Page 31 of Gua rdian of Blood and Shadow

My mouth went dry. “Prophecies can be misinterpreted,” I said, remembering how my own visions were, at best, confusing, and at worst, utterly indecipherable. “Or misunderstood entirely.”

“True.” Ren’s voice carried a weight that drew all eyes to her. “But the gathering darkness is harder to misinterpret. It hungers.” Her gaze flickered to the window, where storm clouds loomed on the horizon. “And it remembers the taste of our world.”

As she spoke, her formal mask slipped just slightly, and I glimpsed genuine concern beneath her calculated exterior. Her eyes held mine a moment longer than necessary, an unspoken acknowledgment passing between us—we both understood what was at stake, perhaps more clearly than those around us. I couldn't quite place why, but something about her resonated with me on a level that transcended diplomatic posturing.

The careful game of politics suddenly felt hollow compared to the threat we faced—not merely the House of the Moon or the Stars, butthe world. “No more riddles. Tell me your prophecy, and I’ll tell you mine.”

Ren’s lips curved slightly, but her eyes remained serious. “The Shadow King isn’t just trying to break through,” she said, ignoring Reiji’s sharp look. “He’s already begun. Each breach weakens the barriers further.”

“How long?” I asked, impressing myself with the steadiness of my voice.

“Weeks,” Reiji said smoothly, clearly not wanting to be left out. “Perhaps months if we’re fortunate. The stars grow darker each night.” His smile grew teeth. “Though I suspect you’ve seen this yourself, assuming Selene has blessed you with any visions.” A test.

“The visions show possibilities,” I said carefully. “Not certainties.”

“Truly? Is that how yours work?” Ren’s dark eyes met mine, and my gut told me her question was genuine. Her brows drew together. “I didn’t know that.”

“It’s not the same for you?” I asked, leaning forward.

Ren shook her head. “We have prophecies, not visions.”

I waved a hand, dismissing the difference. “What does yourprophecysay, exactly?”

Ren and Reiji exchanged a look. “Don’t let me stop you now,” Reiji said, gesturing for Ren to continue.

Ren stared at him for a moment longer, then returned her focus to me. “Our prophecy is long and tedious, but one verse is crystal clear:

“When the Shadow King stirs in his endless hunger,

The last High Queen must seek counsel beyond mortality’s veil.

Into her circle must come one born of stars,

Completing the seven bonds that strengthen her light.

The departed queens shall rise at her calling,

Silver wisdom from beyond the grave guiding her hand.

What was broken by necessity shall be mended through sacrifice.”

Anger heated my blood. Not at Ren. Not even at Reiji, though it was clear he came here to become the “one born of stars” to join my harem. I was mad as hell at yet another twist of fate forcing me to do something I didn’t want to do for the sake of survival. I was so damn tired of sacrificing. Hadn’t I given enough? Couldn’t Iat leastchoose who would fill the remaining two spots in my harem? Or was this yet another thing to be taken from me?

Not trusting myself to keep a civil tongue, I stood abruptly and stalked out of the reception hall, my silk skirt fluttering around my feet, my consorts trailing behind me.

I would do what had to be done to stop the Shadow King. To protect my people. To protect my son.

But that didn’t mean I had to like it.

18

Themidnightaircrackledas I followed Isador up the hillside toward the ancient graveyard. My bare feet caught on dew-dampened grass—because apparently proper queens didn’t need shoes for mysterious midnight rituals.

Isador had waved away my fury at the Stars emissary’s none too subtle attempt to maneuver me into a bond, instead latching onto another part of the elementals’ prophecy:The last High Queen must seek counsel beyond mortality’s veil…the departed queens shall rise at her calling, silver wisdom from beyond the grave guiding her hand.

And so, our next lesson had been determined. A ritual to summon the ghosts of vampire queens past.

Moonlight spilled across weathered headstones, casting long shadows. My consorts fanned out behind me, Javier close enough that I could feel his heat. Through our bonds, I sensed their collective unease. None of them liked me leaving the wards of the manor house, especially not with a couple of relatively unfamiliar elementals roaming around the Moon Sanctuary, but none had challenged Isador when she announced we were heading out for tonight’s lesson.

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