Page 100 of Ashes to Ashes

“The magical resonance proved... substantial,” Kieran adds, shadows writhing with agitation. “Like a beacon broadcasting ‘royal heir awakened’ across all realms simultaneously.”

“Shit.” I run a hand through my tangled hair. “How bad is this?”

“Extremely bad,” they say in unison again.

“Stop doing that,” I mutter. “Define bad.”

“Both major courts will undoubtedly want you eliminated,” Kieran states with brutal honesty that cuts through any remaining illusions. “Seelie and Unseelie have constructed their entire power structure around the assumption that Wild Court royalty had been permanently extinguished. Your existence threatens everything they have built.”

“Assassination attempts are virtually guaranteed,” Finnian adds, his tone failing to soften the devastating impact. “Historical precedent suggests they will move with considerable speed, before you can fully manifest your capabilities.”

“Which is why one of us stays with you at all times,” Orion declares, heat radiating protectively. “Full protection detail until?—”

“Absolutely not.” I cut him off sharply. “I’m not some delicate flower who needs a bodyguard.”

“You are a royal heir with a target painted on her back,” Kieran’s voice goes dangerously soft, ice crystallizing in the air around us. “Those boundary hunters who attacked youpreviously? They represented merely the initial reconnaissance. Bottom tier assets.”

My blood crystallizes to glass. “What?”

“Coordinated assault,” he continues, ice-blue eyes holding mine with terrible certainty. “Seelie and Unseelie forces operating in perfect synchronization—something that occurs only when the perceived threat proves existential to both courts.”

“They were testing your defensive capabilities,” Orion’s grimness matches his expression. “Determining how much power you had developed, analyzing your response patterns to coordinated magical assault.”

“And now they possess comprehensive intelligence regarding your capabilities,” Finnian concludes. “Which means the genuine attempts will commence shortly.”

“So.” I look between them, aware of how surreal this entire conversation has become. “What happens now?”

“Now you decide what you want to explore,” Orion steps closer but doesn’t touch. “At your pace, on your terms.”

“Now we determine how to protect you from courts that will not appreciate your return,” Kieran says, shadows curling around his fingers.

“Now we help you understand precisely what you are capable of,” Finnian offers. “If you desire our assistance.”

I study their faces—want and patience and carefully leashed hunger all visible in their expressions. But underneath it, genuine respect for my choice.

“I want to understand the magic first.” The decision crystallizes as I speak. “Learn what I’m capable of before I decide what to do with it.”

“We can certainly provide assistance with that,” Finnian offers eagerly.

“I want honesty. No more manipulation, no more tests I haven’t agreed to.” I look directly at Orion. “Full disclosure about what you’re thinking and why.”

“Understood.”

“And I want time to process all of this without pressure.” I gesture between the four of us. “Whatever this becomes, it happens because we all choose it. Not because prophecy demands it.”

“Whatever you require,” Kieran says, voice rough with sincerity that transforms his aristocratic features.

I nod once, decision made. “Then we try. Carefully. Honestly. And we see what develops.”

The relief on their faces is almost comical. Like they’d been holding their breath waiting for rejection.

“One more thing.” I add, and they all tense slightly. “Next time one of you wants to have a serious conversation about feelings or destiny or magical bonds? Maybe start with ‘hey, can we talk’ instead of dramatic forest kidnapping or midnight bedroom visits.”

Orion laughs—genuine, relieved sound that transforms his face completely. “Noted.”

“I shall endeavor to improve my timing considerably,” Kieran says, dry delivery failing to hide his amusement.

“I will prepare appropriate materials for future discussions,” Finnian adds with a seriousness that makes me grin.

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