Hallie had confided in Brynleigh that Valentina hadbroken down in the Hall of Choice after they’d left. She’d been inconsolable, and she’d since locked herself away to grieve for her husband.
Apparently, the Chancellor had only visited her daughter once.
Brynleigh hadn’t thought someone could be as cold as Jelisette de la Point, but maybe in another life, the vampire and fire fae would’ve been bosom friends instead of mortal enemies.
“Come, come,” Ignatia said. “We don’t have all day, and there are more important matters to get to.”
Like the rebels.
They were still a problem. They’d dealt with part of them, but Dimitri hadn’t been in the building that night. The rebel organization was just so big. Brynleigh was certain this wasn’t the last time they would cause problems in the Republic of Balance.
But at least for now, they’d been stopped.
An entire camera crew was present. Unlike the other times they’d been here, today would be televised.
Brynleigh had known the press would be here, but it didn’t make standing in front of them any easier. After this, she hoped to never be on camera again in her entire life.
Hand in hand, she and Ryker strode to the middle of the stage.
“People of the Republic of Balance, it is my honor to come to you today with a story of bravery.” Chancellor Rose reached out and placed a hand on Brynleigh’s shoulder. Her touch was as cold as ice. “You may not know it, but several weeks ago, this courageous young vampire infiltrated a dangerous organization for the good of our country.”
The Chancellor kept talking. She twisted the truth with impressive skill, making it seem like she had sanctioned and orchestrated Brynleigh’s infiltration of the Black Night.
Brynleigh hated every second of this charade, but she didn’t protest. This was the final price of her freedom. After this, they would be left alone for good. The Chancellor had promised to wipe the slate clean, and the legal documents were already drawn up and signed.
Knowing she was almost done, Brynleigh smiled, nodded, and shook the Chancellor’s hand when the fire fae thanked her for helping her country.
And then, one last time, she turned to the camera and waved.
“Thank Isvana, that’s finished.”Brynleigh leaned against Ryker as they exited the elevator in the underground parking garage. She couldn’t wait to get in the vehicle and remove her shoes. These damned heels were horrible, and the dress wasn’t much better.
Ryker kissed her forehead. “You were amazing, and now, it’s over.”
Over.
One word had never sounded so good.
She could scarcely believe it. When she’d first entered the Choosing with the desire to avenge her family, she never imagined this would be the outcome.
Jelisette was dead, Brynleigh had married her mark, and despite the betrayal and hurt they’d inflicted upon each other, they’d come out stronger on the other side. The rebels were no longer an imminent threat, and Ryker’s father was responding well to treatment.
Not only that, but Ryker had petitioned the Chancellor to remove Victor, her torturer, and his sadistic friends from prison duty. He had assured Brynleigh that not only would they not hurt anyone else, but she’d never have to see them again. That meant more to her than any gift he could have ever given her.
Was this what it meant to be happy?
She must’ve said the last question out loud because Ryker chuckled as he opened the car door for her.
“Yes, love.” He kissed her as she ducked inside the vehicle.
He walked to the other side and slid into the driver’s seat. He turned on the car, expertly backed out of the space, and took her hand.
“This is exactly what happiness feels like.”
Like warmth and sunlight and butterflies all mixed together.
Brynleigh had never known she’d been living in frigid darkness until Ryker cracked open her heart and showed her just how much she was missing.
She wouldn’t have it any other way.