Unlikely Queen (Crystal Castle 1)

Then, as quickly as it started, he is gone.

And I am left standing there, the knife still in one hand, the world going back to normal, the air flicking at my hair, and trying to remember to catch my breath and steady my rapidly beating heart.

A heart that beats for Death. Only Death.

What have I gotten myself into?

“Talia.”

I turn to my sister. She tries to see what’s in my hand, but I slide it into my jacket and lean over to whisper in her ear. “Death,” is all I say, then I pull back and hold a finger up to my mouth, whispering, “Shhh.”

She nods, knowing full well not to speak of it.

“Why are you flushed?” she asks me, changing the subject.

Dropping my head back, I look up to the night sky. Tomorrow at first light, we move toward the queen’s castle.

“He kissed me. Well, I kissed him.”

“That was your first time kissing him?” she asks, sounding somewhat surprised. I give her a confused look. “You really have never kissed him before?”

“No, I told you… he only appears when I need him.” I shrug, and John comes and sits next to her.

“How was it? The kiss?” she asks, smiling now. “Was it hot? I bet it was hot. He is pretty fucking fine.” She smiles, which makes me smile, and John simply grunts next to her, obviously not wanting to overhear this conversation.

“It was…” I don’t even know how to put it into words. “He said he wasn’t my destiny and that’s why he’s never done anything before.”

“Destinies are meant to be broken, baby.” She winks, and John pulls her to him and sits her between his legs.

I lie down and close my eyes.

And dream of Death.

The wolves wake at the crack of dawn, leaving no time for hesitation. I hide the knife that Grim gave me in my jacket, keeping it close. It can’t fall into the wrong hands. Of that I am sure. Plus, he gave it to me to use to help my sister. That is all.

“You ready?” Patrick asks. He’s now wearing jeans and a button-up shirt. I nod before he speaks again. “I’m going to shadow you. Where you go, I go.”

“Is that John’s order?”

“And your sister’s,” he adds, looking back over to where they are standing. They are lost in conversation but both look our way before John nods to Patrick and turns to talk to the wolves. “Talia.” He touches my arm, and I realize I’m not hot to touch anymore which makes me smile. “Are you okay?”

I don’t even know how to answer that question.

What does it even mean to be okay?

Am I okay? No.

Will I ever be again? I don’t know.

I just want my sister back.

I want to live in a world where I trust it won’t come at me and possibly kill me. Because this world right now, we cannot trust.

“Tatiana,” I call out.

Patrick stays behind me as I catch up with my sister. She turns, stepping from her spot next to John, where he instructs his wolves, and waits for me. “I have something…” She raises a brow at my words. I lean in close and whisper in her ear, “I have something that will kill an angel.” I don’t trust anyone else with that information, hence why it is only for her ears and why I am speaking so softly. I don’t want anyone to overhear.

“How…” She shakes her head. “Did Death… he gave it to you?” I nod my head. “Okay, well… keep that to yourself. That’s not something that should be shared.”

“Should we…” I nod to John.

She looks over her shoulder to where he stands, pauses to think, then looks back to me. “No. It’s yours. It was given to you. So, no.” A slice of worry etches over her brows, but it’s gone before I can think too much about it.

The barriers are all down, but that was only one of our concerns. Now we have a lot more. All the supernaturals they were holding back are now free to roam where they will. Vampires are free to attack, witches are no longer confined to their own ward. But the angels, well, they will continue to serve the queen as has always been.

“Let’s go. If you see or hear anything unusual, let me know straight away. Do not, I repeat, do not attack anything without someone with you. We may be able to kill a vampire, but remember who they have on their side.” Everyone listens to John, and I watch as they take in his words. He doesn’t hold his leadership and power over their heads like our queen does. He respects his people and speaks to them all as if they are his friends.

Tatiana walks over to him, and I wonder if she even knows what she’s doing. She cannot deny the fact that she is drawn to him. Before this, you would never have gotten her to leave my side, and now she is walking over and touching the small of his back. His hand reaches behind him and clutches hers as he continues to talk to a few wolves.