friends, following her, the crowd from the
throne room behind. And when she stopped at
the sealed gates, the ancient, carved metal
looming, the city and world awaiting beyond
it, Aelin turned toward them.
Toward all those who had come with her,
who had gotten them to this day, this joyous
ringing of the bells.
She beckoned her court forward.
Then smiled at Dorian and Chaol, at Yrene
and Nesryn and Sartaq and their companions.
And beckoned them forward, too.
Brows rising, they approached.
But Aelin, crowned and glowing, only said,
“Walk with me.” She gestured to the gates
behind her. “All of you.”
This day did not belong to her alone. Not at
all.
And when they all balked, Aelin walked
forward. Took Yrene Westfall by the hand to
lily
(lily)
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