Page 87 of Red Queen

I brush her nose with mine. “I know, my beloved. Trust is not easily given in our world. But I swear to you, on my honor as an Amanar, that I will never betray yours.”

Eleanna brings her hand up to cover mine, her fingers intertwining with my larger ones. “I believe you, Alexandru. Gods help me, but I do.”

The admission hangs in the air between us, heavy with the weight of centuries of solitude and self-reliance. I know the enormity of what she’s offering me—her trust, her partnership, her reign.

I seal the promise with a kiss, pouring my devotion into the press of my lips against hers. When we part, I’m gratified to see the flush on her cheeks, the quickening of her breath.

“The vampire realms will bow before us, and our enemies will tremble at our feet when we recover,” I whisper against her skin.

Her eyes glitter with anticipation, a queen ready to claim her throne. “We shall rise again if we stay steadfast and true.”

Our strategic discourse is interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Nadia enters, her presence both discreet and respectful. In tow is a woman whose eyes gleam with the eagerness of the willing.

My body responds instinctively, the predator within awakened by the scent of fresh human blood.

“Thank you, Nadia,” Eleanna says, her tone authoritative, excitement running through it.

Excitement runs through me, too, the ritual familiar, the anticipation of the feast igniting a different kind of hunger within us.

Eleanna sinks her fangs into the woman’s neck, her lips staining with the blood that signifies life for our kind. I take my turn after Eleanna. The taste is rich and heady, and a surge of vitality courses through my veins.

Once we’re sated, Nadia escorts the participant away, leaving us alone once more, the intimacy of our shared feeding lingering in the air.

“Alexandru.” Eleanna’s voice is a whisper laden with desire as she turns to me, her lips parted slightly, a trace of blood still glistening there. “You taste delicious.”

I capture her mouth with mine, the kiss deepening as we taste the remnants of our prey on each other’s tongues. The melding of flavors—blood and desire—binds us in ways words never could.

I break the kiss and cup her face, swiping a thumb over her lips. “I’m curious about your newly acquired powers, my Queen. Do you know how your vampire abilities have enhanced? Beyond being able to summon ravens and your three familiars?”

Eleanna considers my question. She raises a hand, examining it as if seeing it anew. “I can feel the powerthrumming through my veins, Alexandru. It’s like a symphony of strength, waiting to be unleashed.”

I nod. “Have you tested the limits of your abilities yet, my beloved?”

A mischievous grin plays on her lips. “Not fully, but I intend to. I want to see just how far I can push myself, what new heights I can reach.”

“I have no doubt you’ll excel at whatever you set your mind to, my Queen. Your determination is unmatched.”

She trails her fingers along my jaw. “And with you as the general of our combined forces and my loyal ravens, I feel invincible.”

I lean into her touch, savoring the electricity that sparks between us. “I’m glad for you, Eleanna.”

Her eyes flare with a sudden intensity. “I can sense things now, Alexandru. The life force of those around me, the ebb and flow of their energy. It’s intoxicating.”

“A gift that will serve you well. You’ll be able to anticipate the moves of our enemies, to strike when they least expect it.”

She nods, her expression turning contemplative. “I wonder what other secrets my blood holds, what other powers lie dormant within me.”

I brush my lips against her ear. “We’ll unravel those mysteries, my Queen. And woe to anyone who dares stand in our way.”

She laughs. “Too true.”

“And what of your familiars? How will they serve you? Protect you in battle?” I ask.

Eleanna’s gaze drifts to the three ravens perched nearby, their garnet-colored eyes gleaming. A smile tugs at her lips. “Moros, Erebos, and Nyx are more than mere familiars, Alexandru. They’re an extension of my will, my eyes and ears in places I cannot be.”

I arch an eyebrow, intrigued. “So, they will scout for you, relay information?”

She nods, a hint of pride in her voice. “Yes, but that’s only the beginning. Through our bond, I can see what they see, hear what they hear. It’s like having a thousand eyes watching over our realm.”

---