Page 191 of The Vampire's Bride

Awkward silence fills the air.Why on earth is the king looking at him like that?

Sudden realization slams into me as my gaze travels over King Corvin, Prince Raine, and Lysander, noting the similarities in their features. They are subtle, but easily recognizable if one looks closely enough. They have the same high cheekbones, sharp brows, the proud, aristocratic nose, and strong jawline.

Reyla said she was the blood wife of a powerful Vampire. Prince Raine is only a few years older than Lysander, so he cannot have sired him. But I wonder if the king might be the one she refuses to name.

“Step forward, Lord Lysander of House Greyvale,” King Corvin’s voice cuts through the quiet. “I will give you your blood rune.”

Damar stands beside him as Lysander removes his tunic and approaches the king.

King Corvin lifts his hand. Tendrils of magic swirl around his fingers like purple smoke. With a flick of his wrist, he sendsit arcing toward Lysander. It coils around his upper arm as a lavender rune appears on his shoulder.

Lysander grits his fangs as it pulses, searing his skin. The faint scent of iron fills the room as the blood magic settles into his flesh, fading into a softly lit glow.

“As a Lord of House Greyvale, you will bear this rune with honor.” King Corvin’s voice reverberates through the hall as he meets Lysander’s gaze evenly. “You are Noctva—a warrior of night.”

The Noctva.The word sends a chill down my spine. They are warriors bound to the shadows, protectors of night, feared, and revered. I’ve heard the stories and legends of their loyalty and their absolute ruthlessness toward their enemies. Every Vampire that belongs to one of the Great Houses or fights beneath their banners receives this title.

King Corvin turns his gaze to the crowd. “We are Noctva.” He thumps his closed fist to his chest as everyone else does the same, each of them echoing his words. “We bow to no one.”

Everyone falls silent as Lysander moves to my side. My heart pounds as all eyes fall upon me again. In the corner of the room, Aerlyx’s lavender eyes blink in the shadows, offering me a small measure of comfort to calm my nerves. If anything goes wrong, we at least have a plan of escape.

Damar stands tall as he turns to me and Valaric. “House Greyvale has added another member to our growing Clan.”

With my arm looped through his, Valaric and I step forward. “King Corvin,” my husband begins. “I present my true wife, Lady Juliet Greyvale.”

Dozens of eyes stare at us, their expressions varying from looks of disdain to intense fascination as hushed murmurs move through the crowd:Sanishon. Fated One. Fallen Knight.

A muscle tics along the King’s jaw, his cold eyes narrowing. “I have heard much of you and yourhumanmate, Lord Greyvale.”

A frisson of fear travels down my spine as the king emphasizes the word ‘human’ as if disgusted by the very thought. Despite my worry, I keep my shoulders back and my head held high. Strength is everything to their kind, and I will not show King Corvin any fear.

Movement catches the corner of my eye. It’s one of the Vampire guards. The crowd parts as he walks toward the dais. Something about him unnerves me, and I cannot look away.

Sensing my unease through the bond, Valaric follows my line of sight.

The guard’s entire form seems to shimmer beneath the torchlight. Cold dread fills me as I recognize this illusory magic.He’s using a shade stone.

“Guards!” Prince Raine’s voice echoes through the chamber as he points at the man. “He’s an imposter! Seize him!”

The guard’s body shimmers again before falling away, revealing his true figure beneath the disguise.

It’s one of the Mages.

His skin is a pale gray and his eyes are endless pools of black. Pointed ears peek up through long white hair that cascades down his back. He is dressed in a dark gray robe. Dagger-sharp, black claws extend from his hands. His gnarled hand curls around a wooden staff, etched with ancient symbols that seem to pulse with dark energy.

“What is the meaning of this?” The Vampire king’s eyes blaze with anger. “How dare you come to my court unannounced.”

A hushed silence falls over the crowd and panic surges through our bond as the mage’s staff begins to glow even brighter.

He flashes two rows of sharp teeth in a threatening grin and then bends forward in a mockery of a bow. “Forgive my lack of manners, but I’ve come to deliver a message from my brethren.”

“Seize him!” the king orders.

The guards rush forward, only to slam into an invisible barrier surrounding the mage.

“Did you really think it would be that easy?” He sneers as a flash of bright light travels over his staff. “You underestimated our power, King Corvin. And now, you and your entire court will pay the price with your lives.”

A bloodcurdling scream fills the air as he lifts his staff overhead. Fear spikes through me and time seems to slow as he drives it into the stone floor with a thunderous boom. A blast of raw energy explodes from the staff. The shockwave rushes from the epicenter, rippling through the crowd. Instantly immobilized, they begin to drop like stones.

---