Their human armies made a crazed run for it, charging off to opposite sides.

But Salebiri didn’t move fast enough. He didn’t move at all. Instead, he pointed at the Zealot priests and priestesses nearby and yelled, “Call to him! Call to him now!”

The Zealots did as ordered, raising their voices to their god . . . but he did not come. He did not appear. Chramnesind did not give his loyal followers the power they begged for to fight off this new attack.

With no sign of help, Salebiri tried to build a defense with the twisted warriors he still had, but it was too late. Annwyl’s demon animals had closed the gap. Roaring—the animals and Annwyl—battered Salebiri’s men, taking them down and tearing into them.

Tentacles flew into the air as they were ripped off. Claws tore into gray flesh. The screams of the Zealots rang out but nothing could or would help them. Not when Annwyl was like this. Not when she had no intention of stopping.

Fearghus landed on a safe hill so they could watch the carnage from a distance. He placed his children on the ground and they moved in front of him.

“Well,” Talwyn said, “Mum’s back.”

Talan nodded. “And she’s brought hell with her.”

“Now you two can see why I love that woman.”

The twins looked up at him, their faces matching images of consternation.

And their expressions didn’t change when he smiled....

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Five

The corpse-eaters feasted on the bodies of the Zealots—some, tragically, not fully dead yet—and Annwyl made her way to Salebiri’s castle.

By the time she stood at the doors, she knew she was no longer alone. She walked inside and Vateria stood in the middle of her Main Hall, waiting.

“So,” Vateria said, “it’s you and I, Blood Queen.”

Annwyl shook her head. “I have no issues with you. Now that I think about it . . .” Annwyl glanced off for a moment before finishing, “I barely fucking know you.”

“Then what do you want?”

The roof of the castle was abruptly torn away, stones and wood raining down.

Annwyl didn’t even bother to move. She was still close to the door if she had to make a run for it.

From above, Gaius Domitus looked down at Vateria.

“My sister sends greetings, cousin.”

Cadwaladrs in human form came in behind Annwyl. Other dragon kin leaned in from above with Gaius.

Vateria shrugged. “Do your worst. My children are dead. I have nothing left to lose.”

“The demons killed your children?” Annwyl had made it clear to them that sort of behavior would not be tolerated, but she did see the bodies of the young behind Vateria.

“No,” Vateria replied. “I killed my children. So they would not be captured by the likes of you.”

Blinking hard in shock, Annwyl muttered, “Wow.”

“So come, Gaius. Come, Blood Queen. Do your worst to me.”