Chapter 72

P.O.V. Ebon

Rejecting Lyall was one of the hardest things in my life. Feeling the invisible bond being broken was desperate, but I needed to protect my companion.

I would never forgive myself if Viktor got his hands on Lyall, so I feel no remorse for drugging him, rejecting him and sending him back to Valgerd.

He needs to stay away from me and all the harm I can bring into his life.

Viktor was furious when he heard about Lyall's escape, so I calmed him down by assuring him that I would fulfill the contract and marry him.

Viktor wasn't innocent and made me announce our engagement to everyone on the council, which I did without even showing any doubt. I was going to get married and I was looking forward to it.

I kept Viktor and his hands off me for over a week. He was elated with the wedding preparations. He organized a gigantic party, after all, he would be the queen's husband and the throne would be in his hands, just as he and many others wanted.

“You look beautiful...” John said when he saw me in my wedding dress. And although I know he means it, there was no emotion in his words.

“Are you sure you're not going to tell me what happened in Valgerd that's got you so upset? Think of it as a wedding present,” I told him.

“If this circus were a wedding...” he replied.

“What about your childhood friend, can't she know too?” I pressed him, I needed to know if everything was okay with one of the most important people in my life. John was my only family.

“Let's say that as soon as I arrived in Valgerd, I found an animal with a very scary bite... just like the one you're carrying around your neck,” he said indirectly, but I understood perfectly what he meant: a companion!

“And why didn't you capture this animal and bring it home?”

“Because no one has ever looked at me with such contempt and fear. I've had nightmares every night about that look... Maybe, when all this is over, I'll go back and take a certain stubborn queen and try to talk to the dangerous animal.”

“All right, we'll do that. I'll try to stay alive to fulfill our agreement.”

“It's time, Queen Ebon,” the ceremonialist interrupted our conversation to tell us that the wedding had begun.

I took my bouquet of flowers from John's hands and he led me down the aisle.

I should have called in an elder for this task, but I needed John by my side.

“I'm here for whatever you need or if you still want to give up,” John said softly in my ear, a few moments before handing me over to Viktor.

“I can't wait for our wedding night,” he said as soon as I wrapped my arm around his.

The ceremony went on as normal, like any other ceremony. Then it was time for the vows, as we were about to exchange rings.

Viktor started. He practically gave an inauguration speech, about how he would be a good king for the people, and even received some applause.

“I didn't say anything stupid,” he whispered in my ear when it was my turn to speak.

“I am Queen Ebon, heir to the throne of Arcane, the last link in the line. Today I am here to marry Viktor, but not for love, but because you betrayed me.”

A buzz started and Viktor looked at me angrily, but I was going to continue.

“Despite all my hatred and contempt for werewolves, the moon goddess granted me to be the destined mate of one of them, but I had to reject him because you made my reign so unstable that it was no longer safe for me or him.”

“Ebon, that's enough!” Viktor shouted.

“And that's why today I declare war on you, Viktor's followers. In the end there will only be one winning side and whoever remains must be faithful to it.”

I turned to Viktor, pulled out the dagger in my bouquet and pointed it at him.

“I'll start with you!”

What was supposed to be a wedding turned into a huge battle. Viktor was stronger than me, because he came from a powerful vampire lineage, but as soon as I plunged my dagger into him, I realized that he wasn't indestructible.

Defeating Viktor with my bare hands meant something to the people, so even though I was beaten violently and intensely, I didn't give up until I saw my enemy's body at my feet.

When dawn broke, I looked at John, who smiled at me. Victory had been won, but there was still much to be done.

The days following the battle were for me to rest and recover. My body was badly injured, but once I was a little better, I started to organize my home.

I held a few meetings and changed many leaders. Some didn't like my decision, but they learned the hard way that it was a bad idea to fight me.

“It's time to go back!” John said as he handed me a wedding invitation...

“Maybe it's better to let him be happy with someone better than me... maybe he's earned another chance and they're predestined mates...” he said, trying to convince me not to go to Valgerd and disrupt the life of the man I love.

“No one is better for him than you... and to hell with the bond! There's already enough love between you.”

I remained silent for a while and finally spoke:

“Pack everything. We'll leave at the end of the day!”

John smiled and hurried to get organized.

It wasn't ideal to leave just after the power had been restructured, but I wasn't going to lose Lyall again...