But power?Powercould be sharpened.
When the time came, I would see to it that her purpose was fulfilled. Despite Serafina’s best efforts, that baby belonged to me and always would.
“And the groom?” Amabel prompted after a moment, tilting her head with curiosity.
“I don’t know which of his sons the king will choose,” I admitted, “but I know he won’t be kind.Noneof them are. They’re all monsters. And that, my dears, is where the true fun begins.”
Eluned snorted, a sound that was both elegant and ridiculously dramatic.
“I almost feel sorry for her.Almost. Although, I must admit, it’s rather disappointing to lose our favorite pastime.”
I understood what Eluned meant, of course. How delightful it had been to watch them toy with Serafina over the years, setting her up for tiny tumbles, orchestrating moments where she faltered or failed miserably.
“I imagine you have a role for us to play in this,” Amabel prompted after a moment.
“Of course.” I steepled my fingers beneath my chin. “As her drivers, you must ensure that our darling Serafina understands the importance of first impressions when she arrives at her new home.”
I paused, letting the word hang in the air, watching as understanding dawned on their faces. Amabel tapped a nail against her chin, and Eluned’s grin widened like a cat who just spotted a trapped mouse.
“Are you suggesting we make her entrance unforgettable?” Amabel asked, a calculating smile creeping across her lips.
“Precisely. She must make a grand appearance. Think of it as a welcoming gift for her new husband.”
“I love a good spectacle!” Eluned exclaimed, bouncing slightly in her seat, her laughter bubbling like champagne. “Oh, this is going to be fun! Serafina, her papa’s little princess, making a scene before she even meets her husband!One, two, we’re coming for you. Three, four, hit you with the door.”
“Good,” I interrupted her song and leaned back, exhaling in satisfaction. “I expect no complications.”
And there wouldn’t be.
Unless…
A ridiculous thought wormed its way into my mind. What if the vampire prince was Serafina’s mate? Shifter blood ran in her veins, even without a wolf spirit. Or worse, what if he claimed her as his beloved? The odds were laughable, but fate did have a cruel sense of humor.
I shook the notion away. Impossible. Irrelevant.
“Consider it done, Mother!” Eluned cackled as Amabel grinned, and I nodded at their amusement.
They thought they understood the game, but they only saw the surface. They thought this was about Seri, about the baby, about power. And it was, but it was so much more. It was about control. Always, it was about control.
I studied them, considering. They were vicious and cruel, but unrefined. By the time I was their age, I had already spilled blood, claimed power, and secured my rule over the Harrow coven. I had driven a dagger into my own mother’s heart without hesitation, all to ensure my rightful place at the head of our lineage. And yet, these girls? They still lacked true cunning. They enjoyed cruelty, but they did not yet understand the weight of it.
I had no tolerance for weakness, and my daughters knew it. They were tools, extensions of my will, and I would stop at nothing to ensure they remained loyal. The focus on their stepsister had always been a distraction, a way to keep them in line, united against a common target. So long as they were focused on Serafina, they would not consider challenging me.
As they left, Amabel’s strategic mind was already planning each detail while Eluned’s impulsive nature had her bubbling with creative ideas. I watched them go, a sense of satisfaction settling over me. They were obedient, eager to please, and completely under my control. Just how I liked it.
I turned my gaze to the night-shrouded window, studying my reflection.
I had enough magic stored now to meet my needs and, if I came up a little short, my daughters would serve in a pinch. Their power was weak, however, compared to Serafina’s.
Serafina. Now there was anoceanof magic. A gift from her dear papa, no doubt. A gift I had bled out of Jonathan over and over until his heart finally gave out. And I would do the same to Serafina in the end.
Although it will take so much longer,I thought to myself.That girl has a fire in her that Jonathan lacked. Still, it only makes the game a little more fun.
While I myself had sworn in blood and by the moon not to seek them out, my daughters had made no such vow. Amabel and Eluned could harass her endlessly. Herandthat baby.
Then, when the time was right, I would finish what I started.
And the Bell sisters would be no more.
