Page 113 of Forged By Heart and Claws
“Yes,” Vad said, his voice low but steady. “Even when we have had our differences, I have always known that you are a man of conscience and conviction, and that you love my sister. You have our blessing.”
Silus’s throat bobbed. His jaw flexed once before he turned back to Elara.
Everyone had fallen silent, the air rich with tension. The Ignis Fae queen pressed her hand to her lips, already smiling. Rhielle folded her arms as she leaned back against Veralt.
His gaze fixed on Elara, Silus dropped to one knee and offered his hand, palm up. “I do not know the day I first realized I loved you. You have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and you have made it better in every way. You said that you desire someone worthy, and that is not me. But I will strive to be worthy of you, and I will love you until my bones are dust and the stars fall from the sky. Will you do me the honor of giving me your hand in marriage?”
Elara’s lips parted. Her hands lowered to her sides, fingers curling once before she reached out and touched his cheek. “Yes.” Her voice broke. “Of course. And youareworthy. You’ve been worthy since the day I met you.”
Silus rose and cupped one hand under her chin while his other moved to the small of her back. Her cheeks flushed as one of her hands slid to his shoulder and anchored her against him. He leaned in slowly and brushed his lips to hers, so gently at first it looked as if he’d barely touched her. Then she leaned in, herhands sliding up his shoulders and her fingers threading into his hair. Their kiss deepened, his hands bracing her tighter against him.
The Aquen King pressed a hand to his chest, his shoulders trembling as if holding back something too moving for words. One of the elder Shadow Council members, her arm wrapped in a bloodstained sling, nodded, her lips parting in a silent exhale. She whispered something to another surviving councilmember that sounded like, “I wondered how long it would take before he asked.”
Thalen's applause broke the reverent silence, loud and enthusiastic as he whistled. "About time!" His eyes sparkled under the blood still matting his silver-white hair.
The crowd joined in, their applause echoing through the Ceremonial Hall. Myantha clapped beside Thalen, her smile radiant despite her exhaustion. Rhielle simply smiled while Veralt's deep laugh rumbled behind her. Even the royals and councilmembers added their approval, the sound swelling until it filled every corner of the vast space.
Silus pulled Elara closer, claiming her lips once more in a kiss that made her wings flutter. When Thalen whistled, Silus turned and shot him a glare, then hugged Elara closer as she blushed.
I leaned against Vad, warmth spreading through my chest as I watched them. His arm tightened around my waist, and his thumb traced slow circles along the inside of my wrist. Through our bond, his happiness and pride mingled with my own. His sister was finally getting the love she deserved after so much suffering, and with the man she had loved for so long, even if neither of them had admitted it until now.
As the applause died down, Vyraetos stepped into the fractured circle of stone in the middle of the hall, the tap of his boot against marble drawing every eye. “We have representatives from the leadership councils and the royals ofall the kingdoms present in this room. As this is an unorthodox situation, we are pursuing an unorthodox solution. Your Majesties.” He fixed us with his calm and weary gaze. “Are you willing to accept this charge?”
Vad linked to me.Briar?
Yes. With you, I can do anything,I linked back.
Ember linked to me as well, her green eyes shining with delight as she stood with Ryker.I should’ve known that day when I tried to alpha will you to leave our wolf pack for your own safety, and you stood up to me, that you were meant to be a far better alpha than I can ever be. I’m so proud of you, my sister, Queen Briar!
My bottom lip trembled.I love you.
She smiled, placing a hand on her chest like her heart hurt.I love you too, little sister.
Vad’s fingers twitched in mine before he dipped his head forward. “It would be our honor to serve.”
“Good.” Vyraetos turned his hands palm up to face the assembled royals and councilmembers. “And are we in agreement to crown a High King and High Queen to oversee the Realm of Nytharia?”
High Queen. That was what the shadow beast had called me.
Silence held.
Then the Aquen Queen stepped forward. “Yes. Let those who stood up for all of us and fought to save us and our children from death oversee the matters of our world.”
One by one, the others answered in the positive. Some with brief nods, others with quiet words of assent. A few raised questions, asking for clarity. No one said no.
Many-Greats beamed at me.
Vad exhaled, low and steady.
My hand slipped into his.
Vyraetos gave one final nod.
And then, across the ruined hall, they knelt. Every last one of them—kings and queens, councilmembers, nobles, and guards. Some lowered their heads. Others rested their hands over their hearts. The sound of knees striking stone echoed like thunder.
And with one voice, they cried, “Long live High King Vad and High Queen Briar!”
CHAPTER 25
