Chapter 66. Verification

“We need a plan,” River told me. “We can’t just walk back unprepared since it could work to their advantage more than us.”

“You should step in as Seraphina Montgomery first, the real you, then we’ll return.”

Slowly, I nodded. He’s right.

I can’t let the anger control me, and once I step into royalty, I’ll have bigger responsibilities, although it still sounds like an ambiguous dream for me right now.

For the first time in years, I felt the tiniest flicker of hope. It was small, yes, but it was real.

And it was mine.

“Are you okay?” River asked, noticing that I became silent. “We could do this one step at a time. Baby steps. And no matter what happens, I’ll be by your side.”

He added, caressing my cheeks, “You’re not alone anymore, Seraphina.”

I smiled.

I let the words sink in. Then, I clenched my trembling hands.

“Alright…” I nodded. “Let’s take it all back. Together.”

I’m aware that there are so many challenges along