This is his final stand,Zakkai whispered as the power strengthened, sending electric sparks across my psyche.
Yes.
But I wasn’t going to fight Constantine.
Enough fae had been injured and hurt by his games and antics. I wanted to blossom on a platform of regrowth and life. Not stand on the skulls of those who had wronged fae kind.
This kingdom had been ruled by death for far too long.
It was time to demonstrate what vitality and light could do.
Constantine sent his power outward on a rush of air, touching the souls of everyone nearby, even Claire. But I caught the roots before they could connect to the cores of their beings.
And I gently pulled it back, refusing to allow their spirits to be tarnished by his darkness any more.
“Constantine Nacht,” I said, my voice carrying through the LethaForest and beyond. “You rule from a throne of destruction and hate. It’s time for a new era of recreation and love.”
I pulled his spell into my staff while I spoke, the black ribbons easily responding to my call.
“Abominations are not who should be feared. They’re beings of love, created by fae who choose to mate outside their kingdoms to other beings of similar, but different heritages. That’s something to be celebrated, not destroyed.” I looked at the Elemental Fae Monarch. “Wouldn’t you agree, Queen Claire?”
She was a halfling, a being born between an Elemental Fae and a human. But because of her mortal half, no one seriously referred to her as an abomination—just a few used it as an insult when feeling cruel. However, was it really so different?
“I would,” she replied, her tone regal, her head high. “Love is the most powerful element of all.”
“Emotions are powerful tools,” I agreed, returning my attention to Constantine. He’d created more of that smoke, his expression impassive in his attempt not to give anything away. Because he had no idea I could see him for who he really was—a broken soul trapped in the body of a powerful Elite Blood Elder.
Destroying his shell wouldn’t fix the darkness inside him.
He needed to live. To see. To witness.
His fate appeared to me in the blink of an eye, the Dark Source agreeing with my decision in my next breath as I began to spin those obsidian fibers into vine-like roots near his feet.
He didn’t notice, too focused on creating more… and more… his desire to manipulate and control consuming him from the inside out and blackening his ability to decipher his destiny.
He was a being of his own creation.
Dark ire.
Obsidian flames.
Obsessive soul.
Tadmir gave a brief nod, having either seen my intent or felt it, I didn’t know. But Zakkai’s palm squeezing mine suggested the latter. Because he could see the enchantment forming now, weaving around and through Constantine’s legs as the Elder continued to exude power.
He didn’t seem to understand why it wasn’t working, his frustration beginning to mar his brow as he issued a demand through the Dark Source.
But the Dark Source no longer responded to him.
It was mine to command.
I couldn’t say when I’d ascended, but I felt it thriving through my veins, the energy calling me queen as I stood upon the ancient breeding ground of Midnight Fae power.
I had no idea why I’d run here all those months ago to expunge the abundance of vitality swimming through my being. But I understood now. The LethaForest had called to me for a purpose, demanding I revitalize the land here in preparation for my eventual ascension.
I’d been the chosen queen all along.
Kols had been the Midnight Fae Prince meant to guide me through his trial… and then sacrifice his throne to me, the rightful royal.