Page 66 of Crowned

Cove steps forward, his usual grin replaced by something softer, more genuine. “You’ve got all of us,” he says, his tone light but sincere. “We’re going to be with you every step of the way. You’re not alone in this. You’re not alone in anything anymore, Mai-Tai.”

Bhodi lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “A baby. I guess we’re really doing this, huh, little dot?”

Malia looks up at him, her expression torn between gratitude and fear. “You’re all so…happy,” she says, her voice breaking. “But I’m terrified. What if I can’t do this? What if I mess everything up?”

“You won’t,” I say firmly, stepping closer and kneeling beside Reef. I take her hands in mine, holding them tightly. “You’re going to be an amazing mother, Malia. And you’re not doing this alone. We’ll be here for you, no matter what.”

She meets my gaze, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. “But what about everything else? The Shadow Legion, the war, the Shikari… How am I supposed to raise a child?”

I pause, then reach up to gently cup her cheek. “Do you remember what the queen told us before she left?”

Malia’s brow furrows slightly, and I can see her trying to recall the conversation. “She said...”

“She said this child is meant to be,” I remind her, my thumb brushing against her cheek. “That they’re part of the future of Aerwyna. And that no matter what happens, we’ll find a way to protect them. To protect you.”

Her lips part, but no words come out. Instead, she lets out a shaky breath, leaning into my touch.

“I don’t feel ready,” she admits, her voice trembling.

“No one ever does,” I say softly. “But you’ll rise to the challenge, just like you always do. And you’ve got all of us to help you.”

Reef reaches out, resting a hand on her shoulder. “He’s right. We’ll fight for you, for this child, for everything we’re building together.”

“And we’ll win,” Bhodi adds, his voice firm. “Because we don’t have a choice.”

Cove grins, nudging Malia’s arm lightly. “Plus, you’re kind of a badass. If anyone can handle this, it’s you.”

For the first time since the revelation, a small smile breaks through Malia’s tears. “Thank you,” she whispers, her gaze sweeping over each of us. “All of you.”

“You’re stuck with us now,” I say with a soft smile.

She laughs, the sound light and tentative, but it’s enough to ease some of the tension in the room.

As we sit together, the weight of the world pressing down on us, I can feel the threads of hope weaving their way through the fear and uncertainty. We have a long road ahead, but in this moment, surrounded by the people I trust most, I know we’ll find a way to face whatever comes next.

The palace hums with urgency. Messengers rush past carrying sealed scrolls, warriors clad in gleaming armour make their way to the barracks, and the murmur of strategy meetings drifts through the air. Every hall, every chamber, pulses with the weight of preparation.

Aerwyna is on the brink of war. And I’m supposed to lead them.

I stand by the wide windows of the war chamber – god, I hate that name – watching the city below. The training grounds are alive with movement, soldiers drilling in disciplined formations, their swords flashing under the pale sunlight. Beyond them, the city fortifies itself. Blacksmiths hammer out weapons, healers prepare stores of supplies, families board up their homes. Every person is playing their part. Yet, the weight of it all feels suffocating.

“We’re making progress,” Vance says, stepping up beside me. His tone is calm, measured, but the tension in his shoulders betrays him.

I force a smile. “It doesn’t feel like enough.”

“It never does,” he replies softly. “But you’re doing everything you can, Malia. And that’s more than anyone else could manage.”

I nod, but the unease lingers. “I just hope it’s enough.”

Later that day, the council chamber is packed with representatives from every faction in Aerwyna – warriors, mages, healers, and even a delegation from the outerbanks, their leader standing tall and stoic, with his coral helm glinting in the firelight – have gathered. This kind of unity hasn’t been seen in centuries. And it feels fragile.

There is so much more to this realm than I’ve had a chance to learn, and now I just hope I get the chance.

“This is unprecedented,” Elder Ayomide states, his voice carrying over the murmurs. “Aerwyna’s factions standing together like this – it hasn’t happened in generations.”

“It’s not enough to simply stand together,” I say, stepping forward. “We need to fight together, plan together. The Shadow Legion won’t hesitate to exploit any cracks in our unity.”

Silence follows. Eyes flick to me, some doubtful, others cautious, waiting for a reason to believe in this alliance.

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