“It is your right,” another said before I could respond.
“I’m not sure,” I said. I didn’t want to. I still had high school to finish and I wanted to start a real Seven Magics Academy, one where all supernaturals could go and feel accepted. Most of all, I wanted the school to be a place where they could be taught how to use their powers in a way that wouldn’t harm others.
“Please,” another said. “If you don’t lead us, who will?”
“There will be chaos.”
My hands squeezed into fists. They were right, but surely there was someone more qualified than an eighteen-year-old girl. As I searched their faces, it was clear that while they had been alive a long time, they hadn’t really lived.
“Whatever you decide, I’m not going anywhere,” Dorian whispered, gently prying open one of my hands and lacing his fingers with mine.
Chapter 32
I wanted to hug him, hold onto him and never let him go, but there was still much to do. “Thank you,” I said. Hand in hand, I went over to the marked. They were free, but still looked confused and unsure about what to do next. “Hold still,” I said to the first one I came to. With the power of the Seal I reversed the mark placed on her as well as the rest. When I finished, I asked Sasha to round up a group of vampires and return the marked to their homes.
“Of course, my queen.” She bowed.
I flinched at her words, but only nodded. Then moved over to Pocahontas. She wasn’t dead, and I used the Seal’s power to heal her. She stood, touching her arms and body, surprised she was whole again.
“Why wouldn’t you let me die?” she asked when I finished.
“That isn’t who I am,” I said softly, wishing we could be friends.
She gritted her teeth and crossed her arms. “What do you want in return?”
“My only request is that you live happily and use your newfound power for good, not t evil.”
She gasped as I spoke. “You don’t expect me to stay?”
“No, Pocahontas. You are free.”
She dropped her arms to her sides and started to leave. “My hunter told me that if I agreed to let Sharra use my body, I wouldn’t disappear, but would lead alongside her, our minds sharing the same body.”
My first instinct was to laugh at her naiveté but hadn’t Silindra and I shared her mind?
“It’s certainly a possibility.” I tried to smile, to let her know I harbored no ill feelings toward her, but I was exhausted. “Go, but know you’re welcome back to Sharra anytime.”
“Thank you,” she said. “But… I drank the blood of my true love’s heart.” Tears filled her eyes. “In the human realm, I’m a murderer.” Her anger became fear and she clutched her hands together. “If you allow me to stay here, I will do whatever you ask. Just please don’t make me go back.”
She was a murderer, period, but she was also a part of something she hadn’t fully understood or even asked for. “If you wish to stay, the castle is yours.”
A brilliant smile lit up her face and she ran to me, hugging me tightly. “Thank you.”
I hugged her back, feeling she and I might be friends after all. “Will you look after things here for a while?” I asked, searching her eyes. “I will return, but there are things I still need to do in the human realm.”
“You mean it?” Pocahontas was surprised.
“Yes, if that’s alright with you.”
“It’ll be my pleasure, Snow. I won’t let you down.”
“Great.”
“And Snow?” she said. “My friends call me Coco.”
I understood what she meant and a burst of warmth for her filled my heart. “Thank you for your help, Coco.”
Before Dorian and I left, a great cheer rose within the room.
“Sharra is no longer a prison.”
“You freed us.”
“Hail, Queen Snow.”
Without the walls, cheers could be heard as well. A quick peek out a window revealed thousands of creatures had gathered. The experience was overwhelming, and a new weight settled on my chest. That of responsibility. Because it was true. With the power of the Seal, all the creatures—from the unicorn to the gremlin—were freed. They could come and go as they pleased without dying.
I took hold of Dorian, reveling in the love I felt from him, and thought of home. Professor Pops and the mansion. The brothers, Cindy and my cat, Gatsby.
Chapter 33
When we arrived at the mansion, no one was there, except Gatsby. He yowled like he hadn’t been fed in days, until Dorian got him his food and water.
I was antsy and worried. “Where could they be?” I asked, pacing. I found my phone and dialed Cindy’s number. She didn’t respond. I texted but got no answer. “I’m worried.”
“Hey,” he said, and pulled me against his chest. “I’m sure they’re fine. Relax.” He kissed my nose. “I’m going to take a shower.” He pushed me back and wrinkled his nose. “You oughtta clean up too. You’re a mess.”
I laughed, and it felt good. But I also looked at my hands. They were covered in dried blood. “Agreed.”
We climbed the stairs together. When we reached my door, he pulled me into another hug. “See you in a few.”
I hugged him back, desperate to talk to him, but I definitely wanted a shower first. “’Kay,” I said into his chest.
Inside my bedroom, I quickly undressed and showered. Threw on a pair of black and white checkered PJ pants as well as a black tank, tucking the black gem in the front pants pocket. Then I put my hair up out of the way before heading to the library, which was Dorian’s new room.
He wasn’t there, and my first thought was to head down to the kitchen. But I noticed the secret door—the one that led to the basement and the room we hung out in as kids. A little giddy, I pulled it open. The circular tube slide was still in place. Climbing in, I pushed off. The ride was longer and more winding than I remembered.
I slid out and onto my butt with an oomph.
I heard Dorian laugh and searched for him. He sat in a large yellow beanbag chair. His sandy hair was wet and combed back, and he had on a pair of gray sweatpants and a Patriots tee shirt. “You’re so graceful,” he said, his voice filled with happiness. “The great and powerful Seal has the poise of a bumbling ox.”
“Hey,” I said, walking over to him.
He pulled me onto the beanbag next to him.
“I’m not an ox. Sheesh.”
“Fine, a drunk rhino.”
I smacked him on the arm. “Don’t make me regret saving you,” I joked.
His face grew serious. “Did I thank you for saving me yet?”
I huffed in mock distain, crossing my arms. “No. Not a peep of gratitude.”
He tucked an arm under me and snuggled close. I got a whiff of clean soap and the minty freshness on his breath.
I rested my head against his shoulder, trying to ignore the urgency parading through my body. I wanted to talk to him about what he said when we were with the Unknowns—that he loved me—and I wanted to tell him how much I loved him, too.
There was also the issue of the land of Sharra. Dorian said he’d go back with me. Did he mean it? Without a doubt I knew he did, but we hadn’t said the words to each other. At least when we weren’t under duress. My feelings were fresh and exciting and new. Like the first ice cream cone on a warm summer day.
I snuggled against him, my worries waning, and thought about what needed to happen next. First, I wanted to show everyone Dorian was alive. Then I wanted to go after my mom. Who knew what sort of plans Devoran would come up with once he heard Sharra was gone? I had no doubt he would fight to rule over the magical creatures and, truth be told, I was fine with that as long as he didn’t try to enslave them.
Dorian kissed the top of my head lightly. The movement brought me out of my reverie.
I turned so I could see his face, gauge his expression. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you?” he asked, caressing my forehead with
the tip of his fingers.
“How you felt about me,” I finished, and my face colored bright red.
He nuzzled me close and kissed my eyebrow. “I did, while you were with Silindra. I did say I loved you.”
“That’s true, but you never said anything since.” I searched his gorgeous eyes that looked just like mine now.
His lips curved in a light smile. “When we were younger, you were this bright-eyed tomboy. As we grew, my feelings… developed. But by then the other brothers were talking about you… in the romantic way.” He raised his eyebrows and wriggled them comically.
My face got hotter. “What? I have no idea what you mean.” Professor Pops had said as much, but it was still too weird to believe.
I playfully slapped Dorian on the chest. He caught my hand with his and entwined our fingers. His hand was much larger than mine, but with our fingers touching—palm to palm, finger to finger—our hands felt perfect together. A vibrant purple glowed between our fingers. We looked at each other, surprised. If this happened every time we touched, purple would be my favorite color again, I thought, my heart beating rapidly. “I don’t think you’re a normal boy anymore, Dorian Henry.”
He chuckled, kissing my cheek. “Normal is overrated.”
I raised my eyes, longing to kiss him. He lowered his head, so our lips were inches apart. His breath caressed my skin like a kiss. It was warm and sent tingles through my body.
True love. It’s comfortable and sexy. Reckless. Lustful. Fireworks and kittens. I remembered telling Cindy how I felt for Christopher, and it was all of those things…
But so much more.
The best part? Knowing with absolute surety that the other person felt the same way. Dorian and I were new together. Knowing his feelings for me made my heart beat fast. Sure, there was desire. A part of me wanted to climb on top of him and kiss him until we couldn’t breathe, but it was more. It was— it felt like— Dorian was the final piece to my heart.
Gabe exposed the physicality of love.
Christopher revealed love could be heartbreaking.
Dorian showed me love, true love, was unconditional, far-reaching, and all encompassing.
“Dorian,” I breathed, touching his face and leaning forward.
Before our lips could meet, there was a loud clumping, like dozens of feet on the stairs.
We looked at each other and jumped up, prepared for whatever was coming for us. We faced the vampire queen together. We could face anything.
“Hey,” Heathcliff said when he came around the corner. “I found her! And, holy crap, she’s with Dorian!”
Excited hoots and shouts came from the stairs as they all piled into the room. Six sets of eyes. Seven counting Dorian. My family. Salvatore and Sebastian were wrestling each other. From behind them all, another set of feet walked into the room. They were smaller. As I looked closer, she pushed through them.
“Mom!” I jumped up and ran to her. “How?” I asked, stunned.
“It’s a long story.” She hugged me.
Cindy appeared next, an excited smile curving her lips. After her came Professor Pops. He looked like he aged a lifetime since I last saw him, and I felt bad. I promised we would defeat the queen together and then I disobeyed. His eyes softened and he nodded in understanding.
“Pops,” Dorian said.
Professor Pops’ eyes shifted to his son and the skin around them crinkled as he smiled.
“Dorian.” He helped his son stand and hugged him tightly.
Cindy came to stand next to me. She smiled wearily, but she seemed more confident too. “Merde, Snow. You scared us. I’m mad at you, just so you know.”
“Sorry, Cin.” I leaned my head on her shoulder. She batted at my face.
“You’ve a lot of explaining to do.” She crossed her arms.
I lifted my head and nodded toward my mom, who followed our exchange with interest. “So do you.”
“Touché, my friend.” She took my hand and we hugged and laughed.
My mom joined in. I watched with happy interest as the brothers surrounded Dorian, peppering him with questions. Laughing. Dorian did his best to answer. His eyes slid to mine, and he winked.
Warmth filled my body. This was what life was all about. Family. Love. There was one thing that could’ve made the moment better, and that was my dad. I hoped, wherever he was, he was okay. Safe. Getting the help he needed.
My mom squeezed me. “You’re one lucky girl,” she whispered, her eyes filled with a combination of happiness and incredulity.
I nodded, blinking back tears, but didn’t say anything. My emotions were too close to the surface and I didn’t want to cry.
Chapter 34
Two months passed from when the vampire queen vanished in the black smoke. After speaking with Professor Pops, Kenmei, my mom, Cindy, and the brothers, it became clear I would have to become the next vampire queen. I was the Seal after all. It was created to bring balance to all magics. There wasn’t another way.
Since defeating Sharra, I felt Silindra within my consciousness more than once. She seemed happy. I didn’t encourage her though. I wasn’t ready.
The only person who knew about Silindra was Dorian. He also knew about the gem, though we had no idea what to do with it. Until we figured something out, I always kept it on me, like Abernathy said.
I agreed to become the next queen under two conditions. The Seven Magics Academy had to be at the castle. With help, I would make it a real school. And I would finish the last few months of high school at Salem Academy. Dorian already agreed to be my date to Spring Fling.
Everyone loved the idea of us going and promised to help, which was why I was at the castle now, getting ready for my official coronation. Though I’d been handling the duties befitting my title as queen of the vampires for a while, tonight would make it all official. Plus, there would be food and dancing.
I would spend time in both places. Sharra and well as Salem. My mom had already taken up residence in our old house, and it was full of light and happiness and love once again.
As I watched Cindy put the finishing touches on my hair with magic, I thought about the vampire queen. Professor Pops, Kenmei, and I discussed at length what might have happened to Sharra when she evaporated in the dark smoke. None of us knew for sure. We all had guesses and felt certain she wasn’t gone for good. But we hoped she learned her lesson and would live out her days in her last human body before going quietly into the night. Part of me knew that thinking was wishful and even unwise, but we agreed to celebrate our win.
My mom came in. “You look beautiful,” she said, squeezing my shoulder.
“So do you.” She was dressed in a soft silver dress, her long hair pulled back in a bun. She told me about how she was rescued, and that Cindy was an incredible witch and a brilliant hero. Getting to know my mother again would take time, but I figured that was what a person did. Made an effort for those important to them. And my mom was a significant part of me.
Cindy and I talked at length about the Seven Magics Academy. I asked her to run it. She turned the offer down but agreed to teach spells and back up Heathcliff in teaching potions. Since his secretive job in a place called Demonland kept him busier and busier all the time.
After further reflection, I knew the person who should run the SMA was Coco. Because of all she went through, she could be strong when necessary as well as empathetic. As someone who was previously marked, she would be excellent in a position of leadership.
Dorian would teach weapons training. Professor Pops had agreed to assist Coco, but he wanted to continue teaching at Harvard and continue searching the world for those who would be a good fit for the Academy.
Several of the magical creatures, including Ryden, were on board to help too.
Gabe would stay at the mansion in Salem. He wasn’t thrilled about the way magical creatures had free reign of the Earth once again. It turned out he and Sharra agreed on this one thing. He was of the opinion humans would be saf
er, as would creatures of magic, if they were kept separate.
Gabe and I would be working together often. As the leader of the chayot, his new purpose was to make sure humans were treated fairly. Sebastian and Bart opted to stay at the house with Gabe, to help as necessary, not because they weren’t behind my decision.
“We need to keep the chayot leader from getting uptight or taking himself too seriously,” Bart said with a wink.
Most magical creatures didn’t want to dwell in the human realm. They asked that I help them create a realm of their own, which I happily did. Still, Gabe worried.
I quickly realized ruling wasn’t going to be easy. That was obvious within seconds of the vampire queen’s disappearance. She forced her subjects to be loyal, and that kind of allegiance didn’t last. But I possessed one thing she hadn’t. The love of family and friends. Real love. Real friends.
Plus, I had Dorian. He decided to take classes from Harvard online so he could help me in the land of Sharra as well teaching at the Seven Magics Academy.
Zenny appeared in the mirror. He wore a sparkly blue suit, his hair color changed to match. “Why don’t you let me fetch Fina and Trina?” Zenny asked.
Cindy stuck out her tongue. “My magic is enough, Zenny.”
I turned to the side to admire my hair. Soft curls cascaded down my back, and the sides were pulled up and pinned around the small diamond and onyx encrusted tiara. My makeup was subtle, except my lips. They were blood red. “It’s appropriate, Snow. You’re the vampire queen. Own it,” Cindy said with a large smile.
“I will.” I smiled. “You better get ready and check on Gabe. Make sure the chayot leader isn’t getting into trouble.”
“Agreed.” She rushed from the room.
“I’m going to go find Mr. Henry,” my mom said, leaving me alone.
In the closet, Fina and Trina helped me into my big, poofy, old-fashioned dress. I didn’t want to wear it, but the fairies made it and I needed to honor them. I studied my reflection in front of a large, oval mirror. The dress was beautiful, but overwhelming. The material was velvet and deep purple. Black ribbing crisscrossed in the front, and tiny pearl buttons peeked from between the laced bodice.
Queen of the Vampires: Snow White Reimagined with Vampires and Dragons (Seven Magics Academy Book 3) Page 13
