Mother.Nadi’s blood turned cold as understanding dawned.Lilivra.The ancient vampire matriarch, the one whose portrait dominated the chapel at the ruined estate.
The woman who forged the alliance that drove the fae into exile.
Theoriginalvampire.
“The honor is mine, dearest Volencia,” Lilivra’s voice continued. “It has been far too long since I witnessed such a momentous union. Today will indeed be historic for all of Runne—a day that will be remembered for generations to come.”
Her words carried weight beyond their surface meaning, as if she possessed knowledge of events yet to unfold. Nadi felt a chill that had nothing to do with the evening air.
“Raziel, my child,” Lilivra’s voice called out, and every head turned toward where he stood among the security detail. “Come closer. I would speak with you, my grandson.”
A murmur went through the crowd. Nadi didn’t miss how Mael glanced at Raziel with thinly concealed rage.
Nadi watched as Raziel approached the litter, his movements careful and controlled. Even from a distance, she could see the tension in his frame as he drew near to his legendary ancestor.
“You have grown strong, grandson,” Lilivra said, her voice carrying a note of what might have been approval. “The trials you have endured have forged you into exactly what you were meant to be.”
“Thank you, Grandmother.” Raziel’s voice was steady, but Nadi caught the underlying current of unease.
“Do you remember,” Lilivra continued, “the words I spoke to you on the first day you came to see me? When you were still a frightened child, seeking answers about your destiny?”
A long pause. “I remember.”
“Good. Today, your true path will finally begin.” The silk panels rustled as if their hidden occupant had shifted position. “The serpent must shed its skin to become something greater. Remember that, when the pain begins.”
The cryptic exchange left Nadi’s mind racing. What had Lilivra told Raziel all those years ago? And why did her presence here feel less like a blessing and more like the tolling of a funeral bell?
“Now then,” Lilivra’s voice returned to its earlier warmth, “let us witness this beautiful union. The joining of our house with the Rosovs marks the beginning of a new age.”
Volencia returned to her seat, though Nadi noticed her hands trembling slightly as she smoothed her dark skirts. Around the pavilion, guests exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsettledby the ancient vampire’s unexpected appearance and ominous words.
The quartet began their processional melody, signaling that the ceremony was about to begin despite the disruption. A hush fell over the assembled guests as all attention turned toward the main pavilion entrance where the bridal party would emerge.
“Nervous, beautiful?”
The voice came from directly behind her, and Nadi’s blood turned to ice. She knew that voice, but it wasn’t Lana’s sweet tones. This was deeper, more resonant—Mael’s distinctive rumble pitched low for her ears alone.
“The ceremony is beautiful,” Nadi corrected, not turning to look at him. “Lana looks radiant.”
“She does indeed.” Mael moved to sit in the chair beside her, the one meant for Raziel, his massive frame blocking her view of the nearest exit. “Though I suspect you appreciate the significance of tonight more than most of our guests do.”
Something in his tone made Nadi’s skin crawl. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Oh, but I think you do,Nadi.”
The name hit like a punch to the gut. Nadi’s hands clenched in her lap, fighting every instinct that screamed at her to run, to fight, to do anything except sit there like a trapped animal.
“I’m sorry?” she whispered, her voice carefully modulated to sound confused rather than terrified.
“Please.” Mael’s hand settled on her knee. His thumb began to run a slow circle along her skin over the sheer fabric of her stockings. “We’re past the point of pretense now, aren’t we? I know exactly who you are. Nadi of the Iltani clan. Shapeshifter. Assassin. The woman who’s been sleeping in my brother’s bed while plotting his death. You killed your own uncle to get to us. I’m not upset. Anything but. I’m in awe.”
The words were delivered with such casual certainty that Nadi felt her carefully constructed world crumbling around her. She forced herself to remain still, to keep breathing, even as panic clawed at her chest.
“In fact, I must say,” Mael continued, his voice pitched so low that only she could hear it over the music, “you’ve doneremarkablework. The deception was flawless. If it weren’t for some very specific intelligence from someone who used to know you, I would never have suspected anything at all.” His hand slid just a little bit higher.
Around them, other guests continued their polite conversation, completely unaware of the deadly revelation taking place in their midst. The quartet played on, their melody sweet and haunting in the torchlight.
“What do you want?” Nadi asked, abandoning the lie. If Mael knew, there was no point in maintaining the charade.
