“Not anymore,” he said. “The light is coming, and she will cast out your darkness. It happened once before and it will happen again. Only we will not leave ash and bone behind.”

I was used to my rage, but his words took me a step beyond, past a point where I could extend death. As I moved to drag my blade across his neck, the creak of a bow drew my attention, but before I could rise to my feet, the arrow had lodged in the old man’s head.

I pulled it free with a jerk, twisting it in my hand. I reared back and sent it flying in the direction it came, satisfied with the groan that sounded from the shadows as I hit my target.

In the next second, a hooded man fell face-first in the mud, dead, and I wondered how many more would die by my hand today.

Finally, Gesalac appeared.

He had exited one of the run-down buildings, dressed in gold armor. His finery was misplaced here among the worn and ruined village, though it seemed he had managed to gain their trust. I wondered how many years it had taken. Had he worked the land beside them? Had he helped repair roofs and gathered wheat to knead bread?

Those were the actions that would gain their devotion.

I stepped around the mortal at my feet.

“Once again, you choose your queen over your people,” said Gesalac.

“Is my love for Isolde your only critique of my reign? If so, I will have to assume you are jealous,” I said. “Are you in love with me, Gesalac?”

The vampire’s eyes narrowed.

“You murdered my son.”

“He is not the first son I have murdered, nor, I imagine, the last, but let us not pretend that your vengeance is fueled by fatherly devotion. You want my throne, my empire.”

He chuckled. “What empire? What kingdoms have you conquered since you began fucking that woman?”

I managed a smile despite how hard I clenched my teeth.

“My queen and I will conquer this world, and when we have our empire, we will fuck on a bed of your bones.”

Gesalac smirked and began to circle. “You may need a queen to rule your kingdom, but Isolde needs no king. You will make her into a monster.”

“You say that as if it is a bad thing.”

Gesalac’s blade came down hard on my own, but I was far quicker and struck him in the chest with my hand. The push sent him a few feet down the road. He landed on his back, his golden armor covered in mud.

I followed as he got to his feet, dark eyes gleaming. Once more, he circled.

“Do you recall this place?” Gesalac asked.