The Wolf Queen (The Queen's Slave, Book 2)

Forty Six: Blood Tipped Lies

"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken."

-Luke 21:25-26

Addicted By: Morgan Page

Two months earlier....

"Mother, the girl has arrived." The eldest son of Ravenna's five children chimed, his cheerful tone contrasting rather sickeningly with the gloomy atmosphere frequently surrounding the High Queen. Her face devoid of emotion, she merely waved a hand in acknowledgement of his words. The doors to the throne room boomed open, and in staggered the young woman, her black boots clacking across the marble floor, her dark clothing a beacon in the sea of gold. Her face downcast and hidden by her hair, her body language was the epitome of submissive, an amusing contrast to her kick-ass outfit. When she was but ten feet away, Ravenna held up her hand, the steel-clawed tips of her fingers clicking, echoing sound across the cavernous room.

"That is far enough. Have you brought what I have requested?" The sour scent of terror filled the air, and a cruel smile graced the elder vampire's lips.

Pale shaking hands produced a small vial, filled to the stopper with blood. "Y-yes, my Queen."

Ravenna's cold gaze sparkled as she approached the terrified human and plucked the vial from her hands, enjoying the way her head ducked and her body trembled.

"Very good, pet. Perhaps you will live to serve me another day." She purred, returning to her throne, the vial flashing between her fingers like a prized jewel.

"But for now, I suppose you may entertain my son."

Cara's face bled of color as her eyes flicked to the vampire beside the throne, his fangs flashing and eyes red with hunger. Her mouth opened to scream, but he was on her in flash, and no matter how hard she struggled she could not escape his brutal grasp. His fingers wrapped tight through her hair, tearing the cloak from her back, reveling in the shrill screams that echoed through the grand room.

"Try not to kill her." The Queen's drawled words reverberated around inside her skull as the prince drug her from one room of horrors to another, and not for the first time did she wish she'd listened to Elizabeth and fled this place forever.

In the throne room, Ravenna squinted at the small vial in her hand, waving forth a guard. "You, bring me the witch, and ready the courtyard."

He did as she asked, and not an hour later the blue haired menace fell at her feet. Though beaten and bruised, she still cackled.

Spitting a glob of blood, she grinned. "What do I owe this honor, your highness?"

Ravenna tossed her the vial, and she caught it with a deftness betraying her weakened appearance, scrutinizing the dark liquid within the vial, sniffing it curiously. "It is time for you to repay your debt."

"What use would I have for my niece's blood?"

Though she was blind, she could feel the moment the high Queen looked at her, madness creeping along the edges of her essence.