Crimson Mist
Page 26
“They’re here!” I shouted, taking the stairs two at a time as I rushed down in the jeans and t-shirt I’d quickly slipped into. The guys—who all stood at the foot of the stairs awaiting my return—had dressed down, too.
Each one wore a smile of his own, likely amused by my excitement, but it’d been months since I’d laid eyes on Liv, Felix, Banks, Shay, O.C., and all the rest. Since the Reckoning, they’d been twice as busy as before, but were no longer working underground.
Julian saw to it that they were fully funded and operating under the guise of a startup tech company. In truth, they were working tirelessly to help those who were trying to assimilate themselves into society, getting them established in homes and training programs to ensure they’d find viable employment. There was also an even more secretive side where they partnered with those maintaining the screen that hid the true story of how The Reckoning came to be.
We could be turned into any number of things, but at our core, we would always and forever be human.
Riot shared in my excitement, barking loudly as soon as a silhouette darkened the frosted glass panel of the front door. Elle was on her way to answer it, but I couldn’t wait. Sliding across the marble tile, I squeezed the knob and flung the giant, oak door open, like it weighed nothing.
Liv had braced herself for my powerful hug and squeezed me back just as tight. Leaning away, I peered into her golden eyes. Eyes that matched mine, the princes, and everyone else who’d taken the vaccine or ingested the serum. I still hadn’t gotten used to seeing her and the others like this.
“Thanks for finally making time for me,” I teased, peering over her shoulder to glance at the others approaching.
“Oh, please,” she laughed. “You’re out of the Quadrant with the Dowager Countess half the month it seems, still saving the world.”
I shrugged when she called me out. It was true, but it was more like a quarter of the month than half. The transition into philanthropic work was sort of a natural progression for me, and it just so happened the Dowager Empress had a heart for it as well. The shared love for work of this nature had created a unique bonding experience for us that I grew fonder of by the day. No, she would never replace my mother, but it was nice that she sort of naturally settled into the role of a mother-figure.
“Either way, I’m happy you’re all here,” I admitted, which prompted Liv to squeeze my waist for a second time.
Banks entered next and I dodged a noogie. He nudged me with his elbow instead, before moving on to shake each of the princes’ hands.
“I’m starving,” Felix greeted me.
“Good to see you, too,” I replied with a laugh, leaning into his hug.
He didn’t bother to correct himself. Instead, he held up a bottle of wine that was promptly snatched from his hand.
“This had to have cost you a fortune,” Levi stated, examining the bottle.
“It did, but I can’t think of a finer group of people to have wasted thousands of dollars on,” Felix joked.
“Let’s get into it, shall we?” was Levi’s shameless suggestion.
Felix flashed a grin. “You read my mind.”
With that, they exited the foyer with the rest of us in tow, carrying on a cacophony of conversations that echoed off the high ceilings and ornamental paneling that lined the corridor. The vibe bouncing off us all was only joy and love.
Levi pushed through the French doors that led to the patio, and a string of lights zigzagging through the beams of the pergola provided the only light in the yard. A beautifully decorated table awaited us, adorned with candles and fresh flowers—brilliant purples and oranges splashed into the greenery.
Elle joined us with wine glasses and Levi poured generously. My lips were nearly to the glass when Aaric stood, stealing my focus.
“Excuse me,” he politely interjected, quieting the many conversations floating among our group. “While we’re all gathered here, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to acknowledge the one who brought us together.”
His gaze fell on me and I felt the warmth of his affection even from the other end of the table.
“We all played our parts in what has taken place within the Dynasty. However, it goes without saying that we couldn’t have done any of it without the extraordinary woman my brothers and I have the pleasure of calling our mate,” he concluded. “To Empress Corina.”
“To Empress Corina,” they all echoed.
Their glasses rose into the air and I felt their love for me, as strongly today as I always had. Maybe even stronger. Peering around at all their faces, I couldn’t help but to tear up.
It seemed like such a short time ago when my team and I lived on the fringes, desperately trying to achieve justice for our people, and now that the work was mostly done, I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It came from knowing what it was like to have nothing because this cruel world had bled us dry. Only, now, we rested our heads comfortably at night knowing we’d done our parts to restore balance, ending a battle our people had fought for centuries.
There was no pride that filled me in this moment, only a deep appreciation for what I experienced there at that table.
Love.
Family.
In this life I have held many titles—daughter, friend, Empress—but of them all, there was one of which I would always be fondest.
Blackbird.
*****
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SOUNDTRACK
(Listed in no particular order)
Music is a very integral part of my writing process, and I carefully choose songs that fuel each scene. The lyrics may not always be spot on, but sometimes it’s more about the emotion evoked. While writing The Vampire’s Mark, I selected music that brought out the intense emotions Cori felt during various scenes throughout her journey. I hope this list enhances the reading experience for you, like it did for me while writing.
Note: Piracy is unlawful, and using sites where music can be downloaded for free is equivalent to stealing from the musician. Buying the song or album directly from the artist will always be the best way to show support and appreciation for the artist’s work.
Sam Tinnesz—“Play With Fire”
Broken Social Scene—“Sweetest Kill”
Two Feet—“I Feel Like I’m Drowning”
Sam Tinnesz—“Hold on For Your Life”
St. Vincent—Prince Johnny
Gary Glen Jr.—Bright Lights
Lorn—Acid Rain
Glass Animals—Gooey
Glass Animals—Glass Mambo
The Veils—Lavinia
Lana Del Rey—Young and Beautiful
Billie Eilish, Khalid—“Lovely”
Billie Eilish—You Should See Me in a Crown
Noah Cyrus—Again
Sia—“Elastic Heart”
Stateless—“Bloodstream”
SBTRKT, feat. Sampha—“Trials of the Past”
Ta-Ku—“We Were in Love”
Zola Blood—"Good Love”
Glass Animals—“Poplar St.”
&n
bsp; Lewis Del Mar—“Tap Water Drinking”
Tender—“Armour”
Sohn—“Hard Liquor”
Tender—“Erode”
Yoke Lore—“Only You”
Glass Animals—“Cocoa Hooves”
Hippie Sabotage—“Rogues”
Glass Animals—“Agnes”
Lewis Del Mar—“H.D.L.