Page 2 of The Court of Truth

“You were banished for a reason, along with the amethyst, and every amethyst in existence. I don’t know how you’ve found yourself here again, but it will only end in your demise,” my father promises, but Clementine simply flutters her lashes at him as she takes a step back, in true sisterly form.

A sneer spreads across her face, her eyes darkening wickedly. “Oh dear brother, you do love to underestimate me. It will makeyourdownfall even more delectable.” She takes a step back, her fingers curling as she dismisses my father. “But for now, I must bid you farewell. Don’t miss me too much. Who knows when I might… surprise you.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” I grunt, the calm and collected aura I had finally managed to settle around me quickly depleting to nothing as I step toward her, but I don’t make it halfway across the distance between us before I’m met with resistance.

Nothing stands in our way, but I can’t move. It’s like there’s an invisible wall between us. Frustrated, I let my magic coil around my limbs as I aim my hand in her direction again. I go for the throat, the move having worked so well earlier, but this time, nothing happens.

“Tsk tsk tsk.Fool me once and all that,” she muses, before glancing around the room as if she’s in search of something or someone. “Baby, come. It’s time to leave,” she calls out, confirming my assumptions.

Her eyes lock on someone, and I can’t help but follow her line of sight. My gaze clashes with Brody’s first, then flicks from his to Raiden, Kryll, and finally Cassian. All of whom seem locked in place at the bottom of the steps leading up to the podium. The rage etched into their facial features confirms the only reason they’re not at my side is because they can’t get any closer.

Irritation burns through me, but I’m quickly distracted by the sea of people parting to let someone through. Not just someone, the person she called out to. Herbaby. And when my eyes latch on theirs, I gape in horror.

“Fairbourne,” my father rasps, disbelief echoing in his tone as we watch the man my father swore I could trust saunter toward the one woman now standing in our way.

His eyes are fixed on Clementine, unwavering as he rounds the podium, taking the steps to my left as he approaches the enemy.

“Fairbourne, how could you?”

My father’s rasp goes unheard again. The man only has eyes for Clementine it seems. The rest of us be damned.

As he nears the woman in question, I note the kiss of death is absent from his flesh. The amethyst I offered to remove and he declined. Was it all a ploy? At this point, I don’t think anything would shock me now.

Clementine grabs his shirt, tugging him closer as she crushes her lips to his while the rest of us can only stand and watch. The magic between us is unfaltering, which only serves to piss me off more.

“We’re not done here,” I growl, my wolf rearing closer to the surface, ready to take over at any moment, and it takes far more effort than I care to admit to hold her at bay.

If Clementine sees the struggle, she doesn’t acknowledge it as she smiles from ear to ear. “Oh, my sweet child, we’re done when I say we’re done, but you’re right, it’s not over. Not yet at least,” her words are almost a whisper, like they’re spoken just for me. Then she winks, a malicious grin curling the corner of her lips before the two of them disappear.

Gone.

No trace.

Nothing.

I stumble forward a step, the magic barrier holding me in place no longer present, as gasps and murmurs take over the room.

Blinking at my father, I try not to balk at the panic that flashes in his eyes, and instead turn my attention to the four men barreling my way. In an instant, I’m shielded from the rest of the room, encased in the protective arms of the four of them.

It’s a moment of reprieve, a moment to breathe, and a moment to bask in their strength before I have to do what I promised I would deliver.

Protect our kingdom.

2

ADRIANNA

With a deep breath, I steel my spine and offer a tight smile to Brody. He’s the one standing between me and the camera with the bright red light aimed my way. He cocks his head to the side, silently questioning my decision, and I nod.

His hand finds mine, offering a gentle squeeze as he pulls me into his chest. A kiss to my temple, and he’s gone. Not far, though. No, he’s a step behind me with the others, stoic in their silent support.

I take strength from them, like always, and plaster a smile on my face as I look directly into the camera lens.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of the Floodborn Kingdom for putting their trust in me. I haven’t taken your decision lightly, it means everything and more to me that we can share a vision for a better future. Not just for us, but for generations to come.” My face pulses from everyone in the room staring at me, and I try to forget how many people may be on the other side of this lens too. “With that said, our first obstacle has arisen. My number one priority is to protect this kingdom while nurturing it back to health. Thank you for being here to remember this significant moment with me. Now, I must discuss our next steps privately, but rest assured, when decisions are made, you will be informed. Good evening.”

I nod, rounding out my speech as I feel a hand at the base of my spine. Guided, I recognize the familiar black ink that trails up the neck of my supporter and lean into his hold. Kryll remains quiet as the others flank me, escorting me to the back of the podium as the gathered audience begins to leave.

No words pass between us, our bonds saying enough. With my head dipped, my chin against my chest, I focus on it. The tension, the comfort, the reassurance. It’s everything I need, and it’s filtering through my bones from all of them.

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