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When the kiss was over, she was much calmer. Vigor and confidence that weren’t her own flooded her body. She smiled, basking in the emotions he was sending through their bond. With his help and support, she could navigate these new magical waters.
“Ash, I don’t want to push you before you’re ready, but I’m claiming you before my people. I will be a better king with you by my side, and you’ve done more than enough to prove yourself.” Luca’s deep voice conveyed his strong emotions.
Eiko cleared her throat. “I’m afraid that will have to wait, my dears. Something happened to our Ash-san, and we need to get to the bottom of it. Your impending marriage is the least of our concerns.” Belatedly, she added, “Your Majesty.” The witch ignored Luca’s amused glare and stared at Ash like she’d witnessed a miracle. “She ripped the sunstone from your chest. I don’t know how you survived that fight.”
Ash straightened. “I do. Finding the words took a while, but I’ve got it now. I didn’t survive that fight. Nadya killed me, but the magic that fuels the spark decided that today was not the day. I felt it well up. Then it overflowed, and when the seal broke, I just—” Ash threw up her hands to mimic an explosion. “Boom! Light exploded out of me. It burned up the lesser vampires and obliterated the shadows binding Luca.”
He nodded in agreement. “It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. She crumpled to the floor, her skin blackening and flaking off. The air almost buzzed with magic, and Ash roared. Then, she exploded in a blinding burst of light.
“She rose from the floor in a movement that would have made a ninja proud, and she was healthy and whole. Her hair was back, and when she opened her eyes, they blazed with copper fire.” He emphasized the description for Viktorija, who hadn’t been there. Luca’s voice and expression conveyed his appreciation for the woman at his side. “She turned that power on Nadya. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Eiko smiled. “I’m not sure there’s ever been anything like it. I think our Ash-chan is unique. Witch-born, with a spark like none I’ve ever seen, and a vampire, too.”
Ash grimaced. “Maerlin and I might have words about that one day. I don’t think she changed me on purpose, not to this extent, but I’d like to hear it from her side. I can’t be upset about it, though, can I? Whatever she made me into, it’s given me the ability to save the people I love. I can be a freak in exchange for that.”
Eiko was shocked by Ash’s words and shook her head. “You’re not a freak, Ash-chan. You are a miracle.”
“I would consider it a miracle if you helped me craft some kind of protection so that mental shitstorm never happens again.” Ash shuddered as she remembered fragmenting into thousands of minds.
Eiko nodded. “I can, and I will, though I suspect it was a side effect of breaking the seal and unleashing your powers. You were blocked, Ash. I can’t believe I didn’t see it, but not many get to witness Maerlin’s magic firsthand, and few magics touch the soul. She put a seal on your soul to contain your power until you were ready for it.
“I find it odd that death was the trigger, but I don’t think she factored vampirism into the binding she set on you as an infant. Magic like that works with potential. The longer it remains in place, the stronger and more aware it becomes. That was how Nadya continued to gain strength over the years.”
Ash blinked, feeling like the world was moving in slow motion. She needed more time to process this information before she figured out what it meant. She hoped that was an aspect of her emerging powers and not a sign that she had a brain bleed.
“What am I? I check boxes that aren’t on the vampire list, but I’m not human anymore. I’m not like other witches, either. How do I fit into any group with the spark blazing like a beacon to tell every supernatural being on the planet that I’m ‘other?’ Does being unique mean being alone?”
Eiko grinned. “You, my sweet girl, are the hybrid sovereign—the link between those powerful groups and the tie that binds us. Your power extends far beyond your abilities, Ash-chan. In months, you have created lasting connections and built solid foundations for future relationships that the supernatural world hasn’t managed in eons. You ended a war that spanned millennia and ascended to the role of vampire queen. You are soul-bound to the Therian king and will soon be his bride, taking on the magic that position offers. It is long past time that we stop pretending your presence here is a coincidence. This is your destiny, Ash-chan. You are the lynchpin. You will never be alone.”
Ash nodded. “I can accept that. I already have, I think. But what in all the hells am I supposed to do about it?” Her words came faster as fear and doubt took hold of her mind. The chaotic power within went into overdrive. “Someone has to take control of the vampires and repair Nadya’s catastrophe. We’ve been revealed to humans, so that’s another shitstorm we need to handle in a hurry. How will the Therians accept me when we don’t even know what I am? They might be grateful now, but it won’t?—”
Luca silenced her with a kiss, which derailed her thoughts before they could fragment again. She sighed. “Thanks. I was going off the deep end. How long will I keep falling apart without warning?”
Her mate pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. “However long it is, we will get through it together. I’m not sure you understand the impression you made on the Therians. You already have a lot of fans.”
“I’m the upstart vampire who killed the former king, seduced the current one, and took Nadya’s head.” Ash laughed. “What’s not to love?”
Viktorija, who’d been uncharacteristically quiet, chose that moment to speak. The respect she bore for Ash was evident in her expression. “He’s not wrong, Ash. You’ve impressed people enough that they’re willing to set aside what they think they know about vampires to learn about you. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s only standing room at the meeting Luca promised.”
Ash groaned. “Damn it. I have a vague memory of him promising to explain everything. How long do we have?”
Viktorija looked at her watch. “Six hours. I postponed it until then since midnight is a typical time for important Therian announcements.”
“Do I have time for a nap?” Ash asked hopefully, stifling a yawn. “I can’t remember the last time I was this tired.”
Viktorija chuckled. “You died today. I suspect that’s exhausting. I wouldn’t know. No one ever kills me.”
Ash laughed. “God, you’re such a bitch, but I love you.”
“I won’t let you die on purpose anymore. I might even like you. Love is pushing it,” Viktorija grumbled.
Ash’s smile didn’t fade. “I’m patient. I’ll wait. You need someone who will call you on your shit and love you even when you try to scare us away.”
The female dragon opened her mouth to deny it but nodded in agreement. “I think you may be right. I like who I am becoming since I met you.”
“We call that personal growth.” Ash yawned and nestled into Luca’s warmth. “So, about that nap.”
Viktorija’s expression softened. “Take your mate to bed, brother. Her body needs to heal, and she hasn’t rested since she crossed the world to warn us, followed by multiple battles. Eiko and I can keep watch, and I’ll make sure you’re both up in time to get back to the palace for the meeting.”
