The ritual was not over. Not yet. As the bells rang out over the city, declaring her coronation, the gathered city beyond cheered. Aelin went to greet them. Down to the castle gates, her court, her friends, following her, the crowd from the throne room behind. And when she stopped at the sealed gates, the ancient, carved metal looming, the city and world awaiting beyond it, Aelin turned toward them. Toward all those who had come with her, who had gotten them to this day, this joyous ringing of the bells. She beckoned her court forward. Then smiled at Dorian and Chaol, at Yrene and Nesryn and
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