27. Chapter Twenty-Seven

"Today we recognize each life lost in Andras's attempt to take control of the realms." I'm standing in the square, leaning against a wall at the side of the crowd.

Casmir understood that I had no energy to be up there with him, though I still thought it important I be here. Even just for a short while.

It has not even been a full day since Andras's fall. A day of not knowing what to do with myself because none of this feels real. I've been fighting against one enemy for decades. He's dead. His war is over…now what?

As much as Cas and Em want me to be their queen, I do not feel like that is the right place for me. I am strong and a good leader when I need to be, but I no longer need to be. I'm so tired. I do not want anyone else relying on me for a long time. I know poor Leia will have much on her plate, as I will not allow Cas to return to being prince at full capacity. We all need time to grieve and rest.

Maybe I could find an assistant to work with Leia…

"Ansa Reist, one of the finest soldiers Anloria has ever seen, and a dear friend. She gave her life for this city and her memory will live on within these walls." My eyes find the clouds overhead, thankful that the Earth seems to understand the somber mood today. The gloomy atmosphere is the perfect mirror to how I'm feeling.

To how all of us are feeling.

Ansa. Seb. Bren.

Calix.

The hundreds that we lost to keep the realms free. Casmir speaks for them all and recognizes each sacrifice while attempting to hide the waver in his voice. His obvious pain squeezes my heart, but I must let him do this. Even if just for his own conscious.

"What do you think they'll do with the demons?" A couple next to me whispers to themselves, though I hear them clearly.

I stretch my neck, and my eyes skim over so many crying faces. I hope the fates make Andras suffer for the unnecessary devastation he's caused. If it wouldn't also take my bonds, I'd stick another obsidian arrow through me just to go murder him again.

And the demons? It—

The demons. That came from the bridge to Breoqan Imogen opened…who is now dead.

Fuck. How did we not think of this earlier?

I push off the wall and casually exit the crowd, hoping it seems as if I only need a moment alone. When no one follows, I jog through the empty streets until I reach the little shop I've come to love.

The door creaks as I swing it open, thick air the first thing to greet me. I clear my throat, brows furrowing when I notice just how dark and quiet it is in here. Maybe she's at the square?

"Ivana?" I call, wrapping my arms around my waist while I wait.

No answer.

I shift, looking between the door and the stuffy shop. I should leave…but something doesn't feel right.

Actually, it feels perfectly right; as if something tugs on my presence and beckons me forward.

I move, deciding against using my fire to map the way. There are too many flammable items in here, and burning down a friend's shop is not on the list of things I can handle at the moment. My hands reach out to feel around the shelves until I'm at the hallway and freeze at the faint light coming from the back room.

A tingling sensation slides up my spine and into my neck, my body shivering. There's a slight flicker to the orange hue, though no shadows or sounds indicate a presence. As I walk to the room where my life nearly ended, the surrounding darkness invades my senses and threatens to call upon troubling memories.

The thought of being stuck in this creepy hallway with my past pushes my feet to move faster. I glance around the room as I enter, not surprised when it is empty—save for the candle and envelopes on the table. I swallow thickly when I notice my name written on the top envelope.

I pick it up and take a deep breath before unfolding the letter.