Page 32 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

Mom laughed. “We’re trying, but you’re so hard to find!”

“We’re coming to get you!” Dad hollered.

As the two of them retreated into the hallway, the portal faded, and I found myself once more in the headmaster’s office.

Of course, my parents never had a chance to tell me any of this or return to the Fire Kingdom. I was twelve when I buried them, victims of a senseless drunk-driver accident, before being placed into foster care. Suddenly alone in the world, I had wept until no more tears would come.

They had been the only parents I’d ever known. Through the years of laughter and tears, joy and heartbreak, they never once made me feel like I wasn’t really their daughter, always reassuring me that I was loved. Despite the heartache and grief that clung to these memories, my heart filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, thankful for my grandparents and my adoptive parents who had all loved me so much.

The weight of my heritage pressed down on me, a heavy burden that both anchored and uplifted me at the same time. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I wept for the family I had lost, but also for my adopted parents who had sacrificed everything to keep me safe.

Fannar wrapped an arm around me, tucking me into his broad chest. “It’s okay. I’m here for you, Helena.”

His touch was soothing, like cool water on a fiery wound. I leaned into him, appreciating his support.

“Thank you, Fannar,” I sniffled and wiped away my tears. “I just wish I could have had more time with them . . . all of them.”

“I know,” he said softly, rubbing my back in comforting circles. “But they loved you so much, and that’s what’s important. You’ll always carry their love with you.”

I nodded, taking comfort in his words.

“Now, we know you’re really her.” Fannar turned to Headmaster Moira. “She’s Princess Helia.”

Headmaster Moira nodded, a sad smile playing on her lips. “Indeed, it seems you are.”

My gaze fell on the family portrait in the history book, at the tiny image of Baby Helia—me—still processing it all. “I just . . . I can’t believe it. My whole life, I never knew who I really was. And now . . .”

Headmaster Moira gave an understanding smile. “It’s a lot to take in, but at least you have the answers you sought.” She rested her forearms on her desk. “I’m sure you know we will need to notify the Fire Kingdom Council of this news. They will no doubt be thrilled thatbothprincesses have returned to the Enchanted Realm. But I will let them know that you will reach out when you’re ready.”

“Thank you, Headmaster,” Fannar said, speaking for both of us as my mind reeled.

The melody of my music box filled Fannar’s dorm room as we sat on his bed, the haunting tune a reminder of my newly discovered past. Fannar crouched down in front of me, taking hold of my hands on my lap.

“Helena?” he asked gently. “Are you okay?”

After a long moment, I swallowed. “I’m . . . not me.”

Fannar frowned. “What do you mean? Of course, you’re you.”

“I’m not,” I murmured. “Everything in my life wasn’t what I thought it was . . . My parents weren’t my parents. My home wasn’t my home. My name isn’t even Helena. I’m not who I thought I was.”

Fannar shook his head. “That’s not true.” He stood up and sat next to me on the bed. “Yes, things happened in your past that you didn’t know about, but your parents . . . They still raised you and loved you, didn’t they?”

I nodded with a soft smile.

“It was still your home, even if it wasn’t where you were born. Whether your name is Helia or Helena,Ican tell you that you’re still you.”

He cupped my face in his hands, his glacial eyesendlessas he gazed at me. “You’re still that wonderful, beautiful, brave, and extremely stubborn Fire Enchanted I met, right?”

I chuckled weakly and nodded again.

“Well then, none of this changes who you are. So what if you’re actually a princess? Royalty is overrated.”

Just clinging to his hand, I smiled for a few moments. My Ice Prince, here with me. It didn’t matter whether I was Princess Helia or Helena from the Unenchanted Realm—he’d still love me all the same. Having him next to me made everything less daunting.

My arms wrapped around his neck. “I love you, Fannar.”

“I love you too.” He kissed my forehead.

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