Chapter 30 · The Queen's Choice

"Welcome home, Your Majesty." Victor wiped blood from his mouth, still smiling.

The crown bit into my skull. Adrian was on his knees below the dais, and every vampire in the hall watched me like one wrong word would decide who lived.

Then the bond pulled tight.

Hundreds of threads snapped into focus—hearts, fear, rage. The entire city was waiting for my command. Adrian's anger burned through the bond and tangled with mine until I couldn't tell which of us wanted to tear Victor apart.

"Let them up," I said.

My voice came out too calm. The bloodline turned a request into an order.

Adrian rose first. His eyes were completely black now. He took one step toward me, and the bond jerked him to a stop.

He bared his teeth. "Lynn, don't say anything else. Every word you speak—"

"Becomes law," Victor finished. He pressed a hand to his ribs, still feeling the backlash. "She's learning quickly. Can't you feel them, dear? Every vampire in the city, waiting for their queen to point."

Rachel shoved away from the doorway. Her mother sagged against the wall behind her, barely conscious.

"What did you do to her?" Rachel demanded.