Page 38 of Red Queen

“We’re here,” I whisper to Nadia, nodding toward a cottage nestled on the outskirts on the other side of the village, its windows glowing faintly with candlelight.

We dismount from our horses, quiet so as not to disturb the peaceful village. The horses are tied to a gnarled tree, their hooves softly scraping against the earth. The witch’s cottage is surrounded by ivy that seems to be creeping up the walls and reaching for the door. The cottage itself is made of aged wood; its surface etched with mysterious symbols.

The power flows off it.

“Are you ready?” I ask Nadia, my voice barely a breath.

“Yes, my Queen.”

We approach the door, the silence of the night enveloping us. I rap sharply on the wooden surface, three deliberate knocks that resonate with the gravity of our mission.

The door swings open, and Valeria, the witch, is framed by the warm glow of her hearth. Her violet eyes are sharp, piercing through the darkness like twin amethysts. Her long auburn hair flows over her shoulders, spilling around her dark cloak. Her deep indigo dress, woven with intricate patterns of silver thread hint at her mystical adeptness. The symbols adorning her attire seem to glow in the firelight, alive with an ancient power.

“Hello, Valeria,” I say. “We seek your help with a most urgent matter.”

“Then do come in, your grace,” Valeria’s voice is a melody, laced with unease.

I step inside, Nadia close behind me. The cottage’s interior is a tapestry of shadow and light, the shelves teeming withjars of herbs, books, and peculiar objects that defy immediate understanding. A cauldron bubbles quietly in the corner, while various charms hang from the ceiling, each twisting slowly as if moved by an unseen force.

“State your business, vampires.” Valeria’s tone slices through the tranquility like a dagger. It’s not a question—it’s a demand.

Nadia clears her throat. “We seek knowledge about a talisman—a heart, bound by dark magic.”

“Ah, yes, The Darkened Pulse. I know of it. And I know you, Eleanna Cordon.” Valeria’s gaze locks onto mine, unyielding. “Vampiress. Disgraced future queen of the vampire realm.”

Her words should sting, but they slide off me like water off a raven’s back. My name, my title—they are weapons I wield with superiority, even when turned against me. I stand tall, my eyes fastened with hers, my resolve as unbreakable as the frost outside.

I fold my arms over my chest. “Will you help us, Valeria? We need to understand the talisman to destroy it.”

“Destroy it?” Valeria’s eyebrow arches.

But her interest has been piqued, and I can see it in the subtle shift of her stance, the way her eyes narrow ever so slightly.

“Yes, witch,” Nadia says.

The witch’s lips quirk upward into an ugly smirk.

“Help you?” Valeria’s voice drips with disdain. “Vampires are creatures of night and mayhem. You’ve brought nothing but darkness to this world.”

The accusation rakes like a claw across my chest, but I don’t flinch. I tighten my grip on my arms. In the silence that stretches between us, I hear the crackle of the fire, the low hum of magic in the air.

“Your distrust is noted,” I say, my words clipped. “But our need is greater than your prejudice.”

“Need or greed?” Valeria asks, her violet eyes piercing. “Why would I aid in your quest for power?”

“Because it’s not just about power.” Nadia steps forward, a mediator as always, her brown eyes earnest. “It’s about balance. Without destroying the talisman, there will be more misery and despair.”

Valeria flicks her gaze between us, weighing, judging. Her home, a sanctuary of sorcery, seems to hold its breath.

“Chaos reigns regardless,” she finally says, turning from us as if dismissing the gravity of our plea.

From the folds of her dress, Nadia produces a coin purse, its contents clinking promisingly. She extends it toward Valeria. “Perhaps this can sway your thoughts?”

The witch’s eyes glint at the sight of the gold. “Hmmm, not reason enough to get involved in vampire affairs.”

I sigh. “It is, witch. Because we both know Catarina’s reign must end. And because I’m willing to pay generously for your services when this is done.”

A moment passes before the witch reaches out, her slender fingers brushing against Nadia’s as she takes the offering.

---