Page 57 of A Crown of Fates

Well, that’s a lie. I haven’t forgotten the recent threats to Isla. If anyone so much as harms a hair on my sister’s head, I’ll hunt them to the ends of every world in existence. And I’ll have Theo by my side as I do so.

Thinking of her has me reaching for the phone, but before I can pick up the receiver, there’s a soft presence in my mind: Drea.

“I know you’re resting, but I just need to know you’re okay.”Her worried voice whispers through my mind, a bit of a shock since that’s not something she’s done since we became friends even though we’re part of the same pack, but also not surprising considering all that’s happened.

Sensing her outside of Theo’s suite, I slide out from under the thick maroon comforter.“I’m coming to let you in.”

“I thought we were going to eat breakfast in bed.” Theo’s pout is adorable as he walks toward me, wearing only loose black pajama pants.

Grinning, I reach for his robe and cover myself before we can get distracted with one another again. “We have forever to laze in bed all morning, but our responsibilities have come knocking.”

Theo glances toward the front room of his suite, his brows furrowing. “Drea?” he guesses. “I can’t remember exactly, but I might not have been kind to her before.”

I pat his chest and kiss his cheek. “Considering the circumstances, I’m sure she understands. I’m going to show her I’m okay, then I need to call my sister. Does Isla even know I was taken?”

Theo’s eyes widen. “I’m so sorry, Estee. I never thought to call her. I was so focused on you that I didn’t consider your family.”

I grab his shoulders and offer him a sweet smile. “It’s okay. Honestly, with all they have going on in Polaris, it’s probably better she didn’t know. At least Asher was able to reach Aurora for you.”

He sighs with relief as he leans in to kiss my forehead. “I’ll go shower so you and Drea can catch up. Extend an apology for me, if one’s needed.” He starts to walk away then turns back to me, his heady gaze traveling over my barely dressed body. “I’ve also already reached out to Jerome. He’ll be coordinating moving your belongings to this room.” Theo leaves no room for negotiating, turning to enter the ensuite bathroom before I can respond.

His assertion leaves a warmth in my chest, and I walk out of the bedroom grinning.

Everything’s going to be okay. Hell, it already is.

I open the door for Drea, and before I can say a word, she launches herself at me, wrapping me in a tight hug. “You have no idea how good it is to see you.”

Returning her embrace, I laugh lightly. “I missed you, too.”

She pulls back then studies me intently, her gaze sweeping over me as though assessing every inch. “Are you okay? I probably should’ve asked before assaulting you, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve been going mad with worry. Theo never left this room, so I couldn’t get any updates. I spent hours pacing the halls, waiting for any sign you were going to be okay.”

Taking her hand, I lead her to the couch, shutting the door behind us. For the first time, I get a proper look at Theo’s suite. The walls are painted in deep grey tones, accented by ornate silver detailing that exudes regality. A plush navy-blue rug softens the dark wood floors, while a stone fireplace cracklesquietly in the corner. The space is understated yet undeniably luxurious—a reflection of Theo himself.

“Thank you for worrying about me,” I say as we settle onto the cushions of the dark leather couch, sitting close together. “I’m fine now. Maybe better than I’ve ever been.”

Doing my best to condense everything that’s happened, covering the things I’d originally kept from her, I finally fill Drea all the way in.

By the time I’m done, and back to happier topics, such as accepting Theo as the other half of my soul, Drea is squealing, her knees bouncing with uncontained joy. “You deserve this, Estee. In case you didn’t already know, I hope you do now. And it’s good to hear that the king isn’t as much of a monster as we both thought.”

Laughing, I shake my head. “Not even close. I almost wish I’d kept an open mind before, but everything’s worked out the way it was supposed to. I feel confident about that. Now, we just need to make sure Orix can’t ever hurt anyone else again.”

Her expression hardens, her eyes darkening. “He won’t get away with this. God or not, he’ll pay for what he’s done.”

“That he will.”

There’s a knock at the door, and my stomach grumbles at the unmistakable aroma wafting into the room.Bacon.

Drea shakes her head at me playfully and stands. “I’ll leave you to your breakfast. Thank you for seeing me and sharing. I know we haven’t been…friends for long, but I promise you can trust me.”

I get up and hug her tightly. “If I didn’t already believe that, you wouldn’t be in this room right now. And wearefriends. There’s no need for hesitation. I also hope you’ll consider staying in Selaris with Orion. I have plans for us that include all kinds of mischief if you’re interested.”

There’s a twinkle in her eyes that I’m sure matches my own. “Those kids already made that choice for me. There’s no way I can leave them.”

A pang of guilt strikes me. How could I not have asked about Keera and the others?

“They’re doing okay?” I press before she goes. “Did you tell them I would have come to see them if it was at all possible?” Panic claws at my throat and my hands start to shake. Gods, I hope they don’t think I’ve forsaken them.

Drea steadies me with a firm grip on my arms. “Calm that mind of yours. I told them you’d fallen ill and didn’t want to get them sick. Keera doesn’t believe me, but she also caught a glimpse of Theo’s wolf running through the castle. She knows something happened, but it seems making sure the younger ones have a home is what matters most to her.”

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