Chapter 17

Chapter

Seventeen

Alexandru

T he withered trees stretch their gnarled branches, as if reaching for the sky in a desperate plea, and the fierce winds howl their ominous dirge beyond these walls. I try to find solace in the hallowed quiet of our makeshift sanctuary.

My people, resilient as ever, huddle within the crumbling walls for warmth and protection. From my vantage point, I watch as my loyal soldiers move broken stones and debris to make the area more comfortable for their families and loved ones. Then there are the soldiers and leaders who sought solace with us, something else to feel the guilt fester over.

Their people scattered before this, but I didn't think about it, letting them bring those who wanted to come with them into my fortress, believing the world would soon be turned to right and Catarina defeated.

Because I thought it was nothing more than simple warfare without magic.

There's never anything simple about warfare.

The people work to keep their spirits up, but the flickering bonfires offer little relief against the winter chill, a bleak reflection of our dwindling hope.

I sigh with my fists clenched at my sides, the weight of defeat and guilt a heavy burden on my shoulders.

"Damn it all," I hiss under my breath, eyes narrowing in frustration.

But I stand unwavering, hiding the tempest raging within. My thoughts, unbidden, drift toward Eleanna—her strength undeniable, a bulwark against the barrage of adversity that threatens to overwhelm us.

Perhaps I'd held a few too many preconceptions. Her cruelty was there, but it was from her father. The woman beneath when allowed to breathe and come into her own isn't cruel. Harsh, yes. But with the makings of a true ruler. And one who can be all things.

A profound love courses through my veins for this remarkable woman—a love that has weathered the storms of adversity and emerged tempered, like steel forged in the fires of trials.

She understands true power doesn't reside in dominion or the brutish application of force. But rather, it's carved in the sacred bonds of trust and unity.

The lessons I thought I'd have to spend years teaching her, a reason I wanted a say in how she ruled have been learned. Those basics of foundation.

This epiphany ignites a blazing inferno within, its flames consuming the ashes of despair that once smoldered. If we make it through this, the newfound purpose that surges through my veins, to love her and spend our lives ruling fairly and uniting the realms will be forging new paths. With Eleanna.

I stride from my chamber and find Eleanna in the courtyard, her bright red tresses blazing in the gray of the morning. She's holding a bow, one eyebrow arched in challenge at me.

"Care to wager, General?" Her voice is a caress, an invitation laced with thorns.

"Only if you're prepared to lose." I select an arrow and nock it to my own bow.

The strings of our bows twang, and our arrows fly, hers kissing the center of the bale, mine an inch off.

"Close, but not quite."

She steps closer. "Perhaps you need a lesson." She takes another arrow, her movements are fluid, honed by her new vampiric evolution. She releases another arrow, and I can't help but admire her lethal elegance—she outmatches me, and it stirs a pride within, mingled with desire.

"Show-off."

Her laugh rings out, clear and bold. "Merely demonstrating superiority."

Above us, Moros, Erebos, and Nyx circle in the slate sky. Their red eyes glint, watching over their mistress with a vigilance that matches my own protective instincts.

"Beautiful, aren't they?" I nod toward her ravens.

"Powerful. Fierce," she says, correcting me, her gaze following the birds' flight. "Like their mistress."

"Indeed."

We fall into a rhythm as we practice, arrows finding their mark with each release. Her cerise eyes flashes with enjoyment, a fire that ignites something raw and primal within me. As I watch her draw the bowstring back, muscles defined beneath her fitted tunic, I'm struck by the depth of my yearning to close the distance between us, to feel the press of her body against mine.

The air hums with tension, both competitive and electrifying, with a subtle undercurrent of something more carnal.

Eleanna's arrow soars true, embedding itself in the target.

I notch another arrow, drawing the bowstring back to my cheek as I aim for the center of the target. Beside me, Eleanna does the same, her hair wild in the breeze. She makes it look effortless, like breathing.

"Seems like you're falling behind, Alexandru," she taunts playfully. "Need me to give you some tips?"

I laugh, flashing her a cocky grin. "I'll catch up soon enough, my Queen. Just you wait."

Gods, what this woman does to me. I watch as she lets her arrow fly, admiring the fluid exquisiteness of her movements, the way the morning light caresses her luminous skin. She's a vision of ferocious beauty.

For a stolen moment, we simply stand and breathe in the crisp forest air, listening to the rustle of leaves and the calls of her raven familiars. These fleeting seconds of tranquility are precious, an eye in the hurricane of chaos that constantly swirls around us.

Eleanna turns to me, her striking cerise eyes searching mine, delving into my very soul. "Tell me, Alexandru, what do you see when you look toward our future?"

I pause, considering, letting her question sink in. Then I speak. "I see strength born from unity. From the unbreakable bonds of trust, loyalty...and love."

Something shifts in her gaze, a softening, an understanding. "I believe in that vision too," she murmurs, her words almost lost on the wind.

Emboldened, I raise my bow again and draw back the string, my muscles flexing. Eleanna's presence surrounds me, an all-consuming fire, guiding my aim like the hand of destiny. The moment I release, I feel her essence flow through me, an intimate connection that steals the breath from my lungs.

The arrow strikes true, burying itself in the heart of the target with a resounding thud. I turn to her. "Looks like I caught up after all, my beloved."

"Well done," she says, moving closer until the heat of her body melds with mine and I catch the intoxicating scent of night jasmine on her skin. Her eyes glitter. "But don't get too comfortable, Alexandru. I'll be sure to reclaim my lead soon enough."

"Is that so?" I reach out and wind a lock of her silken hair around my finger. "Perhaps we should raise the stakes, then. Make things more...interesting."

She raises one delicate brow, her smile turning wicked. "Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind, my dashing General?"

I lean in until my lips brush the shell of her ear and whisper all the dark, delicious things I long to do to her, again. She shivers against me, a soft moan escaping her.

"You drive a hard bargain," she says, her fingers curling into the fabric of my attire. "But I accept your challenge."

Satisfaction unfurls within me. "Then let the games begin, my Queen."

I capture her mouth with mine, pouring all my passion, all my need into her. She meets me with equal need, devouring me, branding me as hers for all eternity.

In this moment, nothing else exists—not the people around us, the looming threats, the battles to come, the wounds of the past. There's only us and the wild, untamable love that binds us, two souls forged in blood and flame.

And I know this is the woman I live and die for without question.

I pull back from our passionate embrace, my gaze locked with Eleanna's. Her waves fall like a waterfall over her shoulders, and I can't resist threading my fingers through the silken strands. She leans into my touch, a soft sigh escaping.

"You're my everything," I murmur, the words raw and honest.

Eleanna's expression softens, and she brings her hand up to caress my cheek. "And you are mine, Alexandru. Despite our history and unconventional reunion, you've proven yourself to be a man of honor, loyalty, and deep love. I'm proud to stand by your side, as your queen and your partner in all things."

Emotion swells within my chest at her heartfelt declaration. To hear such words from a woman as remarkable as Eleanna fills me with a profound sense of joy and purpose. I declare then and there to spend the rest of my existence cherishing her and our unbreakable bond.

I need more than words. If we die, I want to go knowing I properly claimed her. I sweep Eleanna into my arms, and carry her inside the castle and up to our shared bedchamber. I set her down on the plush furs and silks.

I take out the ring I've carried with me and stand before her, clutching it tight in my hand. The ancient gold band thrums with power and magic against my palm.

"This once belonged to my mother." I take her hand in mine. "This ring is a symbol of our future together, my Queen. Of my eternal loyalty, my deepest respect, and my unending love for you."

Eleanna's eyes meet mine, a spark of emotion flaring in their depths. Deliberately, she takes the ring and slides it onto her finger. The metal gleams against her moon-kissed skin. A perfect fit.

I cover her mouth with mine, our kiss saying more than mere vows ever could. The kiss is a seal, a pledge. A thing to cling to. When our kiss ends, she presses her forehead to mine.

"Oh, Alexandru," Eleanna whispers, her sweet breath mingling with mine. "Somewhere along the way, amid all our battles and sex, I wanted you, too. Irrevocably. Unexpectedly."

I kiss her again. For these precious seconds, I'm not a battle-hardened general. I'm simply a man, hopelessly in love with a woman who owns my heart. Our bond goes beyond desire, beyond duty.

I trace the tattoo of a raven on her calf with a single finger, an almost reverent touch upon the emblem that speaks volumes of her heritage. "Your lineage, my Queen. It's as ancient and noble as the blood that flows through your veins."

"Bloodlines," Eleanna muses, lifting her hand to the light, watching the ring I gave her gleam in the dimness of our chamber. "They tether us to history, don't they?"

"Oh, yes, they certainly do." My voice is soft, laced with the weight of centuries. "The Sagori family's legacy is one of power and resilience. Much like their future queen."

Her laughter flutters as she looks at me. "And what of the Amanar ancestral line? Do you not boast of generals and kings among your ancestors?"

"Generals and warriors, yes. Kings...that's yet to be seen." The corner of my mouth twitches up in a half smile as I toy with strands of her red hair. "But we've always been warriors, protectors of the realm. It's why I'm here now, with you."

"Protecting? Or seeking power?"

"Both," I say. "Power ensures protection. And with you, Eleanna, we could unite the vampire clans, strengthen the bonds between our kind."

She nods thoughtfully, her gaze distant as if envisioning the future we might forge as one. "It won't be easy. Vampire courts are... complicated. Alliances shift like sand, and loyalty can be as fleeting as life itself."

"Which is why we must be cunning and united. Our combined strength will deter even the most ambitious from challenging us." I run my thumb across her lower lip, feeling the sharp thrill of her fang beneath it. "We'll redefine the politics of the immortal realms, not the other way around."

Her eyes flash with a fierce determination. "I've never been one to shy away from a challenge, Alexandru. You know that."

"I do indeed, my Queen," I say. "It's one of the many things I admire about you."

"Flattery? From the great General Amanar? I'm shocked."

I chuckle. "It's not flattery if it's true, Eleanna. You are a force to be reckoned with. The vampire realms will tremble before your newfound power."

She leans in closer, her breath ghosting over my skin. "Our power, Alexandru. We are in this together, are we not?"

"Until the end of time itself," I say, cupping her cheek and brushing my thumb over the smooth, luminescent skin.

Her eyes soften, a rare vulnerability shining through. "I am not used to having someone to lean on. It's...an adjustment."

I brush her nose with mine. "I know, my beloved. Trust is not easily given in our world. But I swear to you, on my honor as an Amanar, that I will never betray yours."

Eleanna brings her hand up to cover mine, her fingers intertwining with my larger ones. "I believe you, Alexandru. Gods help me, but I do."

The admission hangs in the air between us, heavy with the weight of centuries of solitude and self-reliance. I know the enormity of what she's offering me—her trust, her partnership, her reign.

I seal the promise with a kiss, pouring my devotion into the press of my lips against hers. When we part, I'm gratified to see the flush on her cheeks, the quickening of her breath.

"The vampire realms will bow before us, and our enemies will tremble at our feet when we recover," I whisper against her skin.

Her eyes glitter with anticipation, a queen ready to claim her throne. "We shall rise again if we stay steadfast and true."

Our strategic discourse is interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Nadia enters, her presence both discreet and respectful. In tow is a woman whose eyes gleam with the eagerness of the willing.

My body responds instinctively, the predator within awakened by the scent of fresh human blood.

"Thank you, Nadia," Eleanna says, her tone authoritative, excitement running through it.

Excitement runs through me, too, the ritual familiar, the anticipation of the feast igniting a different kind of hunger within us.

Eleanna sinks her fangs into the woman's neck, her lips staining with the blood that signifies life for our kind. I take my turn after Eleanna. The taste is rich and heady, and a surge of vitality courses through my veins.

Once we're sated, Nadia escorts the participant away, leaving us alone once more, the intimacy of our shared feeding lingering in the air.

"Alexandru." Eleanna's voice is a whisper laden with desire as she turns to me, her lips parted slightly, a trace of blood still glistening there. "You taste delicious."

I capture her mouth with mine, the kiss deepening as we taste the remnants of our prey on each other's tongues. The melding of flavors—blood and desire—binds us in ways words never could.

I break the kiss and cup her face, swiping a thumb over her lips. "I'm curious about your newly acquired powers, my Queen. Do you know how your vampire abilities have enhanced? Beyond being able to summon ravens and your three familiars?"

Eleanna considers my question. She raises a hand, examining it as if seeing it anew. "I can feel the power thrumming through my veins, Alexandru. It's like a symphony of strength, waiting to be unleashed."

I nod. "Have you tested the limits of your abilities yet, my beloved?"

A mischievous grin plays on her lips. "Not fully, but I intend to. I want to see just how far I can push myself, what new heights I can reach."

"I have no doubt you'll excel at whatever you set your mind to, my Queen. Your determination is unmatched."

She trails her fingers along my jaw. "And with you as the general of our combined forces and my loyal ravens, I feel invincible."

I lean into her touch, savoring the electricity that sparks between us. "I'm glad for you, Eleanna."

Her eyes flare with a sudden intensity. "I can sense things now, Alexandru. The life force of those around me, the ebb and flow of their energy. It's intoxicating."

"A gift that will serve you well. You'll be able to anticipate the moves of our enemies, to strike when they least expect it."

She nods, her expression turning contemplative. "I wonder what other secrets my blood holds, what other powers lie dormant within me."

I brush my lips against her ear. "We'll unravel those mysteries, my Queen. And woe to anyone who dares stand in our way."

She laughs. "Too true."

"And what of your familiars? How will they serve you? Protect you in battle?" I ask.

Eleanna's gaze drifts to the three ravens perched nearby, their garnet-colored eyes gleaming. A smile tugs at her lips. "Moros, Erebos, and Nyx are more than mere familiars, Alexandru. They're an extension of my will, my eyes and ears in places I cannot be."

I arch an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, they will scout for you, relay information?"

She nods, a hint of pride in her voice. "Yes, but that's only the beginning. Through our bond, I can see what they see, hear what they hear. It's like having a thousand eyes watching over our realm."

"A valuable asset." I study the ravens, their sleek feathers shimmering in the fading light. "And in battle?"

Eleanna's smile turns wicked, a glint of mischief shimmering in her stare. "Oh, they are far from defenseless. Their talons are like blades, their beaks sharp as daggers. They will strike fear into the hearts of our foes on my command."

I shake my head in amazement. "You never cease to surprise me, my Queen. Your resourcefulness knows no bounds."

She leans into me, her fingers toying with the collar of my tunic. "I have to keep you on your toes, don't I? Can't have the great General Amanar growing complacent."

I capture her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "With you, complacency is an impossibility. You challenge me, inspire me, push me to be better than I ever thought possible."

Her expression softens, a tenderness in her gaze that makes my heart ache. "And you, Alexandru, give me the strength to face our enemies."

I pull her closer as I breathe in her scent. "Let's gather my official and start a new plan to reclaim our homes and your rightful place on the throne."

In the silence that follows, I realize that the union of our bodies, the sharing of blood, and the mingling of ancient lines are entwining us beyond mere politics or power. Despite my nature, despite the armor I wear as a warrior and would-be king, I am hers utterly, bound by chains forged of something far stronger than iron or tradition: love undeniable for this beautiful creature.