Page 76 of A Crown of Fates

“You’ll see,” Theo replies, his grin wide and mischievous, like a boy with a secret too big to keep. His enjoyment of this moment sweeps through our bond, becoming my own.

Except that doesn’t last long as confusion begins to fill me. He’s taking us toward the guest quarters, but he already said Isla wouldn’t be here for two more days…

And then we stop in front of the room where the children have been staying.

“When we walk in here,” Theo begins softly, his voice carrying a warmth that wraps around me, “you’re going to see two of our pack members with the kids. You’ve been trying to find placements for each of them, but there’s a home for all of them. Together.”

My heart stutters. “They don’t have to be separated?” The words are barely a whisper, laden with disbelief and hope. As much as I dreamed of keeping them together, I’d forced myself to accept the reality that asking one family to take on six children was an impossible task.

Theo’s hand tightens around mine, his steady gaze grounding me. “A couple who couldn’t have children of their own and lived outside the kingdom heard about what’s been happening here. When they came to see the changes for themselves, they learned of the orphaned pups. The momentthey met the kids, they knew what they wanted to do. They’ve even volunteered to move closer to the castle, so things stay familiar for the younger ones.”

My throat tightens with emotion as I process this news. “They really want them—all of them?”

Theo nods, his expression softening. “Every single one. They didn’t hesitate.”

The urge to cry again surges with a ferocity that takes me by surprise, but I manage to keep some of my composure as I push the door open. The sight that greets me will forever be etched into my heart.

The room is filled with the sound of laughter and quiet chatter, a scene of pure, unfiltered joy. The man, his broad frame strong, has the two youngest climbing over him as though he’s their personal jungle gym. The woman, with a serene smile, is braiding Neri’s hair while Keera sits in front of them, reading a book. The others are sprawled on the floor nearby, coloring and giggling in a way that feels so natural, so right.

For the first time, they look like children—carefree and happy.

I blink back tears, unable to speak as the reality of this moment settles over me. I glance up at Theo, who’s watching me with a tenderness that makes my chest ache. “Thank you.”

He wraps an arm around my waist, grinning. “You did this,” he says firmly. “None of this would’ve been possible if you hadn’t searched them out and brought them back here. They’re safe because of you.”

Maybe he’s right, maybe not. Either way, the moment Keera looks up and sees me, her face glowing with a youthfulness I couldn’t find when I first met her, I know this is a moment I’ll cherish forever. That guarded, wary girl has been replaced by someone who feels safe enough to let her walls down. It’s a transformation that fills me with so much gratitude.

Keera jumps up and runs to me, wrapping her arms around my waist in a hug so tight it nearly knocks the breath out of me. “Thank you, Estee,” she says softly, her voice muffled against my dress.

I stroke her hair, my own tears finally spilling over. “You don’t have to thank me. This is what family does.”

“I’m going to have a real home.” Keera’s precious words leave a mark on me that will last a lifetime.

Addie calls for her to come look at the drawing she’s just finished, pulling Keera away from me. My hand covers my heart as I gaze around the room. There’s not much that could be better than this.

Theo clears his throat, his voice breaking the moment with gentle ease. “Why don’t you visit with them for a while? I’ll send Drea for you when it’s time for the coronation dress fitting.”

I tilt my head up to kiss his cheek, a small gesture of thanks for everything he’s done. “That sounds perfect.”

He smiles, his expression soft and full of love. “I’ll see you soon.”

As he leaves, I turn back to the children, the warmth of his love remaining with me. For the first time in as long as I can remember, everything feels right. Everything feels like home.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

ESTEE

Three days have passed, yet it feels as though time itself has folded in on me, rushing to this singular moment. My coronation. My heart beats a steady rhythm of nerves and excitement, but above all else, there’s a sense of purpose—a need for this ceremony to mark not just my new beginning but a fresh start for Selaris as well.

Isla fusses with the curls around my shoulders while Drea meticulously presses the last wrinkle out of my gown. Both have been like mother hens with me all morning, but even with all their poking and prodding, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When Drea stands back up, I reach for her and then my sister, pulling them into a hug. Their warmth is an anchor, their presence a reminder that I’m never alone. “Thank you for being here with me,” I whisper, an overwhelming appreciation for them thickening my voice.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Isla says firmly, her arms tightening around me.

“Agreed.” Drea smirks, stepping back with a wink. “You’re stuck with me now, you know.”

Isla lets out an exaggerated sigh, crossing her arms in mock exasperation. “I want to hate you for getting to stay here with Estee, but honestly, I’m just glad my sister won’t be alone.”

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