Page 106 of A Reign of Malice
ESTEE
Dying freaking sucks.
Sure, we’re all supposed to die eventually, but I’ve now died and come back to life twice in this lifetime. Maybe even three times if you count whatever happened to me in the shadow realm.
Either way, the next time I go, it better be centuries from now. Or I’m going to raise hell. Maybe even literally.
But truth be told? I’d do it all over again.
Helping Sloane wasn’t a choice. It was instinct. She’s the kind of queen this realm desperately needed—fearless, honest, and willing to burn down the world to protect it. And after meeting Julian? I have no doubt he’s going to give Theo and Asher a run for their crowns. That male has Alpha King written in the very essence of his soul.
We’ve only been back in Selaris for a single day, and yet, everything already feels…lighter. Like a fog has lifted. Our people are walking taller and smiling easier. The announcement that wolves from other kingdoms would be welcomed here? That we were finally open, not just politically but personally? Well, you’d think we were throwing the festival of the decade.
Wolves are moving in and out of the castle with armfuls of supplies for our new pack members, laughter echoing through the stone halls. Donations are arriving faster than we can catalog them—clothing, bedding, handmade gifts, even baked goods wrapped in cloth and still warm. And for once, no one’s hoarding. They’resharing.
I thought my heart was full before. Now I worry it might shatter from the sheer amount of love being poured into this pack. Intoourhome.
As I stand outside on the front steps, taking in the bustle, I spot a pair of our newest wolves walking toward me hand-in-hand. They’re both beaming, practically vibrating with excitement, though there’s a flicker of nerves in their eyes too.
The male bows deeply. “Queen Estee.”
Gods, it still sounds surreal.
But I’ve grown into this title. I earned it. And now I wear it like armor laced in purpose.
“Welcome to Selaris,” I greet them warmly. “I don’t believe we’ve officially met. What are your names?”
“I’m Julie,” the woman says with a smile, clutching the male’s arm tighter. “And this is James. I’m originally from Alcaris, and he’s from Venaris. We found out we were mates right before the battle.”
That explains the stars in their eyes and the shakiness in their fingers. A fresh bond, new and sacred.
“Then congratulations,” I say, placing a hand gently on both their shoulders. “You’ve found something precious, especially in a world like ours.”
Julie nods quickly, but James clears his throat, cheeksflushed with color. “Actually, we were hoping to ask you something.”
Julie glances at him then back at me. Her lips tremble slightly. “We were wondering if you’d perform our mating ceremony. We know it’s sudden, but we just don’t want to wait. Not after everything.” She swallows hard, her voice faltering. “We’ve learned all too recently that life can be taken away in an instant,” she continues, her gaze misting over. “And we don’t want to waste a single moment now that we’ve found each other.”
Her words strike something deep within me. The way her voice catches at the end, the pain behind her smile. I know that look. That ache. Someone she loved didn’t survive the fight. Maybe family. Maybe a friend. But whoever it was, the loss is written in the curve of her shoulders and the quiver of her breath.
I step closer and take both their hands in mine. “I would be honored to officiate your mating ceremony,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.
Julie lets out a soft sob of relief, while James exhales like he’s been holding his breath for days. “Thank you,” they whisper together.
“No,” I tell them with a smile. “Thankyou. For reminding me what we were all fighting for. We’ll make sure everything is sorted for this evening.”
They nod, and I know—deep in my bones—that Selaris is not just healing.
It’s blooming.
They walk away, James still whispering softly to Julie as he keeps her steady, his touch both anchoring and tender. I watch them for a breath longer, the way their silhouettes lean into each other like gravity itself is pulling them closer then I turn back toward the castle.
I need a minute. Just one. To breathe. To feel.
But halfway up the steps, a familiar voice cuts through the commotion.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Isla’s voice rings out.
I turn, and I’m running toward her without a moment’s hesitation. I throw my arms around my sister and hold on tight.
