Chapter 67 Reunions
King Kozlov’s army reached Clawshire under the cover of night, the sky stretched dark and vast above them, dotted with cold stars. Torches lined one of the busiest routes in the kingdom, casting flickering light across stone paths and familiar streets. Even at such a late hour, the town was alive with movement.
The sound of hooves echoed loudly as the royal procession passed through.
Lycans and wielders alike paused whatever they were doing and bowed low as the army rode past. Some pressed their fists to their chests. Others dropped to one knee. Whispers followed the soldiers like a restless tide.
“That is the king.”
“He has brought her back, the Queen. She is with him.”
“They say the queen was taken by the shadow wielders.”
“That means she survived.”
Sebastian heard it all from where he rode at the head of the army. He kept his gaze forward, posture unyielding, but his jaw tightened slightly at the sound of Fernanda’s name passing from mouth to mouth.
Inside the carriage behind him, Fernanda peeked through the small window, her fingers curling around the curtain’s edge. Maya leaned beside her, curiosity mirrored in her eyes as she listened to the murmurs drifting in from outside.
“They talk fast,” Maya murmured. “Too fast.”
Fernanda didn't say anything.
Maya studied her for a moment. “It would be best if what happened out there stays between those who were present,” she said carefully. “Your powers especially.”
Fernanda exhaled softly, watching the people bow as the carriage passed. She had never seen them look so afraid. So reverent. “I do not want them to fear me,” she admitted.
“They already fear the crown,” Maya replied gently. “Power always comes with fear. It is what you choose to do with it that matters.”
Fernanda fell quiet after that, her gaze drifting from the crowd to the towering palace ahead.
When the icy gates of Clawshire finally came into view, a chill ran down her spine. The familiar sharp cold of the castle seemed to seep into her bones even before they arrived. As the gates groaned open, Fernanda’s breath caught.
This was the place she had once tried so desperately to escape.
The carriage slowed, then stopped completely. Soldiers stepped forward, opening the doors and offering their hands. Fernanda hesitated for only a second before stepping down.
Her boots touched the icy stone.
She barely had time to steady herself before she saw them.
Her father stood near the entrance, his shoulders stiff, his eyes fixed entirely on her. Beside him stood Caroline, her posture straight, her expression unreadable.
“Father?” Fernanda breathed.
Jordan did not wait another second. He rushed forward, stopping only when he was directly in front of her. His hands hovered uncertainly before finally gripping her shoulders.
“You are alive,” he said hoarsely. “Moon goddess, you are alive.”
“I am,” Fernanda replied softly. “I told you I would come back.”
“I was not allowed to see you,” he said, his voice breaking. “I feared the worst every day.”
Sebastian, standing just behind her, gave a silent nod. That was all the permission Jordan needed.
Caroline cleared her throat. “You look thinner,” she said coolly. “This whole affair must have been… unpleasant.”
Fernanda did not look at her.
“I am back in one piece,” Fernanda said instead, her gaze still on her father. “That is all that matters.”
Jordan nodded fervently. “Yes. Yes, of course.”
Fernanda turned slightly. “Father, we need to speak later,” she said firmly. “About my mother.”
Caroline scoffed before she could stop herself. “That woman has been dead for years.”
Fernanda’s eyes snapped to her then, sharp and unyielding. The look alone made Caroline stiffen.
“Speak her name again with disrespect,” Fernanda said quietly, “and you will regret it.”
Caroline swallowed, suddenly aware that something had shifted. This was not the timid stepdaughter she had once dismissed.
Sebastian stepped forward then. “Escort them home safely,” he ordered the guards.
Jordan squeezed Fernanda’s hands one last time. “We will speak soon,” he promised.
As they turned toward the palace doors, Fernanda’s legs suddenly gave away.
Sebastian caught her instantly.
Her breath left her in a quiet gasp as his arms wrapped around her, lifting her off the ground without hesitation. One arm slid beneath her knees, the other secure around her back.
“Sebastian,” she murmured weakly.
“I have you,” he said softly. “I'm always here now.”
The palace lights reflected off the ice walls as he carried her inside, every step deliberate and careful. Fernanda rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.
She had never felt safer.
Behind them, the crowd slowly dispersed.
Levi lingered near the courtyard entrance, scanning the area until his gaze landed on Maya. She stood alone now, hands clasped tightly in front of her, her expression distant.
He approached quietly. “Why are you not going inside.”
Maya startled slightly, then sighed. “I do not know where I belong anymore.”
Levi frowned. “what do you mean by that?”
“I was Maya the maidservant,” she said softly. “Then Eira of the order. Now everyone knows what I was. What I am.”
“You are not going to be a maidservant again,” Levi said flatly.
She blinked. “I am not?”
“No.”
She studied his face. “Then what am I meant to do?”
He tilted his head slightly. “You once agreed to spy for me.”
Her eyes widened. “Are you still serious about that?”
“I might be.”
Maya let out a breath she had not realized she was holding. “The King has granted you freedom, you can choose any path you want from now on. You just have to be a constant acquaintance with the Queen.” Levi told her.
“The king said that?” Maya found it hard to believe but the look on Levi's face told her otherwise.
Her shoulders sagged in relief. “Then perhaps I can be a spy once in a while,” she said with a small smile.
Levi huffed. “We will see.”
Before she could respond, a familiar voice called out.
“Maya!”
Yolanda rushed toward her, arms open wide. Maya barely had time to react before she was pulled into a warm, crushing embrace.
“You reckless child,” Yolanda scolded through tears. “Do you have any idea how worried I was.”
Maya laughed softly, hugging her back. Levi turned away quietly, giving them space. His eyes lingered on Maya for a moment longer before he disappeared into the palace.
Up in the royal chambers, warmth greeted Sebastian as he carried Fernanda inside. The room glowed with firelight, thick furs spread across the floor and bed.
“You can put me down now,” Fernanda whispered.
Reluctantly, Sebastian did so, settling her gently onto the bed.
“I am here,” he said, kneeling before her. “I will always protect you.”
She reached for his hand. “I know.” she said with worry, tears coated her eyes when she realized that Sebastian was repeating those words out of trauma. And fear. It hurt her so much to see him berate himself like this. “I know Seb.“ he smiled when she called him that.
As he helped her undress, his movements were reverent, unhurried. He bathed her carefully, warmed her with towels, dressed her in new clothes. Later, he sat behind her, braiding her hair with steady hands. Fernanda's heart felt full. She didn't know when a drop of tear escaped her eye. Sebastian being so gentle and attentive with her gave her a renewed sense of hope.
A slight frown settled on her face when she noticed the scars on his own face.
Her fingers traced each one, pressing soft kisses to them. “Thank you,” she whispered. “For not giving up on me.”
“I did not do it for gratitude,” Sebastian replied. “I did it because I cannot fathom living without you. Not even for a moment.”
Fernanda rested her forehead against his. “Then stay,” she said, her hand finding its way into his dark and thick curls.
And Sebastian did.