Queen of Darkness

by Patti Larsen

  “You have been hurt by this conflict,” I said. “This family has been broken and damaged by lies and deceit. You need strong leadership, someone you trust to take you forward.”

  Piotr actually had the balls to step toward me. I had to hand it to him, he was pretty full of himself. Even Pannera's eyebrows shot up as he held out his hand.

  “Queens have ruled for centuries,” he said with a smile. “Perhaps it is time for a King's leadership.”

  Like hell. I struck him with a fist of spirit magic, sending him flying backward to crash to the floor as his fellow vampires scattered to let him fall.

  “I have no proof you were involved or had knowledge of Batsheva's treachery,” I said, “but I don't think I'm the only one in this clan who will never, ever trust you.”

  They snarled at him, power curling around them as they glared.

  Piotr took the hint.

  “No,” I said, “there is only one vampire to lead this clan. Only one who can repair the trust and create a strong, healthy family worthy of your name.” I caught Sunny's eyes, saw the dawning understanding in her face as I held out my hand to her.

  “Teresa Wilhelm,” I said, calling her by her real name, the one etched under her portrait, hanging by Yvette, “come and claim your throne.”

  ***

  Chapter Thirty Six

  Sunny didn't hesitate, crossing the carpet to ascend to my side while I kept an eye on Pannera. But the opposing Queen didn’t argue so even she must have known this was the only way to end the conflict.

  Sunny ignored my outstretched hand and the power there, instead staring into my eyes for a long moment.

  A little warning might have been nice. She softened the chastisement with a mental caress. How long have you known?

  That you're a Wilhelm? I shrugged. You transfer very well to paint.

  The damned portrait. Her blue eyes sparkled. Yvette insisted.

  You're her sister? Daughter?

  No, just a descendant. Sunny hugged me to her, lips pressed to my cheek. We have more in common than you think, Syd. You're not the only one who's run from who she's meant to be.

  Is this okay? I held out the crystal again. You went to all that trouble of cleaning your blood of the Wilhelm family. Do you need to do it again to take over?

  No, she sent. Just the power. No amount of orders from Pannera can come between me and the full magic of being Queen.

  When we parted, we were both smiling.

  Until Piotr spoke up.

  “She is no longer a member of our family.” His snarl of rage surprised me, though it shouldn't have. “Abandoned her Queen, her clan. I refuse to accept her as my ruler.”

  “Oh, shut up,” I said. “Or I'll silence you myself.”

  Sunny held one hand up, palm flat. “I accept,” she said. My past has caught up to me. But I'm all right with it.

  Sunny. I hesitated. I'm sorry. I really am. I glanced at Uncle Frank. On the other side. Pannera's vampire.

  Don't be. Her fingers twitched. You're right, I'm the only choice. Now hand it over so you can go home.

  Not we.

  What had I done?

  The crystal was heavy in my hand as I turned it over and pressed it to hers. My vampire acted immediately, urging out the power. But it needed little encouragement, flowing from the crystal and into Sunny in a rush, as if it had been waiting for her forever. Sunny straightened, eyes flaring with magic, whole body glowing with pure white light until it faded, the transfer complete.

  Turning with great grace, she settled into her throne with one smooth movement to the sound of cheering from her clan.

  What followed was familiar, the adoption ceremony repeated dozens of times as the leaders of her clan came forward to accept her blood and have theirs accepted in return, leaving her then to retreat to their own clans to share her blood with their people. I left her to her work, going to Mom's side, unable to look up, keeping my eyes on the carpet, hands clenched around the crystal.

  I could feel a fraction of the clan magic still inside it, knew I'd carry it with me forever now. Just another layer in an already complicated Syd.

  The worst? Sunny without Uncle Frank. It just wasn't fair.

  A strong hand settled on my shoulder as the last of Sunny's people retreated, her fingers delicately wiping at the blood on her lips. Uncle Frank stepped past me, turning to face Sebastian.

  “I ask to be released from my blood oath to your clan,” he said.

  My heart clenched. This was my big worry, the fear I carried. He had to do what Sunny had done when she joined Sebastian’s family after the run-in with Nicholas—drain his blood to the point of no return, be filled again by his new clan. While she made light of it, I knew it was painful and probably very dangerous.

  If Sunny lost Uncle Frank because of this, she'd never forgive me. And I'd never forgive myself.

  Sebastian looked sad a moment, but nodded. “I am willing to release you,” he said as his eyes went to Pannera.

  Hang on. Was it that easy? Did I worry myself for nothing? Could she just let him go?

  That would be wicked.

  My stirring excitement faded the moment I saw the look on her face.

  And drove me to dive into her mind even as she was opening her mouth.

  Don't even think about saying no, I snarled. I swear to you, if you don't let him go to be with Sunny, I'll hunt you down in your little castle and pull it down around your ears.

  She glared at me, lips parted.

  I look forward to it, she sent.

  “Considering the circumstances,” Pannera said out loud, “and as a show of good faith to my new counterpart,” she gave Sunny the barest of nods, “I agree to release Frank Hayle from my clan so he may join his true love.” If there was more honey in her tone, we all would have died of diabetic shock.

  Instead, she raised one hand, white spirit magic striking outward to plunge into Uncle Frank. He cried out, grasped his chest, falling to his knees as sparks flew from his body, cascading to the floor while he doubled over into a crouch, the last of the clan magic flying free.

  I almost moved to help him, but he didn't need me. Slowly, in obvious pain, he forced himself to stand, to walk forward a pace. Another. Until he fell to his knees at Sunny's feet.

  “My love,” he whispered, the sound carrying in the total silence of the room, “I would be a part of you forever.”

  She slid one hand under his chin, tipped his head back, bent over him. Her lips touched his, the kiss deep and passionate and when they parted, there was blood on both their lips.

  “Welcome, my love,” she said. “My Prince.”

  I would have clapped and squealed like a little girl if I didn't have dignity to uphold.

  I've given you what you want, Pannera sent, dulling my joy with the jab of magic accompanying her words. Now stay out of my way.

  I didn't have a chance to answer, not while Sunny beckoned to me. I approached, smiling at the happy couple, as they beamed back.

  “I thought I screwed everything up.” Tears sprang in my eyes. “I'm so happy for you.”

  Sunny took my hand, Uncle Frank bending to kiss my cheek as the new Queen of the Wilhelm Clan bit the soft flesh of my wrist and tasted my blood before offering the tip of her finger and the bead of blood standing there. I drank, not freaked or grossed out this time, the flavor of her blood full of sparks and flowers.

  “Sydlynn Hayle,” she said, “you will always be a part of this clan. And you will always be welcome.”

  ***

  Chapter Thirty Seven

  My first impulse, once I strode triumphant from the throne room, was to dash for the nearest exit, run for home, lock myself in my room and scrub the last several days from my memory forever.

  Elliot didn’t give me the chance, waiting for me right at the exit. He was lucky he was an Enforcer or I would have done him some damage.

  “A moment yet,” he said. “My leader would like a word?”

  Oh,
so now she wanted to talk to me, did she? I stomped my way to my old quarters, remembering I had something to retrieve anyway, so it was a good thing after all. No way was I leaving the magic blocking powder for some conniving vampire to find when I had my own plans for it.

  Just wait until I saw Ameline again. One deep breath and it would all be over.

  I brought Mom and Gram with me anyway, just in case. No way was Margaret putting me in magical irons and dragging me off to trial. Not without a fight.

  But this Margaret, the one who stopped pacing as we entered, she was far different from the woman I'd first met. She was still pale, deflated, a balloon without her air.

  “It's horrible,” she said immediately on our arrival. “There are Brotherhood everywhere in my territory.”

  A short, babbling explanation later gave us the full picture. “Three covens now under control of the sorcerers. Two of those coven's Council Members also. And the Enforcers.” She fluttered a hand over her chest. “Elliot is beside himself. It didn't take much examination to uncover the truth. Over half of our Enforcers have ties to the Brotherhood.”

  Mom took her hand, led her to a sofa and sat her down. “I'm happy to help any way I can.”

  Margaret nodded quickly, some of her spunk returning. “When I think I, myself, was under their control, even that little bit. And all because of this.” She held up the ring Demetrius freed her from still surrounded by a blue force shield. “I lost my favorite and Elliot replaced it for me.” She tossed it to me. “Feel it.”

  I knew before she shed the shield and it dropped in my hand the small diamond embedded in it was part of a power crystal. “How long have you had it?”

  “Not long,” she said, anger rising. “Just a month or so. But long enough. I've been a fool.”

  “No,” Mom said. “How were you to know?”

  Margaret didn't have an answer for that.

  “Their power is insidious,” Mom said. “I'm amazed you uncovered what you did so quickly.”

  Margaret's lips thinned to a grim line. “Amazing what you can find when you know what you're looking for.” She sighed then, met my eyes. “I'm sorry, Coven Leader,” she said. “The European Council stands at the ready to assist in the fight against the Brotherhood.” She paused. “When we've finished cleaning our house, that is.”

  After a brief goodbye, the door closed behind her as she hurried off to do just that.

  Gram's arm slid around my shoulders. “Well done, girl.” She smacked me firmly with a kiss on the cheek. “Well done.”

  Mom rose, came to us. Hugged us both. “I was so worried,” she whispered. “But you have made me so proud, sweetheart.” Her face hardened, but not at me. “I hope I can count on you, Coven Leader, when I go looking for the thieves in our midst?”

  Deep breath. Prepare for the worst. “Though you know I’m one too, right?

  Mom went pale but Gram didn’t react, watching, eyes narrowed.

  “Syd,” Mom whispered. “What are you talking about?”

  I filled her in on what Demetrius said. “I’m part sorcerer too, Mom.” I felt like hugging myself but stayed still, solid, as if I knew what I was doing. “It’s necessary. For my evolution.” Eye-rolling happened without my permission and I heard Gram giggle.

  “We’ll just keep this to ourselves, will we?” She poked me firmly in the ribs. “I trust you’re not under the Brotherhood’s influence?”

  Mom nodded slowly. “Syd,” she said, “you can’t tell anyone.” A thin thread of panic reached me from her. “Not anyone. Promise me.”

  “Trust me,” I said. “It’s not something I want to spread around. I’m already under enough scrutiny thanks to the gang.” My index finger tapped against my temple. “I get it. But yes,” I winked at Gram, “you can be assured the Brotherhood and I are on opposite sides.”

  Was I really that sure?

  Not going there.

  Mom hugged me quickly. “You amaze me,” she whispered. “You’re so much stronger than I ever was.”

  Wow. Choke. Tear time at last?

  Not quite. Not yet.

  “Your pardon.” I pulled free of my happy mother and grandmother to find Sebastian standing at the door. “My Queen would like a word with you.”

  I'd heard that before.

  “Like hell.” Mom actually planted herself in front of me while Gram stalked forward and got into his face.

  “Tell that thing you answer to,” she jabbed him in the chest with one pointy finger, standing on her tiptoes, fuzzy socks now filthy, “she can bloody well stay away from my granddaughter.”

  The door eased open further as Pannera let herself in.

  “Tell me yourself,” she said, not having any idea who she was trying to push around.

  “Come in,” I said, blocking Gram just before she did something nasty and probably deadly to the vampire Queen, knowing Sebastian would be devastated if I let Gram kill her. “It's all right, Gram.”

  My grandmother backed off, faded blue eyes slits of anger as she followed the Queen's progress further into the room.

  “I understand our Council Leader has uncovered uncomfortable truths.” Pannera's statue features remained as rock-hard as ever.

  “The Brotherhood are coming,” I said. “You heard what my vampire told everyone.” My vampire. That was right. The flash of anger Pannera let out just made me smile.

  Suck it up, buttercup.

  My vampire. So there.

  “I did hear,” she said. “And understood. And with the present news of the Brotherhood's infiltration of the witch network, I am now inclined to examine my own family for such intrusions.”

  “Probably a good idea,” I said.

  “Do not for a moment think you and I are friends or allies in any way.” Pannera turned and headed for the door, tone mile as though discussing the weather. “But you kept your part of our bargain. Which means you at least have some sense of honor.”

  Oh, seriously. Like she was one to talk.

  Pannera stopped at my door, gaze lost out the window at the mountains etched against the night sky. “When you need help against the sorcerers,” she said, “my clan will answer your call.”

  Sebastian bowed his way out after her, eyes locked on mine, a small smile on his face.

  I won.

  Imagine that.

  ***

  Chapter Thirty Eight

  I shuffled nervously at the bottom of the stairs, pulling at the spaghetti strap on my right shoulder as it slipped down over my bare arm. The flowers clutched in my hands looked pretty on the surface, but the bundled stems had long begun to brown from the fidgeting and sweat of my anxious hands.

  Meira looked over her shoulder and winked at me, her matching dress perfect on her figure. My sister had a figure. Growing up way too fast for my liking.

  “Stop,” she whispered. “You'll wrinkle.”

  Sunny had to pick pink silk, didn't she? Bad enough it skimmed my body so close wearing underwear was a questionable activity, the sticky bra thingies she forced me to slap on driving me nuts. The shoes were another story altogether, so high they rivaled anything Pagomaris, my demon grandmother's aide, forced me to wear on Demonicon. Sure, they made my butt look good, but the balls of my feet were killing me.

  And pink? Pink?

  Oh. My. Swearword.

  Don't get me wrong, I was honored she and Uncle Frank still wanted me to stand with them. They'd failed to mention Sebastian was their best man. Not like it was a problem. But now I was back home, back to my normal not-so-normal, remembering how he'd kissed me, the dream I'd had... let's just say I was feeling a little awkward about the whole situation.

  Gracious as ever, if he felt awkward as well he didn't show it, though I noticed he did do his best to keep his distance, so maybe he was just better at hiding it.

  I looked up as Sunny swept down the stairs, Mom behind her, the pair of them beaming in delight. Sunny looked absolutely stunning in her pure white gown, as flowing and silky a
s the one I wore. Except she made me look like I was wearing a burlap sack.

  Gorgeous.

  She kissed first me, then Meira, her lips soft and a little sticky with lipstick. Giggling, she wiped at our cheeks before smiling at Mom.

  “Thank you, Miriam,” she said.

  “We love you so much.” Mom hugged her before sliding into her black robe. “Are you ready?”

  My feet just wanted to get it over with.

  There had been protest from her new clan, that the wedding be held at the castle, but Sunny was adamant. “My family, my rules,” she said. The wedding would go, as planned, in my back yard, the happy couple surrounded by those who loved them, no matter the clan affiliation or magic race.

  Though Sunny confessed with a wicked laugh, the real vampire bonding ceremony would happen later. When she and Uncle Frank were alone together.

  Just TMI.

  I peeked out the back door, spotted Uncle Frank at the far end of the lawn, Mom joining him, Liam standing by in his own tuxedo. I'd been surprised when my uncle asked Liam to be his second usher, but it wasn't like I kept tabs on my family or how close Uncle Frank had grown to my Sidhe friend.

  Them getting along, being buddies, kind of appealed to me.

  I let my eyes land on Sebastian a moment before flickering away again. Drew a shaky breath.

  Sunny giggled, looking so young and sweet and stunningly beautiful I had to giggle with her.

  “I'm the one who's supposed to be nervous.” She wrinkled her nose. Looked suddenly anxious. “Do I look all right?”

  File that with one of the stupidest questions ever asked ever. Meira gushed all over her immediately.

  “You look so beautiful I can't stand it, Aunt Sunny,” she said.