Page 60 of Gua rdian of Blood and Shadow

“He’s going to try to force you to bind him as well.” Reiji adjusted his clothing, a new determination in his eyes. “He says you need a full harem to speak with Selene.”

I snorted. “I’d rather bind a slug. But no, I don’t need a full harem of seven. I was able to channel her divine power with only five. If she was willing to grant me that, I’m sure she’ll be happy to merely listen to me with six.”

“And if he pushes the matter?” Reiji asked.

A cruel smile curved my lips. “Let him.” I was itching to try out mywillon Veris anyway.

35

Theritualchamberfellsilent as Reiji and I returned, Gavin trailing behind us. My wrist still tingled from where Gavin had smeared his immortal blood. Undead vampires—especially those who’d received guardian status via the Second Rite—had much more potent healing capabilities than any other immortal.

The bond between Reiji and me pulsed with newness, shallow and uncertain, nothing like the deep roots I shared with my other consorts. But it was enough—a lifeline connecting the House of the Moon and the House of the Stars. An alliance born of necessity rather than desire.

Veris remained on his stone throne, his keen eyes tracking us as we entered, his gaze lingering on the silver bonding mark encircling Reiji’s wrist like a phantom bracelet. His nostrils flared, no doubt catching the scent of our mingled blood, the telltale evidence of ourcommunion.

“I see the binding was successful,” he said, his voice carrying an edge that hadn’t been there before. Jealousy, perhaps. Or disappointment that Reiji had claimed what Veris believed should be his.

I straightened my spine, the box containing my mom’s hair weighing heavy in my pocket. My mom, trapped here for decades by this monster. Veris, serving the Shadow King while pretending to be a champion of his own people. The knowledge burned through me like acid.

“It was,” I replied, stepping forward. Gavin moved with me, a shadow at my back. “Let’s get this over with.” The wrongness tainting this place set my teeth on edge, and I didn’t want to be here one second longer than was necessary.

Veris stood, and his smile reminded me of a shark—all teeth, all hunger. “Not quite yet.” He descended from his elevated position, each step measured and deliberate. “You still require one more consort to complete your harem.”

I laughed, the sound harsh even to my own ears. “Not a chance.”

“The ancient texts are quite clear,” Veris insisted, moving closer. “A High Queen requires seven consorts to channel the full power of Selene.” He gestured to himself, straightening the cuffs of his tailored suit. “And as I mentioned earlier, I am uniquely qualified to fill that role.”

My stomach turned at the suggestion, revulsion crawling up my spine. “Absolutely not.”

“Let me be blunt,” Veris continued, undeterred. “Youneed me. Without a full harem, you cannot appeal to Selene with sufficient strength to break the curse.” His eyes hardened. “Unless you wish to return empty-handed? To abandon your precious consort and those remaining queens to indefinite imprisonment?”

The blatant manipulation might have worked if I hadn’t already channeled Selene’s power.

I felt Reiji’s uncertainty through our new bond, my awareness of him growing stronger with each passing minute. He projected calm certainty for Veris’s benefit, but beneath it swirled a hurricane of emotions—doubt, fear, determination. Learning his trusted ally was a servant of the Shadow King had shaken him to his core.

“No,” I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart.

Veris’s expression darkened, calculation giving way to cold fury. “Then our deal is void.”

“The deal was that I would break the curse in exchange for Gavin and the queens,” I reminded him. “Nothing was said about binding you.”

“The technicality was implied.” Veris moved closer, his presence oppressive. “Let me explain something, girl. This is my domain. My rules.Iam the highest power in this room, andIhave final say on the terms of our arrangement.” His amber eyes burned with ancient hunger. “Bind me, or watch your consort suffer for your childish refusal.”

At his words, the shifter commanders stepped forward, swinging the assault rifles strapped to their backs around and aiming the weapons at Gavin. It was far enough from the full moon that they couldn’t shift, but they wouldn’t need to with all those guns.

I felt power stirring within me, moonlight pulsing beneath my skin. My consorts’ essence flowed through me—Javier’s steadfast protection, Bastian’s primal wildness, Gavin’s calculating precision, Ash’s immovable strength, Thane’s depthless patience, and now Reiji’s cosmic clarity. The magic from their blood charged mine.

“Enough,” I said, my voice resonating with the full force of mywill. “Sit down, Veris.”

The command struck him like a physical blow. He staggered, his eyes widening with shock as mywillwrapped around him like invisible chains. For a moment, he fought against it, centuries of power battling my command.

Then, to the visible shock of every shifter in the chamber, he sat heavily on the stairs leading up to his throne.

“How dare—”

“Shut up, Veris,” I commanded.

His mouth snapped shut, his teeth clacking together audibly.

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