His crown is composed of two batwings around a diamond moon.
Lanlin’s large eyes are Khol smudged and smeared with heavy gold and lapis lazuli dramatic eyeshadow, which makes them appear calculating and cat-like.
Diamonds glisten in his hair like stars, while moths flutter around him like the moon.
Lanlin is decadent, dangerous, bestial…beautiful.
“If you think to kill or capture me,” Lanlin says in a voice that is darkly seductive and makes me shiver, “then I will slaughter all of you, apart from my Omega and new Blood Lover, and bathe in your blood.”
“Is that any way to start our peace negotiations?” Aurelius’ eyes gleam dangerously. “You read the letter and the terms of the deal. No need to act tough with your little kitties here. You always did need animals to back you up. We both know how much agony your fangs must be in now that you’re this close to your blood bond.”
Does Aurelius have a death wish taunting Lanlin like this?
Lanlin prowls past his demonic lions, approaching the couch. Does he know that he is licking his tongue over his fangs?
Is Aurelius right? Is Lanlin in pain?
Courteously, Lanlin bows in front of me to my shock. “My dearheart, shall we?”
I startle.
Dearheart?
These vampires move fast. He’s already onto pet names.
All the blood rushes to my face.
Having this powerful vampire’s focus on me is overwhelming.
I nod. “Yeah, dear…darkness.”
Daire smothers his chuckle against my shoulder.
To my surprise, Lanlin looks more flustered than I am, pulling back.
Aurelius leans forward, as if he truly is on a throne. “Not so fast. I want an end to this war, as much as you do. Just go through in public with my one — single — demand, and you will leave safely with your Omega and this fae Blood Lover to sweeten the deal.”
Lanlin narrows his eyes. “Barbaric.”
Aurelius’ cruel mouth twists; he looks as cold as gold. “That would beyou, when your fangs were in my brother’s throat. Finally, bend the knee.”
Is he serious?
Is he going to humiliate the other king like that?
Maximinus’ eyes glitter maliciously, as he smirks.
I don’t miss that he’s making Aurelius do all the talking, but for once, I don’t think that Aurelius is beingmadeto do anything.
Aurelius is enjoying this — savoring it.
Lanlin tilts up his chin. “May the Shadow Devils destroy your lineage, your kingdom, your?—”
“Kneel,” Aurelius roars, shoving himself to his feet.
The two kings stand glowering at each other.
“Always the obsession with kneeling,” Daire mutters.
