ADREONA
“How’s it going?” I peered over Keziq’s shoulder as she scored over the journal taken from the original vampire family.
A smile curved over her lips as she looked over her shoulder at me. “I think I’ve about gotten it.”
“There’s no if in this. We only have one chance.”
She clicked her tongue. “Don’t underestimate me. You don’t know the bounds of my magic.”
“But what about the cousin?” I waved my hand as I tried to recall her name. “The witch heir—even I’ve heard whispers about her magic. Between her use of Ichor magic and Lennox and her four elements, they’re a force to be reckoned with.”
“I said, don’t underestimate me,” she snapped.
“Don’t you talk to me with such a tone, I‘m your leader.”
She rolled her eyes. “Like I was saying,” she continued, “Luciana Ambrose isn’t the only one who can study Ichor magic. When we meet in battle, I’ll be ready. And like you, they too will underestimate me. And I will prove you all wrong.”
Sherose from the chair, looking down at me. “When we win this war, it will be because of me.”
“Mistress, a package arrived for you this morning.”
The tiny woman set the package on the dresser by my door before moving back into the doorway, clasping her hands in front of her.
“Who’s it from?”
“There was no name on the card, only it was addressed to you.”
“You’re excused.” The female scurried away, the door closing quietly behind her.
I finished pinning back my hair, eyeing the package in the mirror. I let my curiosity get the best of me, I rose and approached the gift. Perhaps it was from Lorenzo. He had yet to return from his scouting mission. He was so insistent to go out and do something.
It was driving me mad.
So I allowed him to take a small legion out scouting to see what he could find out about Lennox and her army. Lucky for me, I hadn’t heard a peep from him since he left.
I slid my fingers along the box. It was wrapped elegantly in a shiny black wrapping with a glistening red bow. Perhaps the Blood Court citizens were finally taking a liking to me as their queen.
Lorenzo had been gone a week now and I’d been flourishing in his absence.
And on top of that—my formal coronation was scheduled for two weeks time. I’d officially be Queen of the Blood Court.
I tried to have it occur sooner, butapparentlythere were laws that said we had to be married for so long before I could becrowned queen.
One of the many things I’d change once given the opportunity.
If Lorenzo happened to die in battle after my coronation—my body tingled with anticipation. What a glorious day that would be.
I ripped the bow off the package, my nails slicing through the black wrapping with ease. The box underneath was simple, I threw off the top and reached inside.
I jumped back, a sticky substance dripping from my hand as I drew it back from the box. “What?—”
The red liquid was congealed on my skin.
I took a step forward, peaking into the box. A scream lodged in my throat as two lifeless black eyes stared back at me.
Lorenzo’s eyes.
Blood was dotted across his ivory skin, his mouth fixed permanently in a scream. Lorenzo’s head had been severed from his body—just as his fathers had been.
