Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 67437 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67437 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
How can that be possible?
Because they are elfkin.
I had heard whispers of the elfkins’ existence, stories told in hushed tones that spoke of their power and ability to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural. However, that had been long before my family was killed by mages and I was thrown into a dungeon.
Nai spoke into my mind some more. I thought these servants would be best, so that you did not run away. I did not forget that you killed my guards.
I frowned and lowered my hands.
You cannot escape. We have so much to celebrate.
The woman placed the key in her pocket.
I noted which pocket, hoping to get it later.
Without a word, the women—in unison—gestured for me to follow them.
A mixture of fear and curiosity danced in my chest.
Nai?
Yes, my little blood mage.
I blinked at him saying my and then cleared my throat.
Did you get the three guards that hurt me?
I told you that we have much to celebrate. Let the elfkin prepare you.
And then what?
Then, you will see my surprise.
The elfkin turned around in one swift movement and in perfect synchronization as if they practiced this daily.
Together, they strolled away.
My nerves flared as I followed them. My gown trailed behind me, and I considered what the Quiet King had said, he wanted me to wear a new gown.
Why a new gown?
He slipped into my mind. Why not?
I gritted my teeth, knowing that I would be unable to get any privacy for now, not even in my head.
The elfkin guided me out of the tent.
I stepped into the cool night air.
The two moons lingered low near the landscape, telling me that it had just become dark.
Stomping sounded to my right.
The elfkin stopped and I remained next to them.
Seconds later, a large unit of vampire soldiers marched past us. There must have been at least sixty of them in lines of five. They donned black leather uniforms, that molded to their bodies. Red crowns decorated each shoulder. The soldiers in the front had three stars tacked under their shoulder’s crowns. The soldiers in the back had either two or one stars under their crowns.
Do the stars mean something?
The Quiet King slipped into my head. What stars, Seraphine?
I let out a long breath.
I was not talking to you. I was talking to myself.
Amusement laced his next words. Do you talk to yourself often?
Do you enjoy peering into my head without my permission?
I do.
I rolled my eyes and put my focus back on the soldiers as they continued forward.
I was thinking about the stars on your soldiers’ shoulders. Do they mean anything?
The stars speak to their ranking. The more stars, the higher the officer.
Oh.
Once the soldiers left my eyesight, the elfkin walked forward and I returned with following them.
The further we strolled through the military camp, the fewer lights appeared. Perhaps they didn’t need so much lighting due to vampires being able to decently see in the dark.
Thankfully for me, the two moons pierced the darkness with an eerie glow, my vision less impaired.
I scanned the space and noticed that there were way more tents up now than when the Quiet King had first captured me.
More units have arrived.
Tons of massive tents stood on my left and right, going on and on.
Constant activity bustled through the camp. The air crackled with the weight of an impending battle. Soldiers practiced hand-to-hand combat. Some sharpened wooden swords. Others cooked large pots of bubbling red food in front of tents.
Many gave me a quick glance and then turned away.
But there was also these shadowy figures hidden within the darkness. When I looked their way, they ducked behind things. Still, I could feel their watchful eyes on me.
Who is that?
Eventually, we made a left down a path lined by more heavy tents.
To my horror I spotted a massive machine at the end of the path. Dread waved through me. The immense size of the equipment struck me with a mix of awe and terror.
What is that for?
The Quiet King whispered in my mind. What is what for?
I gazed over my shoulder wandering if he was near me.
Where are you?
You will see soon.
The elfkin and I continued forward, heading right to the machines.
Oh no. There’re more of them.
In fact, it was a line of massive contraptions towering over us. Their metallic frames shimmered in the moonlight. They had gargantuan cannons on the side that were adorned with sharp-edged spikes, pointed towards the sky.
Quiet King?
Nai.
I swallowed, unsure if I would ever get used to calling him by his first name.
Nai, what are all the machines at the end of the camp for?
They are weapons designed to counter the elemental abilities of the mages.
I widened my eyes in horror. The mere sight of them sent shivers down my spine.
This war will unleash chaos upon our world.
Still, I will be the victor in every way, especially now that I have two queens.