Page 71 of Foretold

A few nights after I return, I invite everyone to Aravelle for dinner. We all sit inside the dimly lit dining hall, music playing in the background, and a large feast of chicken, pork, fresh bread, and vegetables is in front of us. Tomorrow, the Shifter King is arriving with Laurel and a few other members of his court under the guise of discussing the war. But before I put that plan into action, there’s something I want to tell all my loved ones.

Standing and tapping on a wine glass with a spoon, I clear my throat. “Thank you for coming to eat with us on such short notice. There’s something I want to tell you all, something I’ve been hiding. I’m a seer. I see the future. I promised my mother before she died that I would keep this secret, and I’ve been hiding it ever since. I didn’t want anyone to try to use or take advantage of me, but I want everyone to know the truth. I’m not scared anymore.”

Why should I be living in fear of this secret? This is who I am, and I’m proud of myself. I’m powerful, and with Rave at my side, we are unstoppable.

Laurel said change was coming.

But it’s me.

I’m the change.

Whoever wants to come for me can come.

I will protect any other seers who need to be freed from prisons.

Smirking at all the surprised expressions, Pandora is the one who speaks first, “You’re a seer and a healer? That’s unheard of.”

“You’re incredibly powerful, Astrid,” Zython says, his eyes widening in shock. He throws back the rest of his ale. “You will be an asset to us all.”

“She will not be doing anything she doesn’t want to do,” Rave growls out, pulling my chair closer to him so our thighs are touching. “Anyone who tries to take advantage of her in any way will find themselves blinded, screaming, or dead.”

His palm rests on my thigh, squeezing gently—my protector.

“Fuck, I knew you should have been my mate.” Cove sighs, and Elios slaps the back of his head. “What? Imagine how powerful our kids would have been?”

“You wouldn’t be able to handle a female like Astrid.” Rave smirks at his brother.

“Pretty sure you would have been her last choice.” Nico chuckles, turning to Sinda and winking at him. “I think everything turned out the way it was meant to.”

“Cuties,” I whisper to myself.

Now that we know they have been hooking up, it’s hard to ignore how they look at each other. It’s fucking adorable, not that I’d ever tell them that.

“You better not make her your heir, Dad. She already has a kingdom.” Axe smirks while Kai looks at me in a whole new light.

“No wonder I couldn’t get into your mind,” he murmurs. “And believe me, when I first met you, I fucking tried. Your mind is strong, and your shields are insane.”

“Better stay out of my head, brother.” I grin, putting my fork down and sitting back in my chair.

“Have you seen anything about me?” Soren asks, chewing thoughtfully. He’s been watching me closely, and I’d love toknow what’s going on in his mind.

He’s probably picturing a naked blonde on her knees, calling her Pet, and not something deep and meaningful at all.

“She’s seen my mate,” Bane admits, his dark eyes scanning my face. “And thank you for telling me about it, Princess.”

“Have you seen my mate?” Soren asks, smiling widely, showing off his straight white teeth. He rubs his hands together with glee. “I bet she’s fucking hot. You know, I thought I sensed her once, but I never felt anything again after that. Have you ever heard of that happening?”

“You were probably just drunk,” Pandora cuts in, something flashing in her violet eyes that I can’t read.Worry?Is she concerned about something?

“And this is why she didn’t want to tell anyone.” August sighs, pushing back from the table.

“Let Astrid eat in peace,” Rave demands in a flat voice, looking at everyone at the table. “If she wants to tell you something, she will. Otherwise, shut the fuck up.”

Silence.

The king has spoken.

And then. “I just know she’s going to be fucking hot.”

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