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“The witch has become their idea, their symbol.” I sighed. “Humans—”
“Some humans are redeemable,” said Elvey. “You’ll open their eyes, unveil the witch’s true colors, and shatter the false symbol. You’ll force them to see the hard truth. And if they still decide they don’t want you, then let whatever befall them be their fate.”
I laughed mirthlessly. “Elvey, how am I going to do that? I was a spoiled, ignorant teenager when I was in the realm, and then I was three beasts in a savage jungle for nine centuries. I just got rid of my curse and came back to a broken home. I had no idea that the world had evolved so quickly. It has become completely alien to me. I’m not as powerful or useful as you think, and you’re looking for some savior who isn’t there.”
“So, you’re just going to give up?” Rosalinda demanded.
“No.” I sighed. “I’m trying to think what I can do, but we all need to be realistic.”
“You’re what I’ve been looking for, Daisy Danaenyth,” Elvey said. “Even though you don’t see it. All I’m asking is whether you’re willing to fight the evil, defend your realm, and protect your future people.”
I swallowed. “Anything. I’ll do anything, but I don’t even know where to start.”
“You have us,” Rosalinda said. “You have Elvey.” She gave Iokul a glance. “You have your three dragon princes and their powerful forces. You have many more supporters whom you don’t know in the Dragon Realm, in human cities, and in the Fae realm.”
Iokul grabbed my hand and pressed it against his heart, and Elvey watched us. I didn’t see jealousy in his eyes but longing, as if he wanted to belong to me as well.
“You have me, love,” Iokul said. “You have my brothers, our warriors, and the Oslanian army.”
My heart warmed, and I fought back the tears stinging my eyes.
What had I done to deserve such loyalty, even from the friends and allies I hadn’t met?
“It’s not what you did, but what you’ll do,” Elvey said softly.
And again, I was an open book to him, and to them all.
“I think I’ll have an idea where you can start,” Elvey added with a smile. “It won’t be easy.”
“Bring it on,” I said, returning his smile.
I didn’t care how tough the tasks would be. I wouldn’t let down those who depended on me.
And I was glad that Elvey was going to be around for a while.
CHAPTER 7
Once Iokul regained his strength, we flew back to our base inMistress.
At our approach, the castle loomed in like a white aspiration with smudges under two crescent moons. The stains were the burn marks of KingDaghda’s fire.
I landed in a small garden at the east wing, surprised that the dragon fire hadn’t touched this part when it had swept over the main garden and scorched everything in it.
Had my grandfather spared the jasmine because he knew it was my favorite flower? The jasmine garden had access to the side of my old chamber.
Tiny white jasmines shone like small stars, their fragrance bringing back fond memories. It made me feel like I was a stupid, fun fifteen-year-old again.
I shifted to my Fae form, plucked a blossom, and inserted it behind my ear.
The silver dragon unfolded his massive wings, his bright silvery-blue scales glittering in the moonlight. He scanned the golden palace, ensuring no threat lurked in the shadow at the moment, before he fixed on me and shifted beside me.
I smiled at him, held his hand, and led him down a path. “Come and see my old room.”
Iokul kissed my lips softly. He placed himself slightly ahead of me, his free hand twitching, ready to defend me with his ice magic.
I’d seen how he’d turned his ice to blade and impaled the demons in the arena on Pandemonium.
“We’ll have this place all to ourselves tonight,” I said.
