“Thank you for everything, Riot. Thank youboth, Veya,” Del says, approaching us, his sword slackened at his side, still dripping with the blood of our enemy.
Second nods, his duty encasing him again.
I clasp the Hunter crest around my neck for the first time in two hundred years.
“What is that?” Del asks.
“A piece of me.”
He smiles, and something genuine and honest settles between us. “I look forward to learning your story, Veya.Allof it.”
I nod. “I’ll tell you, and I need to hear yours. And Patrick—”
Del steps into my space. “Yes, your Highness?” he asks, gaze flitting from the headless king to his new queen.
Through my tears, I offer him a soft smile and lock into his beautiful, earnest eyes. “You can call me Grace.”
CHAPTER 24
VEYA
Present Day — One Week Later
DEL AND I STEP onto the balcony in the underground Goreon barracks. Blood stores from the Night Kingdom finally arrived today, enough to satisfy the hunger of thousands of trapped, starving warriors.
Males stare up at us.
“Hail your queen!” Del announces.
Silence hangs in the air, and then deafening cheers and celebration rattle the railing beneath my hands. I smile at the throbbing mass of warriors.
Del raises his hand, and silence restores itself.
“If you choose to serve me,” I begin, “I’ll reward you with a life worth living. No more pain, no more pointless killing. You’ll never step foot in this prison again. If you prefer to return home to a family or start a new life, please do so. There will be no shame upon you, but youwillfollow the new laws in this land. And if you choose to fight for the crown, you will protect those laws with your life. We’ll usher in an era we can all beproud of. But if you don’t want this life or don’t follow our rules, I’ll give you the honor of killing you myself.” I stare down at the army that could slaughter their way through any kingdom. “I look forward to releasing you from this horrible place. Blood will be brought to you shortly. Please drink your fill, and then you are free to leave and live your life. Otherwise, please make yourselves comfortableupstairs.”
One by one, the warriors take a knee before me.
“Thank you in advance for your cooperation. And for those who choose it, thank you for your service.”
Doors open below as Night Kingdom guards haul crates of blood stores into the barracks and Goreon soldiers rise from their knees.
I turn to the exit, climbing the stairwell, Del just behind me.
We already eliminated the soldiers Del confirmed participated in unspeakable acts under Nerian and Balor. After the first several offenses came to light, supported by testimony from fellow soldiers, I didn’t need to hear any more. Those who remain are at least without transgressions. How they choose to live from this moment on is up to them.
The farm was our first act once Nerian was dead. We removed the ports, and every kitchen and every household in the nearest villages have sent broth and food, blankets and clothing. The humanity of Goreon is now just as it once was, a community, once we nursed it back to life. Families were reunited, and the beginning of a new foundation was formed between vampires and humans in Goreon.
We breach the threshold of the stairwell and stroll into the evening outside toward the castle.
“I need your help destroying something later tonight,” I tell Del.
“I thought we agreednotto destroy the pretty castle,” Del says, shoving his hands in his pockets against the nip in the air.
A rueful laugh escapes my lips. “Just the cellar.”
His eyes spark against the night. “I will gladly help you destroy that.”
“I thought so.”
