It was supposed to be a simple evening, a few hours of pretending life was normal again. But as I slung the strap over my shoulder, the door to my room flew open with a bang.
"Please tell me you're not involved with a vampire," Morana's voice cut through the air like a blade.
I turned slowly, resisting the urge to roll my eyes at her entrance. There she stood, dark hair wild and her expression twisted with anger—same as always. "Nice to see you too, Morana."
Her eyes narrowed as she stepped further into the room, demanding attention. "Is it true?"
I raised an eyebrow, fully swinging the bag onto my shoulder as I faced her. "Why do you care?"
Morana's jaw clenched, her fists tightening at her sides. "Because you don't deserve the crown. Vampires are our enemy."
The accusation hung in the air between us, thick and charged. This was typical of her; she was always ready to throw doubt at me and question every decision I made.
"Morana, you've always wanted to be queen," I said, my voice steady, but I could feel the heat rising in my veins.
Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "It should have gone to me."
