The truth is, all this sentimentality irritates me.
I only lower my guard with my woman, but that doesnt mean I dont feel it for real.
ll draft a manuscript for you to deliver to Beof.
By now, he should be at the western borders.
We need to meet, and on your way, find out the situation at the Vampire Kings castle, we start planning.
Quinns eyes never leave the door; his mind is never truly focused on the conversation.
Tunderstand him perfectly.
For aman of our kind, his mate is the most sacred thing.
Hes just going to have a hard time with this one.
Even in her current state, Gabrielle is a tough bone to chew, and it remains to be seen whether the jackal will become my father-in-law or if I'llend up losing a guardian from my ranks.
ook GABRIELLE After talking to Valeria, I finally feel at peace.
Inever thought Id end up like this.
Kael played me until the very last moment.
I always underestimated himthat was my biggest mistake.
Isense a presence.
Now that Im blind, my other senses have heightened.
Every fiber of my body screams in agony and pain, but nothing hurt more than having to leave my daughter behind.
Ican handle this, and more.
---- Brielle, old witch, what? Are you happy! didnt recover? I turn my burned face toward the spot where I know shes standing, beside my bed.
T must admit, my new mistress is much nicer than the previous one.
I like Valeria; shes not a harpy like her mother.
Shes a good girl, I snort at hearing her, always with that viperous tongue, yet she still calls mea harpy.
Its incredible that she is my primordial magic.
Tlower my head and sigh.
Thank you.
Without you, I would have lost her.
I was such an idiot.
That, I wont argue with.
I always warned you that man was secretly in love with you.
When you chose a simple vampire and fell for him instead of choosing him, his love turned into hate.
He waited patiently to get back at you through our little one, she grumbles.
Ican already imagine her wrinkled face scolding me, wearing that ridiculous little hat she copied from a real witch we once met.
Well, I dont want to talk about Kael anymore.
Hes no longer a threat.
Now theres a far worse danger, Brielle, and you know it well.
With the heart removed, the Selenias power has weakened significantly.
The seal on the door isnt permanent, and if I die...
Bad bugs never die, Gabrielle.
Let me give you some advice, even though you usually wipe your ass with them.
Stop being so damn stubborn, woman! she starts scolding me again, just like my mother used to.
Shes like her reincarnation.
Youre not alone anymore.
You have a daughter whos found her own protector.
Learn to delegate.
Youre no longer the queen.
Rest and wait; a solution will come.
The most important thing now is to unify the Realms so everyone fights for the same cause.
And one more thing...
She fell silent, and I knew exactly what was coming next.
That man is your mate.
Hes out there in the hallway...
J dont want him.
Do you really think I care about finding a mate right now? You knowits not that simple, after what happened to Draven...
Draven was a vampire.
They tend to be colder, even when it comes to love.
But this mate of yours is a powerful Lycan.
Dont underestimate him like you always do with men.
Males of his kind dont give up so easily.
I think youve finally met your match.
T feel sorry for that poor man who ended up with such a troublesome mate.
He seems like a good guy, she says, taking my hand and channeling some of her magic into me, easing the terrible pain I feel.
Hey, dont be so hard on me, damn fake witch! The truth is, this brings me so much nostalgia.
I never thought Id get a second chance at anything.
No, dont waste your energy on me.
Take care of Valeria and make sure the pup is well nourished, Brielle.
You must teach her to further develop her innate powers.
They re far below the true power of a Selenia, and now I cant even give them my blood.
I pull my hand away in exhaustion, but she grips it tighter, almost making me hiss in pain.
J do whatever I want.
Youre not my mistress anymore, Gabrielle, and Valeria sent me to ease your pain.
Dont worry about the rest; of course, Tll take care of them, I sigh in frustration at her.
Its impossibleshes so powerful that shes developed her own spirit and strong personality.
At some point during the healing, I fell asleep.
I could only rest in short moments, and my eyes were the worst agony.
---- Something soft and slightly damp was brushing against my collarbone.