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she’d worshipped her entire life had destined for her.
    She was ready to meet that future now. Or as ready as she would ever be.
    Others wearing Amyenka brown had stopped now, too. Kir, Jacu, Phe, and Rek—Dardaptoans she’d known for her entire life. Kir was crying. Phe and Rek stared at her. Lana nodded at the couple, distant cousins of her mother.
    “The heir lives!” Rek turned to the people behind him as he yelled the words.
    Others picked up the cry. Soon the crowd was chanting, “ She lives!” and “ Havalana!”
    And then, as more and more of her mother’s people— her people—came through the portkey, the chants grew.
    She just stood silent as the crowd swelled. Thousands of Dardaptoans filled the demon courtyard. Her family’s people, the ones she had led these past three years, those she recognized as her Rajni’s House, plus onlookers drawn to the commotion—they all stared in her direction.
    The eyes and the questions—they did not matter. Her people, her House— that was what was important.
    Ragner would not control them any longer.
    Rek and Salo came to her. Kir, too. Her mother’s best friend wrapped trembling hands around Lana’s upper arms. “We feared you were lost to us forever.”
    “I was never lost; I was fleeing and injured. Tell me, where is Ragner?” She would never again claim him as her brother.
    “He comes through last.” Rek bowed to her. “He wished the leaders of this land to be impressed by our House’s numbers and wealth.”
    Her Rajni squeezed her shoulder. “I have not been in this world long, but I have seen enough to doubt that wealth matters much here.”
    Lana agre ed. “The numbers may be of great use in this time, but the wealth and ostentatious trappings Ragner so desperately loves—no. Loyalty and a love of our House, and our Goddess will be what is prized.”
    “Are you ready, then? To take the mantle that by all birthrights is yours?” Rek had long been a man of frank words. Lana had always appreciated it.
    “I am ready.”
    Rek stared at her. Lana kept her gaze steady and direct on the male who had been her mother’s top advisor until four years ago.
    He bowed to her and turned toward the crowd surrounding them. “House of Amyenka! Heed my words well! This is the day our people will remember for eternity! The Dahn of Amyenka lives. Behold our Havalana Amyenka, of the noble and ancient House of Amyenka!”
    His voice carried and had the crowd quieting. Lana’s heartbeat sped up.
    Her Rajni was there, his grip tight and reassuring on her shoulders. Lana risked a glance at him. Some of her anxiety subsided, but only a bit. She nodded, slowly, then raised a hand to the one he rested on her right shoulder. His fingers met hers. She squeezed his hand, then stepped away.
    Her people needed to see her as strong, and not dependent on anyone to lead them—even her mate.
    She did not miss the mingled admiration and pride in his eyes.
    Rek, Kir, others that she recognized, went to one knee in front of her. Those behind them did the same, almost in a wave.
    Until she was surrounded by people kneeling before her. What was she supposed to do now?
    One person near her was the last to take a knee. Pleius. Her Pleius. Her best friend—her protector.
    Everything a brother should be. Without him she would have been lost to the evil that was Ragner’s soul.
    Her gaze met his.
    He took the hat off, then bowed his handsome head. His unfailing faith in her had been what had carried her through. She would never forget that.
    Marcos’ hand brushed against the small of her back.
    More quiet, steady faith. Something she most definitely needed.
    Havalana stepped forward. Lifted her face to the sun, then looked at her people as they gathered in front of her. She needed to say something to them. To let them know she was here and that from this moment forward she would lead them.
    Marcos must have read the thoughts in her head. He lifted her from behind, and placed her on