Essence of the Angels (The Starlight Chronicles #2)

Chapter Twenty Four

Lucy's POV

I passed out from the pain on the journey back to Reina's manor, which meant I didn't get a chance to ask all my questions—whether Valarie was okay, and why she was being coronated. By the time I stirred, we were already arriving, and I found myself lying against Valarie's shoulder.

"You're awake," Jason noted, his gaze fixated on me. "Are you okay? How are you feeling?"

I blinked a couple of times, recalling the pain and strange black vision that came over me when Eriz had stabbed me. I pulled up my shirt to check the wound— dried blood indicated that the wound had existed, but there was no wound there now.

"What happened?" I asked, frowning at Jason. He gestured to Kyra, who was beaming and practically bouncing in her seat.

"Guess what Luce? I'm a multi-skilled angel! I got this instinct to heal you after you passed out and it worked!"

I breathed out a steady sigh. As worried as I'd been for Kyra, I was quite glad she had angelic abilities at this point. "Nothing weird happened to me?" I asked, checking my arms for signs of changes. I summoned a tiny shield in my hand, and that worked too. Strange.

"It seems like the sword didn't hurt you—apart from physically," Kyra replied brightly. Jason seemed relieved, and Valarie hugged me gently.

"I missed you so much," she said, her voice full of emotion. "I know, you must have questions, but we're really pressed for time right now. It's best that we properly discuss this later so that we can lay out all the facts for you —with Reina as well. She can explain parts of it better than me."

Despite my desperation for answers, I was relieved to see that Valarie seemed healthy and well. Something had shifted within her it seemed—there was a new spark there, like a confidence that radiated through every part of her. And the way she communicated with Devian was far from the last time I'd seen him—she'd flinched away from his touch back then. Yet now, she sat so close that their legs brushed together, and spoke calmly with him in the carriage.

Though, to be fair, it was pretty crowded in the carriage. I didn't know what to think, and all I could do was watch the world around me with cautious eyes.

When we pulled up to the manor, there was a tall woman already waiting by the front door. She wore a heavy coat, and a tiara in her brown hair. She had a striking resemblance to Valarie, which made my stomach twist uncomfortably.

As we climbed out of the carriage, Valarie regarded her with a wave of her hand, before turning to us.

"This is Reina White—she's the true Starlight Heir."

I frowned, and exchanged a confused look with Jason, who seemed equally taken aback. An amused smile ghosted Reina's lips, and she strode slowly towards us. Her gaze lingered on me momentarily, before focusing on Valarie.

"Lady Valarie—your coronation is very soon. We must finish getting you prepared and ready," she said, a stern edge to her voice. "Sadie is in the foyer—she'll escort you back upstairs. I'll take your friends to the sitting room, where we can discuss any questions they might have."

I was hesitant to trust Reina, but I trusted Valarie—and she nodded in agreement. Devian and Valarie went on ahead, and the rest of us followed Reina through her elegant manor to a spacious sitting room. The seats were made of a soft, velvety material—but it wasn't quite velvet. It was almost as if hints of satin were stitched into it too.

"Would anyone like a drink?" Reina asked, reaching for a cabinet in the corner. She swiftly poured herself a goblet of wine and sipped.

"No, thanks," I replied, eyeing everyone with a cautious gaze. I was having a hard time processing that this was my true sister. It was a lot to take in so suddenly.