Epilogue
The bells of Night Falls Cathedral rang continuously, announcing what had once seemed impossible.
Night Falls had a queen, born a human from a bloodline of vampire hunters.
Matilda stood before the altar with Luka at her side, resisting the urge to fidget beneath the weight of thousands of eyes.
She had fought vampires, werewolves, assassins, and men twice her size without a shred of fear. Yet somehow, a cathedral filled with people made her palms sweat.
The gown had not helped.
Her seamstresses had spent months creating what they called a masterpiece and what Matilda called an elaborate death trap.
Deep crimson velvet hugged her bodice and waist before spilling into a voluminous skirt embroidered with delicate black vines.
Tiny rubies had been sewn among the embroidery, and the neckline rested elegantly across her shoulders, leaving her throat bare except for the jeweled necklace Luka had fastened there himself that morning.
Her curls had been gathered away from her face, allowing several dark coils to tumble freely down her back.
And then there was the train that Matilda absolutely despised. It was nearly twelve feet of crimson velvet that trailed behind her. She’d threatened to cut it off twice, prompting her husband to hide any sharp objects she might get her hands on.
The cathedral had been chosen deliberately. Luka could have crowned her within the privacy of the castle, surrounded by nobles and members of court, but Matilda refused.
If she was to become queen of Night Falls, she would do so before its people.
Every pew was occupied, and citizens stood along the walls and crowded the cathedral steps outside. Humans stood beside vampires, guards from the royal army lined the aisle in ceremonial armor, nobles occupied the front rows—some considerably happier about the occasion than others.
Matilda’s attention settled briefly on David. She snorted when the newly crowned Alpha and Prince of Moonshire winked.
A soft cry drew her awareness to Denalia.
Their daughter rested comfortably in Duke Gustafson’s arms near the altar, dressed in a custom crimson gown of her own.
Luka reached for Matilda’s hand, threading his fingers through hers.
“Ready?” he whispered.
“No.”
His mouth twitched.
“Excellent.”
The cathedral quieted when Luka stepped forward.
“People of Night Falls, we stand here today not merely to place a crown upon the head of a queen, but to acknowledge one who has already proven herself worthy of it.”
Matilda’s throat tightened with emotion.
“She came to this kingdom not as our friend.”
A few laughs traveled through the cathedral, earning Luka a quick side-eye from Matilda.
He ignored her and pressed on.
“She came armed with weapons and an admittedly troubling determination to kill your king.”
The laughter grew.
“Must we include that?” Matilda muttered.
“Yes. We do not cower from history,” he said before returning his attention to the congregation.
“But Night Falls has never required perfection from those who serve it. It requires courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and the willingness to stand between its people and those who would see them harmed.”
His expression softened as he looked at her.
“Matilda has done all these things. She has fought for vampires despite being raised to fear them. She has defended humans despite no longer being one herself. She has challenged traditions that deserved it. She has shed blood for Night Falls and has nearly shed mine on several occasions.”
More laughter rang out.
“But above all, she has chosen this kingdom and its people as her own.”
Luka turned fully toward her.
“And today, if she accepts the burden, Night Falls chooses her.”
Matilda inhaled sharply as hundreds rose to their feet.
Applause thundered and Luka waited until silence gradually returned.
Matilda stepped before the altar.
Ezra approached carrying her magnificent crown upon a crimson cushion. Luka extended his hand to receive the crown.
“Matilda Seraphina Alesi, do you swear to defend the people of Night Falls, human, vampire, and all in between?”
“I swear it.”
“Do you vow to uphold its laws with justice, to hear its people with compassion, and to wield the authority entrusted to you for their protection rather than your own gain?”
“I do.”
“Do you swear that no noble, army, foreign crown, or ancient prejudice shall hold greater value than the lives entrusted to your care?”
Matilda looked toward the congregation filled with humans, vampires, children, and soldiers. People who had once demanded she be hanged now stood waiting for her answer.
Her eyes returned to Luka.
“I swear it upon my life.”
Pride etched across the king’s face. He lifted the crown from the cushion, and Matilda lowered herself before him.
For a brief moment, she thought of every Helsing who had come before her. They would have been appalled, and she was certain they were rolling in their graves.
A whisper of a smile tugged at her lips.
Luka carefully lowered the crown onto her head.
“Rise, Queen Matilda Alesi of Night Falls.”
The applause and cheers in the cathedral were deafening. People shouted her name and stamped their feet. It was so loud that the ringing bells had been drowned out. Luka kissed her, only making matters worse.
When they finally separated, Denalia began fussing from the commotion.
“Our princess demands attention,” Luka said.
“As usual.”
He collected their daughter before walking down the aisle together.
Ezra followed, along with members of the royal court.
The cathedral doors opened, and sunlight spilled across the steps.
Thousands filled the courtyard shouting, “LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!”
Matilda lifted a hand to wave to her people. Her ridiculous train dragged down the cathedral steps behind her as Luka stood beside her with Denalia cradled securely against his chest.
For once, everything felt right. Until the evening light disappeared.
Cheering stopped when a massive shadow swept across the town center.
Matilda and Luka looked upward when something enormous passed above the cathedral, blocking the waning light.
Wings stretched across the sky, and one powerful beat sent a gust through the square, whipping Matilda’s train around her ankles.
Someone screamed.
“DRAGON!”
Panic erupted.
Citizens scattered and guards drew their swords. Mothers snatched up their children as fathers herded their families to safety.
The creature glided above the distant castle towers, and Luka pulled Denalia tightly against his chest.
“Luka?”
He didn’t respond, gaze fixed upon the monster in the sky. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper.
“The dragons… my gods… the dragons have returned.”
To Be Continued
Thank you for reading Hunt Me! The Bloodlines of Night Falls continues with Denalia and Evander (King David’s son) in Unleash Me.
The dragons stole his bride.
Now, there’s nothing left to keep the beast on his leash.