Lucca steps back and wipes his cheeks with the back of his hand. “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing? You have nothing to be sorry about. It’s a horrible situation, and you’re allowed to feel sad about it.”
“I have to be strong for you, our family, and the entire vampire race, Vivi. With my uncle gone, I’ll be the king.”
I know he never wished for the crown, especially when it comes at such personal cost. “And you will be a wonderful king.”
He shakes his head. “What will my followers think when they discover I kept your existence and Rikkon’s a secret? And that thanks to your blood, I was able to sire a vampire and make a baby? They’ll believe it’s a great betrayal.”
My heart constricts in my chest. Lucca didn’t want anyone to know, fearing Rikkon and I wouldn’t be safe if the entire vampire population knew my blood could restore some of their abilities. Tatiana and Jacques had been our immediate concern, but there are other factions that would kill to get their hands on Nightingale blood.
“We won’t worry about that now. Let’s see your uncle first.”
Perhaps for the last time.
LUCCA
I didn’t want to lose it in front of Vivi like that. I’ve tried so hard to never let her see that I’m barely holding on. I have to be strong for her and the baby. But the idea that tonight I’m saying goodbye to my uncle—no, myfather—broke me. Deep down, I knew it was coming, but I was in denial, holding on to the hope that Manu would return victorious and the portals to Ellnesari would reopen once more.
But as the months passed without good news, and with my uncle’s health getting worse, hope corroded away, and the certainty that our darkest days were ahead took root.
I know Vivi still believes Manu will return with Karl, Ronan, and Cheryl, but I don’t have the same belief anymore. I’ve been plagued with too many tragedies. I expect the worst.
In the living room, I find not only Rikkon and Miranda waiting for us, but also Saxon, Aurora, Vaughn, Sophie, the HighWitch, and Solomon. They all turn to Vivi and me, and it’s like I’m walking into a funeral. Their somber expressions say it all. My heart bleeds, but I keep my emotions in check this time. The only person who can see me shatter is Vivi.
“Are you all coming to see my uncle?” I ask.
“If you wish us to come,” Solomon replies.
I clench my jaw, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I don’t have any objection.”
Vivi squeezes my hand.
“We should go—” Rikkon stops mid-sentence, and his body becomes taut. He looks toward the front door, frowning.
Vivi gasps, turning toward the door as well.
I’m now tense as well. “What is it?”
“It can’t be,” she murmurs.
Rikkon approaches, drawing her attention. “Did you sense it too, Rik?”
He nods.
Saxon puts his hands on his hips. “Can someone explain what’s going on? Is there someone outside who shouldn’t be?”
Immediately, I reach for one of the swords mounted on the wall. Saxon does the same. When I turn, Vivi is striding toward the front door with Rikkon following close behind.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
She ignores me and opens the door, making me curse under my breath. The way she and Rikkon are acting makes me believe there’s an intruder on our front steps. I run to her, but she’s already retreating, pressing her hand against her sternum. A tall figure stands just outside the door, and it’s not until he crosses the threshold that I understand why Vivi and Rikkon reacted that way.
King Ruel is here.
Fifty-Seven
VIVIENNE
