Page 105 of Fallen Heirs

“Not marriage, per se, but a commitment that will indicate to the populace that the rumors are true and you wish to be bound to my son someday. You could exchange what the human realmrefers to aspromise rings, as I introduce you officially as the future Dark Fae Princess.”

“Wow, that’s… really welcoming of you. I just… it’s something I’d need to talk to my men about first.”

“Of course. Merely planting the seed.”

More like a whole forest, but sure.

“Once we’re done here and there’s a second to breathe together again, the four of us can get into all that.”

“You’re having a hard time being separated from them.”

“Yeah, I am. But it’s been necessary. You were right about me needing to focus on nothing but this. It’s definitely paid off.”

“It certainly has.” He gestured at the poles in the distance. “You’ve learned and accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. Even I’m impressed and that isn’t easily achieved, just ask my son.” He reached into the pocket of his blazer. “As for being done here, I believe we’re at our end.” I watched curiously as he pulled something out, then held it on his palm.

I found myself looking at a thick silver chain holding a metal amulet with intertwined black vines and thorns in a circular shape, the circumference silver and gold, engraved with Fae markings.

“Two days ago when you unleashed the full extent of yourspecial ability, I was able to capture its essence. That, along with your magic, mine, and our blood is infused in this amulet. This one is bound to me, so only I will be able to operate it. The lab is also forging one for Orpheus as the leader ofObsidianand Elliot as the leader ofExemplar.That way we can cover all bases.” He secured it around his neck, then told me, “I’ll demonstrate how it works. I’m going to stream my magic at you and I want you to erect a shield to protect yourself, then use your ability to begin extinguishing my stream.”

He backed away from me and I did the same, until we were standing about twenty feet apart.

I erected a golden shield with my left hand, holding it at the ready.

A moment later, he thrust a stream of his silver power at it.

I jolted as it hit, his power fearsome and a lot to take.

Shifting my weight, I steadied myself, then unleashed my ability with my free hand, streaming my magic with the sparks at him.

I watched as it started to extinguish his stream, cutting into it.

He brushed his free hand over the amulet, a brief flicker of his silver magic visible before the whole amulet began to glow.

In seconds, the sparks in my stream faded, leaving just my pure gold angel magic firing at him.

I pulled my power back as did he, then I dropped my shield too. “Wow, it worked. You did it, you actually made a failsafe.”

“Indeed. Should it ever be needed, we now have the means to protect dark magic wielders against your ability. I’m hoping, however, that we’ll never have to employ it.”

“But it will put the supernatural world at ease once news of such a thing gets out.”

“I’ll ensure word will spread quickly.”

“Thank you,” I said, walking back to him. “For everything.”

He smiled out at me. “It’s been my pleasure.”

“Come here,” I said, before wrapping my arms around him.

He stilled for a moment, caught off guard, not used to the sentiment, I figured.

But then I felt him hug me back.

The air shifted around us, making us both jolt and pull back, and we spun to see the wild flapping of wings over the palace, heading right for us.

As they drew closer, I managed to make out Edgar Marlowe flying at breakneck speed.

He touched down jarringly, folded his wings away, then rushed the last few feet toward me and Saryan.