Page 77 of Red Queen

It’s a tense wait, every moment stretched thin with anticipation and dread. Then, a subtle shift—the tremors racking her body begin to ease, her breathing steadies, and a flush of color returns to her cheeks.

“Alexandru? Nadia? Am I…I home?”

My name on her lips sends a thrill through me, even as worry gnaws at my gut. Her voice is weak, but there’s a new strength there, a vitality that wasn’t present before. Those piercing blue eyes flutter open, now glowing with a burgeoning mystical intensity that steals my breath.

With the poison purged from her veins, Eleanna rises like a noble phoenix from the ashes. Her gaze is fierce, powerful, searing into my very soul. She moves with a sinuous refinement that speaks of enhanced strength and speed beyond anything I’ve witnessed—even among our own kind.

“Eleanna, my beloved.” The words leave me in a reverent exhale, relief and awe warring within me.

Her resilience is fucking astounding, leaving me in stunned admiration. This newfound might of hers is a force to be reckoned with, and I can’t help the surge of pride that swells in my chest.

I reach out, needing to touch her, to assure myself this is real. With battle-roughened hands, I cradle her face with a gentleness reserved only for her. Thumb brushing over the delicate arch of her cheekbone, I drink in the sight of her like a man starved.

“You scared the hell out of me, you know that?”

A ghost of a smirk tugs at her lips. “Didn’t know you cared so much, Alexandru.”

Her voice is raspy, but there’s a teasing lilt to it that sets my heart racing.

“Don’t be dense, woman. You know how I feel about you.” The words are gruff, but my gaze is soft as I examine her face, mapping every beloved feature. “Even when, at times, we both wish I didn’t.”

She leans into my touch, nuzzling my palm. The simple action is so trusting, so intimate, it makes my chest ache.

“Guess I just like hearing you say it,” she murmurs, eyes sparkling with mischief despite her near-death experience.

“Stubborn, infuriating female,” I growl, no real heat behind the words. Bending down, I press my forehead to hers, our breaths mingling. “I love you, Eleanna. More than anything in this godforsaken world or the next.”

She brings her hand up to fist my hair, tugging me closer. “Show me,” she demands, that fire I adore burning bright in her gaze.

And I do. I claim her mouth in a searing kiss, pouring every ounce of my love, my fear, my relief into the embrace. She meets me with equal fervor, her lips parting on a sigh. The slide ofher tongue against mine is electric, igniting a hunger that goes beyond the physical.

In this moment, all that exists is her—the press of her body against mine, the silk of her hair tangled in my fingers, the intoxicating scent that is pure Eleanna. My cruel Queen, my stubborn mate, my everything.

And I swear to the gods, here and now, that I will burn the world to ash before I let any harm come to her ever again.

The moment is shattered by a clamor outside. I stand swiftly and rush to the window.

The world beyond the glass pane erupts into upheaval.

Nadia gasps, at the window.

I join her, barely registering the icy tendrils of winter as they slither into the room, my focus drawn to the sight below. Catarina’s army, like a swarm of malevolent shadows, floods the courtyard. Steel glints beneath the overcast sky, a foreboding omen, as battle cries rend the air.

“Damnation.” I instinctively reach for my sword’s hilt.

The weapon brings me reassurance; its weight is comforting, familiar.

“Nadia? Alexandru?” Eleanna’s voice, laced with concern as she joins us. Then with newfound strength, pulls us back from the window.

Her maid turns. “My Queen…”

“Are you strong enough to fight?” I ask, turning to face her. My eyes lock onto hers with an intensity that conveys the gravity of our situation. “We must defend my home.”

“Kick Catarina’s ass? Oh, yes, please.”

She stands, and there’s a mystical glow about her now, her skin radiating with supernatural power as I have never seen, and for a moment, I fear her.

She slowly smiles. “My Sagori weapons, Nadia.”

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