The Darkest Crown (The Eternal Darkness Duet #2)

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

A fter my talk with Eskel, I went to search for a new bedroom. I had no idea where Adam and Julian were sleeping, but I knew Allie and my guards were in the east wing, so I headed to the west. The castle had been renovated, and the rooms newly furnished for our wedding guests, so I had plenty to choose from.

I was feeling optimistic, after my talks with Allie and Eskel. As I wandered the halls, poking my head in each room, I thought about the future with hope for the first time in forever. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t hear Adam approach, and I jumped when he said my name.

“I’m sorry,” he said, stepping into the room. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

I laughed, placing a hand over my pounding heart. “It’s okay. I guess I was daydreaming.”

He smiled softly and looked around the room. “What are you doing?”

I didn’t want to give him any idea my bedroom would be, so I lied. “Just exploring. This place is so big, I still get lost sometimes.” Our eyes met. “Did you need me for something?”

“I spoke with my contact and he agreed to meet with you. His name is William Abney, and he’ll be here in two days.”

I blinked. “Okay. Wow, this is happening fast. But that’s a good thing, right?”

He nodded. “Yes. It’s a good thing.”

“Thank you for helping me.”

He stepped closer. “I would do anything for you.”

My eyes moved over his face, taking in every beautiful detail. When my gaze landed on the pulse on his neck, hunger struck me, and I quickly looked away.

“What is it?” he asked, taking another step closer.

I shook my head. “Nothing.”

“Tell me.”

I focused on his mouth and tried to ignore the sound of his blood rushing through his veins.

“Tell me,” he repeated.

I swallowed. “I haven’t fed since the night Marius died. Eskel’s going to bring some humans here, so I can try it- so I can test my control before changing Allie- but I’m scared.”

Adam’s brow furrowed with concern. “You haven’t fed at all?” I shook my head. “Do you want to feed now, from me?”

His words caused my heart to stammer. “What if I hurt you?”

“You won't.”

“You don’t know that.”

He lifted a hand to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “You won’t hurt me.”

I laughed nervously, trying to dispel the sudden tension in the room. “You seem awfully eager.”

“If I said I didn’t long to feel your lips on my skin, I’d be lying. But I’m stronger than a human, and I heal faster. If it's been a month since you fed, it's smarter to try it with a vampire first.”

His words made sense. And it's not like I hadn’t bitten him before. I knew he was desperate to help me- to make amends for his betrayal. I should let him do this for me.

Part of me knew it would be a mistake. I should drink from a cup until Eskel brought in some humans. But the temptation was too great. “Okay.”

I placed my hands on his shoulders and raised up on my toes, and he bent, lowering his neck to meet my mouth. I touched my lips to his skin, and my eyes closed. For a moment I stayed like that, feeling his pulse beneath my lips. Then I felt my fangs come down.

A sound escaped me as my teeth sank into him, a cross between a moan and a growl. The taste of his blood on my tongue was heaven, and I grabbed his shoulders tighter, pulling him closer. I felt his arms go around me as I drank. Heat spread through me, pushing all rational thought from my mind. All that was left was instinct.

I ground my body against his, moaning with pleasure. I felt him harden against me, proof that he was feeling the same way. I wanted to drink it all. I wanted every drop of him inside of me. I wanted to consume him.

Images flashed through my mind, of us in the lake. Of him fucking me against the tree that night in the woods. Julian, with his head between my legs. Marius, laying in the field, with me straddling his naked body, his cock buried deep within me.

A sob escaped me, a harsh cry against Adam's neck. Then power burst from me, a flash of blinding light that sent him flying across the room. He slammed into the far wall, as I collapsed to the floor.

Marius. Adam. Julian... Marius. Marius.

I squeezed my eyes shut, and let out a loud, keening wail that shook the room. When it was over, I began to gasp, taking in great heaving breaths. I looked at Adam as I struggled to get myself under control. His eyes were wide with shock, and maybe fear?

He gasped my name, trying to push himself away from the wall, and suddenly Eskel came bursting into the room, fangs down, sword drawn. The rest of my guards were right behind him, as was Julian. They all spread out, ready to fight, then stopped as they took in the scene.

Julian’s eyes landed on me, before darting around the room, taking in every detail. Me, kneeling on the floor with a scorched circle on the stone surrounding me. The smaller pieces of furniture had been blasted against the walls, most of it shattered to pieces. Adam stood against the far wall, his neck smeared with blood. Shit.

I shouted Julian’s name as he launched himself across the room towards Adam. “ Stop!” I screamed. And he did. Everything did. Just as it did the night I met Marius.

I gasped and scrambled to my feet. My eyes flew around the room, astonished to see them all frozen in various stages of motion.

“Stop!” I cried Shit! How was I supposed to undo this? “Unfreeze!” I shouted, but nothing happened. “Wake up!” I rushed across the room to Adam and Julian.

Julian froze mere inches from Adam, his hands outstretched, with claws at his fingertips. Adam was just starting to push off the wall, ready to take Julian on. I put one hand on Julian’s chest and the other on Adam’s, and I tried to push them away from each other. But neither of them moved. I looked at their faces, contorted with rage. Their eyes black, and their fangs bared.

“Please wake up!” I cried, pushing again. I let my hands fall and stepped back to look at my guards.

“Eskel!” I crossed the room to him. “Wake up.” I grabbed his arms and tried to shake him, but he didn’t move. “Wake up!” I cried. “I am your queen, and I command you to wake up!”

I wrapped my arms around his waist and lay my head on his chest. “Please wake up.”

Then a thought struck me and my eyes flew open. I stepped away from Eskel. “Marius? Are you there?” I waited, praying I’d hear his voice, but the room was silent.

“Shit!” I shoved my hands through my hair. What do I do? “Marius!” I cried. “Answer me! I need you!” Have you left me? I couldn’t bring myself to voice the thought aloud. “Marius!” I screamed his name, causing the room to shake again.

I am here, my love. His voice was faint, as if he were far away.

I sobbed with relief, my legs almost buckling beneath me. “Help me, I begged, my voice hoarse from my scream. “Unfreeze them.”

Only you can do that.

“I can’t, I tried! You need to do it!”

It doesn’t work that way.

Marius’ voice grew fainter, and I looked around panicked. “Don’t leave me!”

Never.

I slumped with relief.

Close your eyes.

I did, without question.

Remember the lavender fields. Remember the scent in the air.

Instantly I was back there. I kept my eyes closed, but I could smell it all around me. I felt the warm breeze on my skin, and I stretched my hands out, brushing my fingertips over the tall flowers. I inhaled deeply, comforted by the scent. Then a loud crash caused my body to jerk and my eyes flew open.

I was back in the room, and everyone was unfrozen. Julian and Adam had fallen together against the wall, and they both looked stunned, their fight momentarily forgotten. My guards all stumbled forward a step or two before finding their footing, and all eyes turned to me.

I looked around, not knowing what to say. Panic rose in my chest, and I fought to remember the lavender field. I inhaled deeply, trying to smell it again, but it was gone.

“I’m sorry!” I blurted. “I didn’t mean to-” I shook my head, not knowing what else to say.

Eskel sheathed his sword. “It's alright.”

Everyone started talking at once, trying to assure me they were okay.

“I need to be alone!” I exclaimed. I didn’t wait for a response. I ran from the room, leaving poor Eskel to deal with my mess.

I went straight to the cellar, my steps never slowing until I reached Marius’ tomb. I placed my hands flat against the stone surface and closed my eyes, trying to picture the lavender field again.

It will get better.

I frowned, but didn’t open my eyes. “You sound different, like you're far away.”

He was silent for the longest time before answering. I am with you.

His voice was the faintest of whispers, but I heard it. I opened my eyes and looked down at his tomb. It was the only tomb from that night. Many others had been killed, but their bodies were burned, as was custom for vampires. I refused to let them burn Marius. Perhaps some part of me had known he was still with me.

I ran my hand across the cold stone, then turned and sank to the floor. I leaned my head back against the side of his tomb and closed my eyes. “I am with you.”