I hadn’t meant what I’d said to Lily. Lorelai’s words had been in my head, calling her a child, and they had spilled out when Lily stood up to me. There was nothing about Lily that was a child in my eyes. There had been, for a long time, but now, all I could see was my mate. My beautiful, mature mate, who I must protect with everything I am, my life, if needed. I’d had a moment of absolute pride in my mate. No one has ever stood up to my anger like that, and she didn’t show an ounce of fear. It had taken everything in me not to pull her in my arms and kiss her with with the passion I feel for her. But that would have encouraged her to stay with me, and I couldn’t have that. Then when she smacked me, she nearly knocked me off my feet. I’ve never felt that kind of strength before either. She’s right, I’m not giving her credit for being as strong as she is. But it’s more than that. My fear that Lorelai had actually killed her, had made me lose control of myself. Worse, I’d lost control

The next day, when I get to the library, I'm ready to begin figuring out the second prophecy. I know it says I will die, but, I’m not afraid to die. Especially if I die saving my mate. When Buppig and I walk in, I show him the change in the book cover. “I agree with King Ailduin. I think it’s because you have fulfilled the prophecy. In addition, I have to think that as you fulfill the other prophecies, it will continue to change color until it’s completely iron colored.” “I guess that makes sense.” I say, opening the book. “Did you want to review the fourth prophecy, Princess?” He asks quietly. I look at him. “No, not particularly. There’s no way it’s about me. But I do have one question. Who is the last of her kind?” His eyes go wide with obvious excitement, and he comes to sit down next to me. “Well, of course, we don’t know for sure, not until the prophecy comes to light. But we all think it’s about Lucero.” “Who?” I ask, frowning. “No one has told you about Lucero?” “Buppig

Buppig, Hyacinth and I split off from Dominic and Tialha after that, but the conversation lingered in my mind. There is a unicorn, and she is the last of her kind. She has to be the one mentioned in the fourth prophecy. When the last of her kind Shares her light and life That’s what the prophecy says. And based on what Dominic and Tialha said, Lucero has a bright white light surrounding her. So, it definitely makes sense that it’s about her. It’s the rest that I still struggle with. We’ve been walking for a while when GoldMoon steps out of the forest. Buppig and Hyacinth both bow to her. I look at them and back at GoldMoon, inclining my head, not wanting to be rude. “Princess Guardian, I understand you wish to speak to me.” Her gentle, yet strong voice floats into my mind. “Hello, GoldMoon.” I say out loud. “Yes, I wanted to speak with you.” She inclines her head at me. “You have questions about the second prophecy, the one the elves named after me.” “Is it about you?” I ask.

We’ve been fighting for months. I’ve lost more men in this battle than I’ve lost over the course of my entire life. Granted, by fae standards, I’m not old, but still, this last year has been bloody and gruesome. As I slide Lightning Wielder through the body of one of my brethren, now dark from Lorelai’s influence, I watch as his eyes go from the opaque white back to a soft brown. “Thank you, My Prince.” He whispers and I slide my sword out of his body which falls to the ground in a dead heap. I grit my teeth, understanding more than ever why my father fights so hard for peace. These men did not want this, or at least, not all of them did. But they followed Lorelai, whether because of loyalty or because they believed in her, it doesn’t matter. They are dark and have threatened my mate, so they must die, even if I hate every moment of killing them. I haven’t seen Lorelai in days. She’s been hiding in the castle, sending her minions out to die for her. I knew from my father than Lily h

After breakfast, Buppig and I return to the library, the room that has become our second home over the past year. “I get the flower of spring is me, that makes sense. Although, in truth, your mate and any of her sisters meet this criteria as well.” I say to Buppig, who shakes his head at me. “But are we sure that Dominic is the pain of night?” “Yes, Princess, we’ve been over this. Not only is Dominic’s fur as dark as midnight, but he is the nighttime protector of the forest. And let's not get started on the pain part. No one in Araphyra was in as much pain as Dominic.” Buppig says, huffing at me. Well, he doesn't have to convince me of that. I remember the pain he felt very well. My body shivers at the memory. “Fine.” I say, before rereading the prophecy. When the flower of spring Eases the pain of night She will begin to heal He who is broken "Okay, that part makes sense. Although, similar to what GoldMoon told us, the word ‘broken’ isn’t exactly accurate. Dominic isn't broke