Welcome to Willowbrook

Introducing, the Mistress of Darkness

November 5
The royal palace
Ixora
Karanath Island
Dark Isles

Danny let out a breath and tried, again, to calm herself. Today was a big day and she did not want to mess anything up.

"You're going to be fine Ri, stop freaking out," Marcie said with an eye roll. "I'm not freaking out," Danny said, "but this is my coronation. Everything has to be perfect, absolutely fabulous and-" "And nothing," Ivy said. "You'll be just fine, trust us. You're Aurianna Westminster, you'll do great." Danny didn't feel so great. It wasn't just shadow beasts that were out there waiting. Vampires, werewolves, and all other friends of the Shadow Empire were outside waiting to see the long lost daughter of Raegan Westminster. Since the school had closed for the Samhain break, Raegan and Eulalie both decided today would be perfect for her coronation. The catch? They hadn't told her till the previous night, so she was a nervous wreck.

She stood in front of the full length mirror, dressed in a burgundy high-low gown, her long, now waist-length hair hung in luscious waves on her back. Seren was in charge of her outfit, so she was helping mend the lace. She caught Cali's eye in the mirror and asked, "Hey Cal, how was your coronation?" Cali smiled ruefully, "I never had my coronation. The night I was supposed to be coronated was my thirteenth birthday, the same night my grandmother declared my brother heir." Danny bit her tongue. She didn't mean to upset Cali. Cali chuckled, "No worries Aurianna, I am not offended. You are curious after all. But I am afraid I cannot offer you much advice. Unlike you, I was told right from when I was a babe that on my thirteenth birthday I would be coronated." Cali walked up to her and stood behind her. She adjusted Danny's hair. "But I can tell you this," Cali said. "This is your birthright. You are meant to be princess. So, when you go out there remember that that is exactly where you are supposed to be, no where else." The trumpet sounded. Cali smiled and stepped back, "Good luck, Princess Aurianna." Cali left. Marcie and Danny watched. "Sometimes I wonder if she misses being heiress," Marcie said. Danny said, "I feel like she does. But I also know she'll never let it get the best of her. That's why she's a good person." Marcie chuckled, "Well, whatever. We'll continue cursing our messed up lives some other time. You're about to be princess." Seren grinned, "All done here. You're going to be spectacular Auria." I hope so, Danny thought. The three girls wished her luck and went to their seats.

The herald's voice rang loud, "Their Royal Highnesses, Emperor and Empress of the Dark Isles, Lord and Lady of Darkness, King and Queen of Shadows, King Raegan and Queen Eulalie." Danny could hear the cheers and she calmed herself again.

You are princess. This is exactly where you are supposed to be, no where else.

She breathed again and smiled to herself. She could do this. She heard her father's voice, "For years I had hidden the existence of my daughter from the world, partially for her safety but mostly because I wasn't even sure myself if she was still alive. But not anymore. Against all odds, my daughter has neutralized the threat and has come home. So, it is with great joy and pride I present my daughter, Aurianna Ravenna Westminster."

Danny stepped into the stage and walked towards her parents, waving at the crowd. They cheered for her as well and she smiled. Her stomach nearly flipped at the amount of people in the hall, but she calmed herself until she was in front of her parents. Eulalie smiled, "You look lovely dear." "Thanks Mom," Danny said. She faced her father. "Do you promise to serve and protect the Shadow Empire, to put the people's needs first and to continue to bring pride to the house of Westminster?" Raegan said. "I do," Danny said. "Bring the crown," Raegan said. The herald brought a forehead crown on a black velvet cushion. The crown was silver, and had a large blood red garnet in the middle. Raegan lifted the crown, "It is with great pride that I officially declare you Crowned Princess Aurianna Westminster." He placed the crown on her head and the herald cried, "All hail Her Grace, Imperial Princess of the Dark Isles, Mistress of Darkness and Princess of Shadows, Princess Aurianna Westminster."

The crowd went wild with cheers and all the shadow beasts bowed low. She smiled and waved to the crowd. "Do it now Raven," her dad whispered. She nodded and closed her eyes. All her markings appeared on her skin and her claws grew to their full length. She opened her eyes - they were black - and smiled at the crowd again. The shadows went mad with glee. She looked towards the left where her friends were cheering. To her right, the Circle members were also cheering - well, Trogan was clapping, Khaya was doing another one of his creepy grins and Trinka was just glaring at something. Then Khaya mouthed, Well done princess.

And of course, her parents were at her back. She felt very satisfied. Cali was right - this was exactly where she was supposed to be.

Pic of Danny's gown up. I couldn't find an exact image of how I imagined her crown, but this was closest. Just picture the gem bigger and red.