I let go of Toby’s arm and hold on to the railing for support. Did I just hear him correctly? “What have you done?”
“The witch on the plane with the laced cupcakes to make sure if you took the elixir you still wouldn’t turn…the rogues in Craco…capturing Dominic…the same witch immobilizing you yesterday…letting Donato think that he was in with a chance to have you—it was all me. From the beginning to the end.”
A low growl rumbles in Donato’s chest. “What is this?”
“Dearest brother, all I had to do was plant the seed to one of your right-hand men that Katalina was the one with royal blood. Naturally he couldn’t keep it to himself and had to tell you. You played right into my hand. You became greedy, hyper-focused, and did all that you could to win her over. While I had already claimed her. She’s had my blood, brother. She is mine.”
“No,” I whimper.
“It was so easy to make it seem as though you captured Dominic. My witch cast a spell on your men. They are quite obedient. Sorry about the one that was killed. Your plan would never have worked even if that hunter wasn’t in the picture. But even he was to my advantage. Katalina’s human weaknesses were what I was counting on.”
“I will not allow this,” Donato growls as he steps forward.
“You have no choice in the matter,” Toby says as he turns to me. “Now, Katalina, I have a proposition for you.” His voice turns to a purr.
I swallow the bile rising up my throat and stare into his eyes.
“If you agree to join me, I will release Dominic.” He grins.
I stare at him with hatred. “How could you?”
“How could I not?”
His stare penetrates my whole being. I feel powerless and simply nod in defeat.
The sound of trumpets rings in my ears. I tear my eyes away from the monster in front of me to see the crowd separating to form a walkway from the stairs to the stage. A vampire in a dark blue suit taps the microphone on stage. He clears his throat before addressing the gathering crowd in Italian. Whispers ricochet off the walls and seem to hover in midair. The confusion in the room echoes in my ears.
“Let me introduce to you, great vampires of Italy, after so many centuries in hiding, Prince Toviah Emanuele Amedeo of the House of Savoia of Venezia.” The vampire on the stage gestures toward the grand staircase.
The crowd grows silent as they turn to look toward the stairs.
My heart stops in my throat and I look to Toby with horror. He winks at me and heads toward the top of the stairs. Neither Donato nor I move. Our eyes follow Toby as he descends the stairs and walks across the floor between the whispering crowd, climbing up to the stage. He takes the microphone and clears his throat.
“Ladies and gentlemen. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for attending tonight. I know you all have many questions and they all will be answered in good time. First, I have someone I would like to introduce to you all.”
My legs go numb and I hold on to the railing for dear life. This cannot be happening to me. Please just let me wake up from this nightmare playing out before me. I hear my name over the speakers and shut my eyes.
“If you care for this hunter, you should join that abomination on the stage.” Donato grabs my hands off the railing and pushes me toward the top of the stairs.
I walk down the grand staircase. I see everything but hear nothing. I feel separated from myself, as I focus on the others in far greater detail than I would normally see them. Why did this happen? Anxiety grips me and cripples me from the inside. Two things become clear as I walk down the grand staircase that will alter my life forever: my reality unfolding in front of me and realizing my unquestionable love for Dominic.
* * *
The End
Firstly, I’d like to thank my husband and my two boys for being so understanding and patient while I wrote my heart out, sometimes for hours on end. This book took a fair few years to write and gobbled up much of my spare time. When I wasn’t writing, I’m most certain I was daydreaming. Also, a special thank you to my sister in-law, for pointing out all the boring scenes you skipped over, they were promptly removed.
To my extraordinary editor, Erica Russikoff, I cannot thank you enough for willingly taking on a brand-new author. I have learned so much and I hope I never write a dangling modifier ever again.
Lee Ching, what can I say but a huge thank you. Your patience and sheer determination to design my cover to exactly how I wanted it, is much appreciated. You nailed the cover the first go but entertained me and my million and one ideas without complaint. I did pick your first cover in the end and I will leave my next cover in your capable hands.
To Danni, I think I’ll keep you forever. Your support means the world. Thank you for reading over the book all the times I sent it to you and for letting me message you at all hours of the day and night. You have the cutest kids!
Finally, I’d like to thank the inspiring, talented and unbelievably generous writing community. From the amazing ladies who beta read for me, to all the ladies who give advice and cheer everyone on.
I heart all of you.
Melinda resides on the sunny Gold Coast in Australia, with her husband, two boys and two dogs. When she is not writing or reading, she works as a registered nurse.
Her other loves include: coffee, tea, delicious pastries and the beach.
You can find her:
Website
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Bequeathed Page 26