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SO FAR, THE PLAN IS IN MOTION. Though, a million things have changed since the original plan that had been formed in the Seelie Court. Now, funnily enough, the first thing that had gone wrong is tugging at Darcie's arm before she leaves.
"Naila, I agree with you, of course," says Riven. "But to leave you, are you so sure about that?"
Darcie turns to him, freeing herself from his hold. "I am safe here, Riven."
"You can't blame me for not doubting your safety," Riven reminds her. "We might be here for peace, but don't forget what the Quileute tribe have done to you."
"If we want peace, then we have to start trusting each other," Darcie argues. "That means you have to trust them too."
"Will you ever trust me again?" Riven asks instead.
"I do trust you, Riven," Darcie reassures him. "I just don't trust that you are my friend."
"I might always be your guard first, but I am your friend too," Riven answers. "Maybe I deceived you with who I am, but never how I felt."
"I know," Darcie admits. "I still see Milon in you, even though he never really existed."
"Maybe Milon didn't exist, but everything else was real," Riven tells her. "It's still an honour to serve you."
Darcie sighs. "You are a prince, Riven. You don't serve me."
"I'm a prince with no kingdom," confesses Riven. "So, right now, my duty is to protect the future of our world and help the Seelie Court and Unseelie Court."
Whether he means to unite through marriage, Darcie's not so sure, but she's certain that neither of them wants that. Instead, Darcie sighs, realising that she's already forgiven Riven, even if she can't fully trust him.
"Protect Quinn, then I'll trust you again," Darcie tells him.
"I won't let you down," Riven promises.
Most of the journey home is silent as Darcie stares out of the window with her head in the palm of her hand, thinking over everything. There's so much happening at once with Darcie feeling the pressure, knowing that one mistake will come at the cost of so many lives — including Callum's. Yet now she also must worry about a Phoenix.
"So," says Quil. "Now that it's just the three of us, there's, uh, something you guys should know. You probably already know."
All problems are forgotten as Darcie twists in the passenger seat, turning to face Quil with a supportive smile.
"We know," Jacob tells him.
Embry shoots him a smile in the rear-view mirror. "We are happy for you, man."
"You are?" Quil questions.
"So happy," Darcie promises. "Are you?"
"Riven told me that he's waited a long time to meet me," says Quil, not answering Darcie's question. "What does that mean?"
