He finally pulled away. When he saw my face, the shock there, he knew it was wrong. His expression fell slightly.
But I wasn’t the other Elfreda, not the long list of binding words that had been my identity for so long. I couldn’t seem to reconcile the two.
“I… I think I’m just Frey.”
His hands moved to my shoulders, but he kept them there, tension still in his grip.
“That’s okay,” Ruby assured me.
“We will find the others,” Chevelle pledged, his jaw tight. I couldn’t tell if the promise was meant for me or himself.
The others. I had forgotten, lost for so long in my dreams, the bonds I’d hoped would break. I wished I could think clearly. I tried to remember what had happened but could only see flames.
A flicker of movement caught my eye and I turned to find a hawk perched on the ledge of a balcony. Suddenly, I needed fresh air more than anything.
Chevelle helped me to my feet and I walked, a little wobbly, to the door. As I stepped out into the sun, I had to steady myself on the stone ledge. Not because of the lightheadedness, though I was feeling faint, but because below me, before the steps to what I now realized was a castle, was a thousand elves… watching me. I sucked in a harsh breath, I couldn’t get my mind to accept what I knew was happening.
I had been so oblivious. But as I stared down, I understood. This was my place.
I heard Ruby behind me now. In a low voice she assured me, “They have heard of your return, they have come to see for themselves.”
Chevelle stepped to my right side, placing something cold and heavy in my hand. My sword.
I knew what to do then. I took a deep, steadying breath as I raised the blade to the air and heard my name roared in the song of the crowd below.