Fated In Secrets: Nocturne Vampire Clan: 2 by L.A. McGinnis

Author:L.A. McGinnis [McGinnis, L.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fools Journey Press
Published: 2025-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

38

EVANGELINE

The aftermath of the failed coup wrapped Darkmore Castle in a heavy, oppressive silence, the once-celebratory halls empty, the ballroom strewn with glass and blood, Knightguard hauling the revenant carcasses out back to be burned.

Gone was last night’s triumphant rage, in its place was dread.

Moments after the crowd left, the ravens began arriving.

Every royal house withdrawing their support for Riordan. House Hawksmere, House Valarian, House Ebonshade. Gone.

I rubbed my still-aching shoulder as I made my way toward the ruined ballroom, where hours earlier that tenuous alliance between the houses had been enough to crown Riordan king, to give me hope that Angel and I might build a life here.

I paused in the doorway, taking in the broken glass, the pools of dried blood, the reek of spent magic still hanging in the air. Last night, the entire clan had bowed before their king, cowed by his magic, his might, his utter ruthlessness.

I was still struggling with what I’d seen. By now, I was accustomed to Riordan’s moods. I even understood why he needed to show the world one face, and me another in private, but now…

Riordan strode toward me, boots crunching through glass and debris, the exhausted staff hurrying to scrub up the mess, averting their eyes as he passed by. Even the Knightsguard were nervous and off balance. Nash paced the far end of the hall, muttering to himself, sending a scathing look at Riordan’s retreating back.

Who was still in last night’s clothes, his shirt unbuttoned to show his tattoos, specks of dried blood on his fine waistcoat and long jacket, along the length of his neck.

“You shouldn’t be here, Silver.” Not a shred of softness in his expression, eyes glittering like chips of glass. “Go back to your rooms before you get yourself into trouble. Again.”

“We made a deal, remember?’ I countered coldly. “Complete freedom. Unless you intend to break your word, like you’ve broken it so many times before?”

“Goddamn it, Evie. Can’t you see everything is different now?” A ripple of concern passed over his face, bled into his voice. “This isn’t a game anymore. Do you even understand what these,” he brandished the raven’s messages clutched in his hand, “mean for us?”

“Oh, I understand our situation perfectly, I just choose not to hide away in my room and wait for the inevitable.”

We all knew what this meant.

Last night had gone to plan, and still…

Even after Riordan’s show of power, our allies had pulled their support. Riordan had shown them his might. His ruthlessness. They’d watched him incinerate a host of assassins with those terrifyingly effective crimson shadows.

But his display wasn’t enough.

I didn’t understand the shift. He’d given them everything they wanted, everything they’d asked for, and still…they’d abandoned him in his moment of triumph. And no matter how many times I sorted through the possible reasons, I came up empty.

Riordan studied me for a moment, lips clenched tightly together, as if there were a hundred things he wanted to say. Then his eyes drifted to my shoulder, to the faint pink, still-healing scar.

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