Page 92 of Red Queen

A shiver runs down my spine from the anticipation of our quest. The Darkened Pulse, the heart-shaped harbinger of doom, awaits us, and with it, a confrontation steeped in dark and great paranormal power. My hand drifts to the hilt of my sword, ready to cut down anyone who tries to stop us tonight.

“Stay close,” Alexandru says in a low growl that stirs the flame of vengeance within me.

I need no reminder. Our quest is clear. We seek to extinguish the malignant pulse that beats like a drum of war within these walls.

The slap of winter strikes against my skin as I perch on the stone wall. I cling to the icy edges, my fingers numbed by the cold, as I hoist myself over with vampire ease. The courtyard, bathed in an ominous orange glow from patrolling guards’ torches, spreads out before us.

“Shadows are our allies tonight,” I remind Alexandru, my gaze darting from one guard to another, calculating their routes and timing.

Together we drop into the cover of darkness.

Every sound sends a jolt through me; every flicker of light sharpens my focus. The frost beneath our boots crunches like bones, a morbid symphony to the night’s grim purpose. My pulse quickens, not from fear—no, fear is a luxury I can’t afford right now—but from the electric thrill of the hunt, the danger that’s become as familiar to me as the taste of blood on my tongue.

“Eleanna, the east wing.” Alexandru points to a shadowy alcove, his sharp instincts leading us.

“Right behind you.” A surge of power within me bursts through my veins, craving the moment I can unleash it upon those who dare stand in our way.

We slip inside the castle, its once-hallowed halls now twisted with dark magic, a perversion of everything it once stood for. The air buzzes with sinister energy, little wisps of darkness that lick at my skin, reminding me of the evil lurking around every corner. The talisman must be close. I can sense it pulsating, a malignant heartbeat resonating with my own.

“Moros, Erebos, Nyx,” I summon under my breath. Immediately, my loyal familiars take position, their red eyes gleaming. “Watch for any surprises.”

The ravenskraasoftly in response, circling above before settling on high perches, guardians against the unseen.

“Stop.” I hold up a hand and peer inside a room that was the castle nursery. “Found it. Time to end this nightmare.”

The heart-shaped talisman comes into view, dark energy swirling around it like smoke.

“Quickly, Eleanna,” Alexandru urges, his hand on his sword, ready for the inevitable clash. “Before?—”

“Before they even know we were here,” I say.

This is our moment, our destiny. And I will see it fulfilled or die trying.

“Let’s shatter some hearts then, shall we?” I move like the creature of the night I am.

I approach the heart resting on a black velvet pillow on a stone pedestal. The instant I extend my hand toward the talisman, a searing pain shoots through my fingers. The talisman fights back, dark magic swirling violently around it, desperately trying to protect itself. Gritting my teeth, I focus on my formidable vampire abilities combined with the element of surprise. My resolve is unshakable.

“Damn you!” I hiss in pain as I manage to tear the talisman away from the mystical barrier protecting it. My hands tremble from the effort, but I refuse to let go.

Suddenly, Catarina’s soldiers appear in the doorway, their fangs bared and swords drawn.

Alexandru unsheathes his sword in a swift motion, ready for battle. “Moros, Erebos, Nyx!” he calls.

My loyal ravens dive into action, beaks and talons slashing at the enemy. The corridor fills with the sound of clashing steel, each blow echoing off the stone walls. Blood spatters the floor, covering it in scarlet as they fight against Catarina’s forces. The air is teeming with guttural snarls, cries of pain, and the snap of fangs meeting flesh.

Alexandru’s sword slices through the air, cutting down another foe with brutal accuracy. “Is that all you’ve got?” He goads his opponents, his voice tinged with both amusement and contempt.

“Die, you bloodsucking fiend!” one of Catarina’s soldiers snarls, lunging at Alexandru with incredible speed.

“You’re going to need more than your pathetic insults to bring me down!” Alexandru effortlessly dodges the attack while decapitating him with a smooth swing of his sword.

Diving, swooping, and attacking, Moros, Erebos, and Nyx throw themselves into the fray, their red eyes alight with fierce bloodlust.

Alexandru glances at me. “Start the ritual! Destroy the fucking thing. We’ll hold them off.”

Alexandru and my familiars force the battle into the corridor, leaving me alone in the room. I face the talisman on the pedestal and smile.

“Midnight’s blessing, now we call,” I say with purpose and intention, “when the veil is thinnest of all.”

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