Page 104 of The Court of Truth

Nobody moves.

Nobody breathes.

Two sets of eyes. The same pleading look. I can’t shift my gaze to see who is wearing a black gem. They both might be, I don’t know all I know is one of them is my sister. The other… an imposter.

I inch toward them. My father tries to tug me back, but I shake him off, eliminating the remaining distance between us as I come to a stop in front of them both.

“Nora, I?—”

“Shush,” I breathe. Words aren’t going to help the situation. Or maybe they will, but my gut knows. My gut always knows.

I look from left to right and back again, assessing them both like my life depends on it because it does. The entire kingdom depends on it.

Seconds drift into minutes, the air growing still around me, and I spot it.

The single difference.

Just one, so small, barely there, but enough for me to pull the trigger.

Holding my hand out to the Addi on my right, she places her hand in mine, a smug grin on her lips, but it doesn’t last long as I yank her toward me and slam my palm against the side of her head.

It’s quick, far too painless, and done in seconds.

She collapses to the ground, but I pay her no mind, turning my attention to my sister.

“How did you know?”

I shrug. “Her nostrils flared impatiently at me. You would never.”

I’m bundled in her arms a moment later, and with each passing second, someone else joins us. Arms around arms, chest to chest, we soak in the moment.

“It’s done,” Cassian states, disbelief in his tone as my sister nods.

“It’s done.”

I smile up at her, pride making my eyes water. “You saved the kingdom.”

She shakes her head, grabbing hold of me before pressing her forehead to mine.

“No, Nora,youdid.”

56

ADRIANNA

“It is with great pleasure and relief that I can declare to the kingdom that the threats that have plagued our lands are gone. Clementine is gone. Councilman Orenda is gone. Professor Landon Fairbourne is gone. I’m sure we will face trials and tribulations in the future, but it gives me great delight to say this is behind us.

This is our time to find the strength inside of us, to come together as a community and face the future together. It must also be known that I didn’t have the pleasure of claiming this victory for us. That honor falls to my sister, Nora Reagan, who is now the fae representative among my council. Her resilience and dedication, despite her fears, are what bring us here today.

In light of this information, we will be recommencing our tour of the kingdom in the coming days after some much-needed rest. We will begin in Summer Oak again to see the progress that has been made.

Happily ever afters are a thing of legend, but once upon a time, I was a small girl, unaware of the dangers that lurked in our kingdom, but the hope in my heart and the desire for freedom for all persevered. So here’s to a day where we can make legends a reality.

Here’s to a kingdom thriving, a community strong, a combined love among origins, and a dedication to a brighter future for all. I want to be here for every step of it. The journey to get here wasn’t easy; the best things in life never are, but it has taught me to love with my whole heart, lead with my gut, feed my soul, and cherish the things in life that make me happy.

To the Floodborn Kingdom, today is a day history will never forget. Today is when our chapter begins, where our story changes, and where the heroes prevail. May we stay strong, remain fierce, and forever be resilient.”

EPILOGUE

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