The Darkest Crown (The Eternal Darkness Duet #2)

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

“ O pen the fucking door!” That bastard had left me hours ago, vanishing like a ghost before my eyes. Now dawn had come, and there were no drapes or steel shutters to protect me from the rising sun. I cowered against the door, terrified as the room began to lighten.

“Please!” I screamed, banging my fists against the door. “Someone help me!”

I watched in horror as the first rays of sunlight landed on the stone floor, just inside the window. On the far side of the room, I was still in the shadows, but even that small amount of indirect light made my skin burn.

“Please!” I sobbed. “Open the door!”

He appeared suddenly, in front of the window. The sun hit his back, illuminating him. “Are you ready to confess, witch ?”

I flinched away from him. “I’m not a witch! Please, let me go!”

He leaned back against the edge of the window and turned his face into the sun. “For your sake, I hope you're lying.”

The air in my lungs felt like fire, choking me with every breath. “You’re going to kill me?” I gasped. “Let the sun burn me to death?”

“If necessary.”

A small flame erupted from my forearm, and I screamed and pressed my arm against my stomach to smother it. I could feel the strength leaving my body. My tattered gown did nothing to protect me, and I watched in horror as my red skin started to flake away.

“ Please, ” I gasped, falling to my knees.

In a blink he was in front of me. “ Confess!” he roared, his voice shaking the room. I wanted to cover my ears, but I didn't have the strength. Flames erupted from my legs and I screamed.

Then we were gone, flying through the darkness. I couldn’t see anything, but I could feel his arms around me. Then there was nothing.

I lay in the dark, comforted by softness. Was I dead? I cracked my eyes open and saw him sitting in a chair in front of an empty fireplace. He turned his head towards me, his movements sharp.

I pushed myself into a sitting position and looked around, confused. I was in a bed, and I was naked. I gasped and yanked the blanket up to cover my chest. My heart pounded, and his gaze sharpened.

I looked down at my bare arms. My skin was smooth and perfect. Whatever damage the sun had caused was gone.

He saved me. He was the one who hurt me in the first place, but he saved me.

“Thank you,” I said.

His eyes narrowed a fraction. “Not a witch then.”

He stood and crossed the room towards me, and I scooted back against the headboard, clutching the blanket tighter.

He stopped at the edge of the bed. “Not a witch, but something … How do you have this hold over us?”

Us?

He reached out and lifted a strand of my hair, twisting it between his fingers. “You’re unlike any I’ve encountered before.” I held my breath and watched in terror as his lips parted, revealing his fangs. Then he was gone, disappearing before my eyes.

I gasped and scooted to the far side of the bed. My eyes darted around the room, expecting him to reappear, but he didn’t. I slid off the bed, pulling the blanket to wrap around me. I looked around for a way out, but there were no doors or windows. I went to the fireplace and bent to look up the chimney, but it was too narrow for me to fit through. Not wanting him to come back and catch me in bed, I sat down in the chair he’d been sitting in. I tried to stay awake, to think of a plan, but the daylight hours were against me. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

T he smell of blood woke me. I jerked awake and saw a glass on the small table next to my chair. I leapt to my feet, letting the blanket fall. Naked, I spun around, looking for him. But I was alone. I quickly grabbed the blanket and pulled it up around myself.

“Hello?” I called. But no one answered. I scowled and sat back down. What the hell was happening? I grabbed the glass and took a tentative sip. It tasted normal, not that I’d know what abnormal blood tasted like. I drank it all and set the glass down. Now what?

I glanced around the room again, wondering what I was supposed to do with myself, when I noticed something on the bed. I stood and walked over to it, and saw it was a pile of neatly folded clothes. I looked around again before quickly dropping the blanket and yanking the clothes on. It was a pair of soft black pants, and a loose black shirt that laced up the front. It was far too large, and it looked like part of a pirate costume, but it was better than the blanket. I pulled the laces tight, to make sure no part of my chest was visible, then I sat on the bed and crossed my arms.

“Are you ready to confess?” he asked, appearing in front of me.

“ Jesus!” I jerked back, pressing a hand to my chest.

He laughed darkly. “Not even close.”

I scrambled off the bed and hurried to the other side of the room, putting as much distance between us as possible.

His eyes roamed over me before settling on my face. “I’ll give you one last chance,” he said, looking directly into my eyes, “to tell me what you are.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know what you mean! I was a human, now I’m a vampire! That’s it!”

His expression hardened. “You lie.” He stepped towards me. “No normal vampire could have this effect.”

“What effect?” I cried, scrambling backwards until my back hit the wall. There was nowhere left for me to run. He took another step, and I shook my head fearfully. “I’m not doing anything!”

One second he was in the middle of the room, and the next he was looming over me. He slammed his hand against the wall beside my head and roared "Confess!”

I squeezed my eyes shut and turned my face away, preparing for the worst. He grabbed me roughly, and I gasped, my eyes flying open.

He lowered his face, until our heads were nearly touching, and growled. Then he was gone. I crumpled to the floor and began to cry, knowing there was no way I’d ever escape him.

He left me alone for the rest of the night. When I felt the morning approaching, I lay on the bed, fully dressed, and went to sleep. I dreamed about Allie, and when I woke, my face was wet with tears. I sat up and rubbed my face with my sleeve, not caring if I smeared blood all over myself.

A moment later, he appeared. I stared at him, too emotionally drained from my dream to feel fear. He was holding a glass of blood in his hand. He tilted his head as he looked at me. I knew I looked a mess, but I didn’t care.

“Are you ready to confess?” he asked softly.

I glared at him through my tears. “Fuck you.”

He set the glass on the table and disappeared.

This went on for two weeks. Each night he appeared in my room with a glass of blood in hand. He’d ask me to confess, and I’d respond in my own way, then he’d set the glass down and disappear.

Sometimes when he asked, I’d beg him to free me. Sometimes I’d curse him. Once I just flipped him off. But when he came the last time I didn’t even acknowledge him. I lay on the bed, curled on my side, and stared at the wall until he disappeared. His games were pointless. He could pop in and out of the room for a hundred years, and it wouldn’t make a difference. Nothing I could say would make him happy.

The next time he appeared I was sitting on the bed, curled up against the headboard. I intended to ignore him again, but he stalked across the room towards me. I scrambled to get away, but he was too fast. He grabbed me and together we disappeared.

Thankfully, it was a brief trip this time. I didn't even have a chance to get nauseous. One moment we were in the bedroom, the next we were in what appeared to be a bathroom. He released me and stepped away, and I looked around, confused. There was an enormous tub made of smooth white stone, filled with steaming water.

“Get in,” he said, and my eyes flew to him. “You stink.”

I opened my mouth, then closed it again. He kept me imprisoned for two weeks and then had the nerve to tell me I stank?

“Get in,” he repeated.

“Get out,” I replied, lifting my chin.

He smirked, then turned and walked out of the room. I watched him go, surprised that he actually used the door instead of just disappearing again. I waited a moment, to see if he’d return, then tore off my clothes and jumped in the tub.

I sighed as I sank into the water, then lay back, submerging myself. I resurfaced after a moment and immediately looked to the door, but I was still alone. There were several bottles on the edge of the tub, and I grabbed one and removed the lid. The scent of roses hit me, and I inhaled deeply. I used the soap to wash my body, then lathered my hair before submerging myself again to rinse.

The water felt heavenly, and I wanted to linger, but I forced myself to get out as soon as I was done washing. I grabbed a towel and quickly wrapped it around my body. Then I grabbed another and twisted it around my head to dry my hair.

I glanced at my dirty clothes on the floor, considering whether I should put them back on. No one had come with clean clothes, and I didn’t want to be standing there in a towel when he came back.

I tiptoed to the doorway and peeked out to see an enormous bedroom. It was elegantly decorated, with three large windows on the far wall. The windows were open, and the curtains stirred in the breeze.

Cautiously, I walked into the room. I saw the door on the far side and headed straight towards it. When I passed the bed, I saw a dress laid across it, and I paused. Was that for me? I walked over and ran my hand over it. Fuck it. I’m taking the dress.

I yanked the towel off my head and pulled the dress on. When it was bunched under my armpits, I dropped the other towel, glancing quickly at the door as I did so. It was cut like a slip, the silky fabric gently skimming my body as it fell to the floor. It was red, so dark it almost looked black. It had a modest scoop neckline, and it covered everything, so I was satisfied.

I combed my fingers through my wet hair, as I waited for him to return. He walked in the door a few minutes later.

He stopped when he saw me, his eyes moving over me. Then he inhaled deeply and stepped further into the room.

“You definitely smell better.”

I scowled at him, but said nothing.

“Are you ready, then?” he asked, stepping closer.

I wanted to retreat, but forced myself to stand still. “Ready for what?”

His lips curled, and the gold in his eyes glimmered. I didn’t see him reach for me, but I felt his touch as the world disappeared and we spun wildly through the darkness. I dug my nails into him, to hold on, but to hurt him as well. I was furious that he took me away like that again.

When we came to a stop, my legs gave out, but this time I didn’t fall. He caught me, holding me against him, and I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the dizziness and nausea to pass. Then he released me, and my eyes shot open. We were in a dark hallway, in front of a set of huge double doors.

He titled his head, watching me. “It is time, witch .”

I clenched my fists at my sides. “My name is Sarah, and we both know I’m not a witch.”

His expression didn’t change, but a sound like a purr filled the air. A shiver ran down my spine, and I arched my back, trying to escape it.

He held out a hand. “Come, Sarah .” Reluctantly, I took his hand and let him lead me through the doors.

We stepped into a massive throne room, filled with hundreds of vampires. I stumbled and tried to yank my hand from his, but he tightened his grip and continued to pull me along. As one, the crowd turned to us and sank to their knees. Silence filled the room, and my heart beat wildly as the truth dawned on me. He was the king.

We were on a raised dais with wide stone steps leading down to the crowd. A massive throne was placed in the center, and he led me straight to it. He released my hand as he sat, and I stood there, not knowing what to do. He rested his arms on the armrests, and curled his fingers around the carved ends.

He let his gaze move over the crowd before turning his head to look at me. “Sit.”

“Where?” There was only one chair, and I wasn’t about to sit on his lap.

He pointed to a spot on the floor, by his feet, and I snorted in disbelief.

Sit , his voice said in my mind. Under his command, my body moved forward and sank to the floor. My legs stretched out, resting my bare feet on the stairs.

In my mind, I called him every foul name I could think of. He didn’t respond, which either meant he couldn’t read my mind, or he didn’t care what I thought of him.

“Rise,” he said loudly, and as one the crowd stood.

All at once, music started playing, and the party started back up. People started talking and dancing, all the while casting glances in our direction. Through it all, I sat at his feet, bewildered. Was I meant to stay on the floor all night, while the rest of them had a great time?

Someone approached with a tray and offered the king a crystal goblet filled with blood. He took it, but did not drink. He nodded his head towards me, and the guy came over and offered me a glass. I shook my head, and he bowed and walked away.

A vampire stepped out of the crowd and approached the stairs. He was one of the Strategoi, I recognized him from my trial with Adam. He bowed at the waist, and waited for the king to acknowledge him.

“Come,” the king said, and the man straightened and scurried up the stairs. He glanced at me, then quickly looked away.

“My King,” he said, bowing again when he reached the top of the stairs. “Everything has been done, as you asked.”

My tormentor nodded once.

“And might I say,” the Strategoi continued, “how good it is to have you with us once more.”

The king looked at him sharply, and the man swallowed. I could hear his heartbeat speed up. Apparently that had been the wrong thing to say. I almost smirked at his discomfort.

“Bring them,” the king said, looking back to the crowd.

The Strategoi slumped with relief when the king turned his gaze away. He bowed again. “Yes, My King.”

He scurried back down the stairs and disappeared into the crowd. I watched him go, hating him for the part he took in sentencing Adam to death.

The king drummed his fingers on the armrest. I stared at his fingers as they moved, the tapping of his nails growing louder and louder. Then they stopped.

I have a gift for you.

My eyes flew to his face, but he stared straight ahead. I followed his gaze and saw the doors at the back of the room open. Then Adam and Julian walked in.

Their eyes immediately went to me, and I wanted to stand up and run to them, but I could not. The king held my body in place.

The crowd parted, creating an open path down the center of the room, and I held my breath as they started towards us. They were both dressed for the occasion, in dark designer suits, and I was shocked to see Adam unchained. In fact, they weren’t even accompanied by guards. I frowned and looked around, suddenly realizing there were no guards present. My eyes flew back to them, thinking this might be our chance.

They both stopped at the bottom of the stairs and bowed to the king. But I saw Adam’s expression before he lowered his head, and his eyes were blazing with fury.

“Rise,” the king said, and they both straightened. He stared at them for a long moment before continuing. “Julian Calahorra, it has been a long time.”

Julian bowed his head a fraction. “Your presence has been missed, My King.”

The king scoffed. “ My King . Since when have you addressed me as such.”

The corner of Julian’s mouth ticked up. “ Marius .”

I watched Julian as he spoke, but he never glanced at me. Adam, on the other hand, stared directly at me. I looked at him and our eyes met. I was so relieved to see him alive, and unharmed.

“Yes,” Marius said, drawing my attention. “It seems I’ve missed quite a bit of excitement.” He looked at Adam “You changed this girl, did you not?”

Adam glared back, making no effort to hide his hatred. “You know I did.”

“And then she belonged to Julian,” Marius looked at Julian as he said it, “and now she belongs to me.”

Julian showed no reaction, but Adam’s eyes went black.

“Careful, boy,” Marius said softly.

“It’s true,” Julian said, interrupting the tense moment, “you have been gone a while.” Marius looked back to Julian as he spoke.

“Many things have changed,” Julian continued. “And not for the better. The community needs you, Marius. Without your guidance, quite frankly, things have gone to shit.”

Marius laughed, and I looked up at him with surprise. “I could always count on you to speak the truth.”

Julian’s mouth twisted into a devilish grin. “I am ever at your service. Let me handle this mess with Adam and the girl.” He waved a hand in my direction. “You’ll have enough to deal with in the coming weeks.”

Marius drummed his fingers against the wooden armrest, and we all waited for his response. Would it really be that easy?

“A kind offer,” he finally said. “But I’ve grown fond of my new pet.” He looked at me then, and I was caught, trapped by his gaze. I heard a growl come from Adam, and Marius turned his head sharply towards him.

“As you say,” Julian said, bowing his head again. “If you have no further use for us, I believe the Madrona sisters are waiting.” He raised his eyebrows suggestively, and Marius chuckled.

“Go,” Marius said, waving them away. “Enjoy the party.”

Julian clasped Adam’s shoulder. “Come on. We can’t keep the ladies waiting.”

I watched, stunned, as Julian led Adam away. It was all an act, wasn’t it? Julian would never truly give me up?

“Are you pleased, witch?” Marius asked, and I looked up at him. “To see your lovers alive and well?” He leaned forward, bringing his face closer to mine. “Their lives are my gift to you. What will you give me in return?”

My heart pounded. “Anything.”

His face hardened. “Then tell me the truth.”

I felt my hopes plummet. We were back to this.

“You have until the end of the night,” he said, turning his attention back to the crowd. “Then I’ll kill them both.”

For hours, my mind raced. What could I possibly tell the king that would make him spare Julian and Adam? I watched Julian with disbelief as he mingled and danced as if he were having a great time. I assumed it was an act. At least, I hoped it was. But if I had to watch him flirt with one more woman, I’d scream.

Adam spent the entire night standing by a stone pillar at the edge of the room, watching me. Every time I glanced his way, our eyes met, and I became overwhelmed by my emotions. Fearing tears, I could never hold his gaze for long.

All night long, people approached the throne, attempting to curry favor with the king. I was grateful that they kept his attention off me. I was inwardly fuming, watching Julian dance with a stunning brunette, when Marius finally spoke to me again.

“It is time, witch.” I jerked my head towards him, my eyes widening with fear, and he leaned towards me. “Will you confess?”

“I don’t know what you want me to say!” I cried.

His hand shot out, and he grabbed my arm, yanking me closer. “Tell me what you are,” he hissed.

I closed my eyes, knowing there was nothing I could say that would please him.

“Confess!” he roared, releasing my arm as he surged to his feet. I cowered on the floor as the party came to a screeching halt. Everyone in the room turned towards us in surprise, and fear.

“Get out!” Marius roared, and people began fleeing through the doors at the back of the room, terrified of his wrath. The room emptied quickly until all that remained was us. Or so I thought.

“You dare defy me?” Marius shouted. I turned my head and saw Julian and Adam, standing in the center of the room.

“Sarah belongs to me,” Julian growled. Beside him, Adam looked wild. His eyes were black, his fangs were showing, and he had claws at his fingertips.

Marius smiled terrifyingly. “Now we speak the truth.”

He looked at Adam. “Where did you find her? What is she?”

Adam was breathing heavily, and I saw his claws twitch as he stared at the king.

“You’ve already read our minds,” Julian said. “So why all the questions?”

Suddenly Julian and Adam’s bodies jerked, and they both fell to their knees. Julian clenched his jaw, and Adam howled with fury. I leapt to my feet, and Marius jerked his head towards me.

“Let them go,” I hissed, feeling my fangs descend.

“Confess, witch, and they live.” He tilted his head. “Or don’t, and they die.”

I clenched my hands into fists. “I’ve already told you the truth. If you can read minds, you know it.”

His face hardened, and Julian and Adam howled. I looked at them and saw their bodies twist and contort in ways that would kill a human. Marius turned away from me and started down the stairs. I watched in horror as Adam and Julian’s bodies lifted off the floor. They hung in midair, snarling and screaming. He was going to kill them!

Without thinking, I leapt on Marius’ back, ready to sink my fangs into his neck. His body jerked with surprise, and we were gone.

We landed back in the bedroom where I’d been kept the last two weeks. He threw me off him, and I flew across the room and slammed into the wall before falling to the floor.

Gasping, I pushed myself up on shaking arms, then collapsed again. My vision blurred as I watched him stalk towards me.

He crouched down in front of me and grabbed me roughly by the hair. “Have it your way.” He yanked me to him and sank his fangs into my neck. His venom hit me instantly, but it was nothing like Julian’s or Adam’s. It felt like fire shooting through my body, and I screamed as my body jolted and arched up off the floor.

He released me instantly, stumbling back, with a wild look in his eyes. My body convulsed on the floor as his venom tore through me. The edges of my vision went dark, and I feared I was dying.

I felt him touch my hand. “Phaedra.”