feet.

“Hey, Troublemaker,” he answers, offering me a wink before he’s shoved aside and replaced by Cassian.

The grumpy wolf pins me to his chest, breathing me in, and I feel his chest loosen and his body relax with every beat that passes. He doesn’t offer me any words, just a stroke of his thumb over my cheek as he assesses me. With a nod, he steps back, making room for Brody to fill the now-empty space.

An infectious smirk plays on his lips, making my own pop as a reminder of his interruption earlier plays in my mind. He kisses me softly, just as wordless as Cassian, before he steps back again.

My gaze turns back to Flora. “What happened, Flora?”

She understands exactly what I mean and points for me to take a seat at the dining table. I follow after her as Kryll places a plate of food down in front of me, and I murmur my thanks.

Margherita pizza for the win.

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