CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Astrid
The Vampire Queen, Larissa, takes the crown, returns to her kingdom, and calls for peace between us. I know that others out there still want me, but even so, the realm feels a little bit safer now. Prince Drake is someone I think we can trust and consider an ally.
A few nights after I return, I invite everyone to Aravelle for dinner. We all sit inside the dimly lit dining hall, music playing in the background, and a large feast of chicken, pork, fresh bread, and vegetables is in front of us. Tomorrow, the Shifter King is arriving with Laurel and a few other members of his court under the guise of discussing the war. But before I put that plan into action, there’s something I want to tell all my loved ones.
Standing and tapping on a wine glass with a spoon, I clear my throat. “Thank you for coming to eat with us on such short notice. There’s something I want to tell you all, something I’ve been hiding. I’m a seer. I see the future. I promised my mother before she died that I would keep this secret, and I’ve been hiding it ever since. I didn’t want anyone to try to use or take advantage of me, but I want everyone to know the truth. I’m not scared anymore.”
Why should I be living in fear of this secret? This is who I am, and I’m proud of myself. I’m powerful, and with Rave at my side, we are unstoppable.
Laurel said change was coming.
But it’s me.
I’m the change.
Whoever wants to come for me can come.
I will protect any other seers who need to be freed from prisons.
Smirking at all the surprised expressions, Pandora is the one who speaks first, “You’re a seer and a healer? That’s unheard of.”
“You’re incredibly powerful, Astrid,” Zython says, his eyes widening in shock. He throws back the rest of his ale. “You will be an asset to us all.”
“She will not be doing anything she doesn’t want to do,” Rave growls out, pulling my chair closer to him so our thighs are touching. “Anyone who tries to take advantage of her in any way will find themselves blinded, screaming, or dead.”
His palm rests on my thigh, squeezing gently—my protector.
“Fuck, I knew you should have been my mate.” Cove sighs, and Elios slaps the back of his head. “What? Imagine how powerful our kids would have been?”
“You wouldn’t be able to handle a female like Astrid.” Rave smirks at his brother.
“Pretty sure you would have been her last choice.” Nico chuckles, turning to Sinda and winking at him. “I think everything turned out the way it was meant to.”
“Cuties,” I whisper to myself.
Now that we know they have been hooking up, it’s hard to ignore how they look at each other. It’s fucking adorable, not that I’d ever tell them that.
“You better not make her your heir, Dad. She already has a kingdom.” Axe smirks while Kai looks at me in a whole new light.
“No wonder I couldn’t get into your mind,” he murmurs. “And believe me, when I first met you, I fucking tried. Your mind is strong, and your shields are insane.”
“Better stay out of my head, brother.” I grin, putting my fork down and sitting back in my chair.
“Have you seen anything about me?” Soren asks, chewing thoughtfully. He’s been watching me closely, and I’d love to know what’s going on in his mind.
He’s probably picturing a naked blonde on her knees, calling her Pet, and not something deep and meaningful at all.
“She’s seen my mate,” Bane admits, his dark eyes scanning my face. “And thank you for telling me about it, Princess.”
“Have you seen my mate?” Soren asks, smiling widely, showing off his straight white teeth. He rubs his hands together with glee. “I bet she’s fucking hot. You know, I thought I sensed her once, but I never felt anything again after that. Have you ever heard of that happening?”
“You were probably just drunk,” Pandora cuts in, something flashing in her violet eyes that I can’t read. Worry? Is she concerned about something?
“And this is why she didn’t want to tell anyone.” August sighs, pushing back from the table.
“Let Astrid eat in peace,” Rave demands in a flat voice, looking at everyone at the table. “If she wants to tell you something, she will. Otherwise, shut the fuck up.”
Silence.
The king has spoken.
And then. “I just know she’s going to be fucking hot.”
Fates.
***
King Bax, the Shifter King, arrives the next night with Laurel, Raiden, his son, the prince, and three other shifters I’ve never seen before. They are all strikingly handsome, massive, muscular males and share the same light green eyes. Siblings, perhaps. They tower over Laurel, and I wonder who they are to the king. All I know is that the room seems much smaller with them all in it.
“Welcome to Aravelle,” Rave says, and everyone other than King Bax bows. “This is my queen, Astrid.”
“Lovely to see you again, Astrid. Much has changed since the last time I saw you,” King Bax murmurs, lowering his head to kiss my hand.
A growl from Rave stops him before his lips make contact. “Sorry, he’s a little possessive.”
“I would be, too,” he replies, tilting his head to his son. “My heir, Raiden. And these three are my nephews I’ve taken in. Silver, Salem, and Sage.
Well, that was a mouthful.
Silver is clearly given his name because of his hair—long, silky, silver strands falling over his shoulders. He has throwing stars on his belt and a hint of cruel arrogance in his eyes. The magic tattooed runes that come up his neck look like they are moving.
Sage has black hair down his back in a long braid, strong cheekbones, and a warm smile that makes me instantly feel comfortable around him. He plays with the ring on his lip as he winks at me. “Queen Astrid.”
But Salem? Salem has short, black hair, dead, glaring eyes, and is wearing a scowl that feels permanent. He has an air of dominance around him that reminds me of Rave but feels much colder. He has scars all over his arms and one down his cheek.
He is the one to look out for.
Salem looks like the type of male who would fuck you roughly from behind, refuse to kiss you, then kill you afterward if you asked to cuddle.
I smile at them all in welcome, and Rave takes over their attention while I turn mine to Laurel, who Bax didn’t even bother to introduce. I smile at her and ask her how she is. She doesn’t reply, of course, but at least I’m treating her like an actual person.
I don’t know how the hell I’m going to get her alone, but I’m hoping she finds me when she’s able to. I give her a look that says , I need to speak with you, and hope she’s fluent in silent conversation with our eyes.
Her stare remains blank, but I know that’s how she’s trained herself to react.
What do I want from this meeting?
I want Laurel to train me, and I want to ask her if she wants to escape from King Bax.
And if she does?
I might have jumped from one war into another.