Outside, in the territory surrounding her current home, the Abominations and their armies had built fortifications that prevented any of them from leaving and anyone from getting in.

They believed they were trapping Vateria and her people in this place and that they would launch one final attack.

A good plan . . . if Vateria was anyone else. But she had the backing of Chramnesind and even now, he was giving her a mighty weapon.

More screaming filled the entire castle and Vateria smiled, allowing the sound to wash over her while she continued her needlepoint.

“My lady?” a priestess interrupted, standing beside Vateria’s chair in the Main Hall. This one gazed at Vateria out of empty eye sockets. Her god had never asked Vateria to make such a sacrifice. Instead of taking from her, he’d continued to give and give and give, which only told her what she already knew. She was more important than any of these little witches who had to prove their loyalty. Vateria didn’t have to prove anything to Chramnesind. He already knew what she wanted and what she was willing to give to get it.

“What is it?” Vateria asked, still working. Much easier than looking into that scarred face.

“Things below are getting . . . complicated.”

“And?”

“We’re afraid he’ll die.”

Vateria snorted. “Our god will not allow him to die. Keep going.”

“But the pain—”

“Is not my concern. Nor yours. Keep going.”

“But—”

Vateria lowered the needlepoint into her lap and gestured with her hand toward the stone walls in the Main Hall. “As you bicker with me over this, our enemies are completing their plans to destroy us. We don’t have time for you to be concerned.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but I must insist—”

“Insist? With me?” Vateria frowned, confused. “Really?”

“It’s just—”

“Yes, yes, I know. He’s suffering and you’re afraid he’ll die and our plans will be ruined. But I assure you . . . he won’t die. So keep going. This isn’t a punishment. This is a gift from our god. Embrace it.”

The priestess sighed. “Yes, my lady.” She started to return to the others when another long, pained scream rang out. The woman faltered and she stood there a moment, unsure what to do next, before she came to the realization there was nothing to do but follow Vateria’s orders.

Vateria already knew how much it annoyed the priests and priestesses that “Ageltrude”—the human wife of Salebiri whom they all still believed Vateria to be—had so much control and power here. Especially when it was obvious she hadn’t sacrificed a damn thing. But none of them bothered to challenge her, which was disappointing. Vateria used to adore putting others in their place when she’d ruled by her father’s side, but she expected all that to happen again once this war was over and she was reigning supreme.