The crowd was silent for a moment, and then a young vampire in the front row started to clap. Then another, and another, until the entire courtyard was filled with the sound of applause.
They were accepting me. They were giving me a chance.
I felt a wave of relief wash over me, followed by a surge of determination. I would not let them down. I would not let Liam down. I would not let myself down.
I would be the Queen they deserved.
After the speech, Liam and I walked back inside, the applause still echoing
"You did it," he said, pulling me into a tight hug. "You were amazing."
"We did it," I said, a wide smile on my face. "I couldn't have done it without you."
"Always," he said, kissing my forehead.
He then looked at me, his expression turning serious. "There's something I need to
