Chapter 43
Ghoul
Is it my fault I’m ready to kill someone tonight? Definitely not.
That little interaction with the Boneweaver pack was worth the look on those faces as I’d gloated my latest comeuppance on Aurelia’s mates.
I growl darkly to myself as I arrive at Naga mansion.
Pottering about in the foyer, Charlotte glances my way, disturbed.
But then her eyes flick expectantly past me, and my mood grows fouler still.
I flick at her with my fingers. She’s much like a fly—flitting around me incessantly, unwanted.
“Where is she?” the fly squeaks.
“My fiancée has had enough of public displays,” I say, striding past her. “I don’t want people giving her the evil eye.”
Charlotte makes an ugly face. “She had just the one!”
“And it was enough.”
She shakes her head. “You know our people need to see her to boost morale.” I glower at her, and she sticks her jaw out. “I’ll be sure to take it up with my brother.”
“You do that.”
“And I’ll have the next batch of girls ready tomorrow night.”
So much for my fucking reprieve. I give a mocking bow with both arms sweeping out. “If my king wants me to have a harem, I’ll be so glad to oblige.”
“Such a chore.” General Adder sidles up next to me with his hands in his pockets. “To be breeding so many women every week.”
I brush at my shoulder like I’m proud of myself. “It’s for the cause.”
Charlotte bristles because she’s lost more breedable serpents than she can count due to my so-called style. “I’ll be sending a physician to your house to check on Miss Brown.”
Fury makes my shadows rustle around me. Power fills my eyes, and I watch the hairs on her arms stand on end. “I’ll be the first to know if she is unwell,” I sneer. “She is my bride. My property, and mine to care for.”
She wrinkles her nose before turning on her heel and leaving.
I walk through the house until I get out the other side and into the backyard.
It’s a broad expanse of grass, covered by military vehicles parked for our nefarious uses.
It’s empty of other souls for a few rare, sweet moments.
My shadows twitch with agitation as I look up into the infinite void.
All things began in the shadows, and so all things end in the shadows.
The very air has changed, the void dancing in awareness of what is to come.
Darkness approaches, and I am the one who will bring it.
They will call me by my real name in the end.
“Are you ready for the truth, snakelet?” I whisper. “How long I’ve waited to show you.”