Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
The giant wooden door opens when we reach the castle. It’s much the same as the last time I was here, with its pristine white walls and the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The most obvious difference is the green, flowering plants crawling up the walls, turning it into Viper’s own personal forest. Dare I say it feels homier than it used to, which is weird considering it is Viper who lives here.
“Awww, you came. I had my doubts.”
“You had your doubts? Can you not see me anymore, Viper?” I tease, knowing he can because he is, after all, the last seer alive. The queen could not kill him because he had the forest, and she could not enter, as that was his domain.
“No, it seems you are lost to me.” His words shock me, and I side-eye Bronik, who stands silently beside me. “Not quite sure why. So figured if I saw you again, maybe…” He saunters over to me, dressed much like he was the first time I met him, in a green coat, which seems to be made of leaves, diamonds decorating his body that show off how beautiful his dark skin is, and white eyes that could seemingly eviscerate you with one look. I’ve seen many different colored eyes, but his are the only ones to ever make me shiver.
Viper’s hand lifts to my hair.
“You cut it,” he declares, lightly tugging on a strand.
“What made that obvious, the length?” I roll my eyes and he flicks my hair before he steps back.
“You are stronger. This is why I cannot see you any longer.”
“I feel like I should give you an award, but I’m not inclined to.” I smile at him, but it’s not a nice one.
“And you have a much larger attitude. Tell me… was it when you sliced the queen’s neck that made you grow some balls?”
I clench my jaw at his words.
The door behind him opens and Cinitta steps into the room. She isn’t in her other form. Today she is in her most beautiful one. Her long, violet hair cascades down her back, and her violet eyes find mine. A smile begins to form on her lips, but she thinks better of it, and her mouth thins into a straight line.
“Hmm… you’re happy to see Cinitta but not me. That’s a shame since I helped you rescue your sister,” Viper points out, smiling eerily.
“You mean where I had to use blood to get across the barrier?” I ask him.
“Yes, about that. I see your wolf is no longer with you. Was it him you used?”
I don’t bother answering him. He isn’t worthy of my time. Instead, I ask, “What is it you requested me for?”
Viper tuts and strides away. I stay where I am until he pins me with a look over his shoulder. “Follow, dear.”
I do as he asks, with Bronik close behind me. I walk past Cinitta, but she refuses to look at me, keeping her head down.
As we move right past that room, the one that holds so many nightmares, Viper doesn’t even flinch. I glance back at Bronik to see him staring at it the same way I am.
With disgust.
Revulsion.
We head into the dining room, noting the table the queen used is no longer here. In its place sits a round table with a vase filled with roses situated in the middle.
“We need to discuss business. Sit, sit.” He pulls out his chair, and I do the same, and the two of us take our seats. He smiles and clicks his fingers, and someone comes out and puts a cup of tea in front of me, followed by some treats. I see the chocolate, and my mouth starts watering, but I make no move to touch any of it.
Viper may be acting kind right now.
But we all know he is anything but kind.
“What is it you wanted to discuss?” I ask.
“Drink. I promise it’s not poison.”
“I’ll pass,” I say, pushing the glass teacup away.
“As you wish,” he says, lifting his cup to his lips and taking a sip before he places it down and opens his mouth again. “You do not aspire to be queen.” He levels me with a look that’s hard to ignore. “I may not see you anymore, but I know this. You would have taken the castle if you did.”
He’s right. I would have. Instead, I retreated and left it unattended, and the vampires took it. Unfortunately, then Viper easily snatched it from their control.
“So that makes me believe you do not understand how the world works. We need a leader, and this world needs order. The vampires started to kill all humans, feeding on them as if there is a world of them somewhere else. The witches put up their own spell to keep said vampires out. Which, if I might say, it’s about time. Have you been back to the witches?”