Page 88 of A Serenade To The Elf Queen
Centuries had passed and I have damned myself into Lilith’s servitude once again. The memory of the pain she wrought goes through me in an unstoppable flow. A thousand deaths she put me through, the lives she made me take.
Hate is a simple, gentle word to describe what I feel for her.
The time spent with the witch and her heirs is only a small fraction of the existence I’ve lived as a vampire, but it feels like an eternity in hell. Even after we managed to escape from her grasp and built a glorious empire of our own, none of us were ever the same. Gone was every trace of humanity after years of torment. Vlad turned sadistic. Ruth went insane. I wonder what ever became of Bas and Han. If I have to choose between my imprisonment in the dungeon or being a slave to Lilith, I will gladly choose the former.
The enchantress must be smiling in her grave. I am still bound to the curse even as she lies rotten in the ground.
That fucking demon Kheirall Balthazar will pay.
Chapter 25 Rhianelle
Warm rays of sunlight greet me as soon as I step out of the tent. I am immediately met with stares. They’re all gawking as if waiting for me to grow a horn. Rainer and my knights are the first to approach me.
My uncle searches my face. “Is it done?”
I meet his metallic gaze and nod.
He marvels at the markings on my hand. Etched in the old language of the elves.
Kill the Fae King.
Rainer immediately wraps me in his embrace.
“Thank you,” he says repeatedly, kissing my head. “Well done, Niece.”
This is the first emotional hug I’ve received from him since Aerin’s death.
“Although this vow does seem a little reckless.” The logical, calculating part of him slowly returning. “There’s no way of telling if he’s loyal to us until then.”
The vampire’s own request circles around mine in strange letterings. I do not know the language, but my soul understands what it means.
It’s not freedom that Svenn craves for. He wishes to be human again. My heart warms at the sincerity of his demand.
“I saw his face when he left the tent. Will he be a danger to you?” Aelfric suddenly asks, his face grim.
“He will not harm anyone.”
“How can you be certain?” he asks again.
“I just am.”
Darstan and Garrett say nothing, but I know they echo the same worry.
We have absolute control over him.One of the heirs whispers. Another glimpse of what they did to him decimates me.
None of them can know. Not my uncle, not even Aelfric. The Arawynn bond doesn’t matter anymore. I need to see Svenn again. I need to tell him—
“Forgive me, Your Highness.” Cedwynn suddenly says, interrupting our reunion. “The Aeonians are ready for you.”
A noose constricts around my throat. There’s no avoiding this now.
“I am no longer in their good graces,” I say to my uncle in a low voice. I have no choice but to tell Rainer and my knights about the bargain the Elders wanted. A heavy silence descends in the wake of my revelation.
“They will find a way to make her pay,” Garrett says, his brows pulling together. There’s a clear certainty in his voice.
“I won’t let that happen,” Rainer promises calmly.
I hold my uncle’s arm tightly for support as we aim towards the Aeonian’s holy tent. Four of his Grimsbane trail behind us. I’m surprised to see Shade walking up and about. The gray-haired male nods at me, a silent gratitude in his eyes. Now that I see his demonic mask in the daylight, it doesn’t look so scary anymore.
