From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 51

Chapter 51

She separates her hand from mine and, moving like water, leaves me and switches partners. I turn to face mine and have to stifle a groan of frustration when I find myself once again staring at that golden straw–like hair.

“Ladies are usually more pleased to have me in front of them.”

My hand presses his, devoid of warmth. It feels strange to be in contact with his skin. Cassian usually wears those leather gloves, as if the touch of a human were the most repulsive thing imaginable. Eleazar dares to interlace his long fingers with mine while he spins me around. He’s taking liberties, I’m sure he’s slightly ruining the harmony of the dance.

“I apologize again for bothering you,” he murmurs near my ear.

“Again? I don’t remember hearing an apology before.” I raise an eyebrow while staring into those golden eyes.

“Very clever.”

He crosses our joined hands over our heads, mimicking the other women. Eleazar stands out no matter what–he’s the only man in the camp. His scent invades my nostrils. He smells of apples and something that evokes warmth, though all his touch is cold.

“Why are you here?”

“So apart from being Cassian’s feeder, you’re also his little spy.”

I let out a choked huff.

“Can’t I just be curious, that’s all?”

“They say those are the worst kind of women, the curious little ones.”

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

He smiles, showing his fangs, and his chest vibrates very close to mine as he stifles a laugh.

“That’s because I have no intention of answering you, darling.” He leans toward me, so close his forehead brushes mine. “Whether you like it or not, you’re his, and everything you have–even your thoughts–belongs to him. My confessions would never be safe with you.”

Something twists inside me at his words.

“Elara.” I jump at the sound of my name and turn immediately, completely breaking the dance. “Stay away from him.”

Drystan’s obsidian eyes look at me with something close to betrayal. His fingers grab my arm, fast as a viper, and pull my body toward him. I open and close my mouth without anything to say as I witness the exchange of fierce looks between the two men before me. Drystan’s fangs glint. Neither says a word–they just glare at each other. I don’t know who breaks eye contact first; I only know that one moment I’m watching their silent duel, and the next I’m being dragged through the camp.

“What’s going on?” I ask, trying to resist.

“We’re leaving.” Drystan casts a quick glance behind. “And there’s no room for discussion.”

“Why?”

“You’re not here on vacation, Elara. You know your destiny.”

His words hit me and manage what I’ve been trying to avoid–they affect me. I feel the sting in my eyes and blink rapidly before it turns into tears. I won’t gift any of them my crying. I run to keep pace, but crash into his back when Evanora’s slender figure blocks our path. Her outfit has changed; now she’s dressed entirely in black and wears something strange covering her face from the nose down. It looks like a mask.

I’m coming with you.”

“I know I’m hard to forget, but I’m afraid you’re staying here with your bland sisters.” Drystan tugs at me again. “Let’s go, Elara.”

I have to go with you,” she repeats. “We’re not done with her. Either you let me come along or she doesn’t leave here.”

‘I don’t think you get to decide that,” Drystan counters.

“You know us–we never leave things unfinished.” There’s a hint of amusement in her voice. “Think your vampire ears can handle my scream?”

She stares him down and then examines her nails, nonchalant. Drystan lets out something like a snort, and as he weighs his options, I watch a white–scaled snake with red eyes slither from around Evanora’s neck. It rises into the air, staring at the vampire with the same defiance as its

mistress.

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8:41 PM

Chapter 51

“What’s your choice, vampire?”

The animal’s forked tongue flicks in the air as it hisses, never taking its eyes off Drystan.

“Keep that thing away from me.”

“Deal.”

The snake coils back around Evanora’s neck. I can’t see her mouth, but I’m almost sure a superior smile crosses her lips. Drystan pulls my arm again, guiding us to the edge of the camp. The invisible barrier sends a strange sensation through my body as I cross it and leave everything behind. I glance over my shoulder and spot Eleazar’s figure in the distance–something tells me this won’t be the last time our paths cross.

“What’s got you like this?” I ask once again as the stinging in my lungs grows from trying to keep up with Drystan’s pace.

“See for yourself.”

I look ahead and see a landscape completely destroyed: tree trunks cleanly severed, rocks split in half, animals lying dead or dying. I suppress the horrified cry rising in my throat and bring a hand to my lips. Evanora’s presence brushes my side.

“All for you, Elara,” she murmurs. “May Lilith protect you.”

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We dodged the disaster that Cassian had undoubtedly caused. The air was stuck in my lungs, as if breathing too loudly could end up making me the target of his wrath. Drystan looked over his shoulder with a warning glare as we walked on tiptoe. The albino snake, now one of our new traveling companions, hissed and hid among Evanora’s hair. It seemed to know better than to show itself too much. Not when we had an unhinged vampire with us.

“What happened here?” I asked quietly..

“The right question would be: what didn’t happen?”

“Well?” Evanora chimed in, proving patience wasn’t her strong suit.

“A little encounter with some poor unfortunate creatures. Cassian lost control a bit. His powers tend to do that when his thirst isn’t in check.”

“He hasn’t fed these days?” I asked again.

He shook his head as he offered me a hand to help me over a fallen log. I felt both fascinated and terrified by Cassian’s strength. As my vision adjusted, I could make out his slender figure outlined by shadows. On one side stood his black–coated steed, and on the other, Drystan’s horse.

With every step we took closer, a tingling spread to my fingertips, and when I finally met his stony, unreadable gaze, he tilted his head slightly as if appreciating something.

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