The Curse of Thorns

CHAPTER TWELVE

Suddenly, a golden key materialized in Viatrix's hand. The key seemed to radiate a soft, golden glow, casting a warm shimmer across the room. The fairy queen stared at the key.

"Mother," Evalina said softly, stepping forward. She extended her hand toward the key.

Viatrix's face was unfathomable as she placed the key in Evalina's hand without uttering a single word.

Evalina's face broke into a wide grin. "Thank you, mother," she said. Her fingers closed around the key, holding it as if it were a precious gem. Viviana smiled too, her cheeks wet with the remnants of tears, wiping them away with the back of her hand.

The room erupted into cheers and applause. All except for Rex, who stood apart, his arms crossed and his face set in a scowl.

"I'll be right back," Evalina said, nodding at Briar with a broad smile. She turned and quickly exited the room.

Leon turned to Briar with a wide grin. "Finally!" he exclaimed. "For a minute there, I thought we were doomed."

"Me too," Briar admitted. She felt an overwhelming sense of happiness welling up inside her. It was as if she had walked to the very edge of despair and then been pulled back into the light.

After what seemed like an eternity, Evalina returned, carrying an enormous book with a dark velvet cover. The book was ancient, its surface adorned with mysterious symbols and inscriptions in a language Briar didn't recognize. The dark velvet seemed to absorb the light, giving the book an aura of gravity.

Evalina approached Viatrix and handed the book over to her. Viatrix took it with a trembling hand, her eyes reflecting a flurry of emotions. Her fingers traced the contours of the symbols.

Briar's heart pounded in her chest. She prayed silently, her fingers digging into her palms. Please, don't change your mind. The fate of my kingdom rests in your hands.

Finally, Viatrix tore her gaze away from the book. Her eyes met Briar's, and for a moment, they seemed to soften. She took a step forward and handed the book to Briar.

"I hope you remember this help," Viatrix said, her voice firm.

Briar clutched the book to her chest. "I will. I promise," she said.

With a nod, Viatrix turned and left the room, her footsteps echoing softly. Rex shot them a final sneer, his face twisted in disdain before he followed his mother.

Lilliana and Viviana hugged each other tightly, their faces lighting up with happiness.

"At last, mother has made the correct choice," Lilliana said. She looked as though a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Mother is not heartless," Evalina said. "She may have turned cold, but she is not evil."

Briar turned to the three sisters, her eyes filled with tears of gratitude. "Thank you," she said. "If it were not for all of you, I wouldn't have gotten the book."

Lilliana smiled warmly at Briar. "You deserve it," she said.

Viviana clapped her hands together. "Well, are you going to look at the ritual or just stare at the book?" she asked playfully.

Briar felt a rush of excitement as she looked down at the ancient book in her hands. Taking a deep breath, she opened the book. She gasped. The silver pages of the book were empty. "There is nothing written here."

The fairies exchanged knowing glances before bursting into laughter.

"The rituals are right here, but as a human, you cannot see them," Evalina explained.