Chapter 4
Rescue and Rebirth Through Blood
I wake outside under stars instead of in the crypt, strapped down by bone and root bindings. Commander Jansen reveals I'm in the ruins of Castle Bauer in Irelone-deep in the Wastelands. A sentry announces, "They're here. The Ascended," as torches flare to life in the darkness beyond the ruins.
Just as a blonde Ascended woman reaches for me, a bolt suddenly pierces her chest, followed by another through her head. Delano appears in wolven form, taking down a masked man as Kieran arrives to free me from the bone bindings that suppress my power. I learn they've been searching for me for six days, and that they captured Alastir.
Casteel appears in a murderous rage, brutally killing anyone in his path. As Kieran frees me completely, I feel my power return-the eather flowing through me again. For a moment, I consider unleashing my abilities to destroy everyone who betrayed us, but I pull back, refusing to become the monster Alastir claimed I would be.
Taking Casteel's sword, I thrust it into Jansen's chest. With his dying breath, Jansen cryptically says "As do I" about keeping promises. Suddenly, I'm jerked backward by a crossbow bolt that pierces my chest, fired by one of the Protectors before Jasper takes him down.
The bolt pierces my chest, and I taste metal as blood fills my throat. Casteel catches me as I collapse, his eyes wild with horror. The pain is overwhelming, worse than anything I've experienced before. Kieran tries to stabilize the bloodstone bolt while I struggle to breathe, blood bubbling from my lips. Terror grips me as I realize I can't feel my legs.
Casteel attempts to give me his blood, but I can't swallow it. Kieran gently tries to make Casteel understand the severity-the bolt has hit an artery and at least one lung, though not my heart. Lightning strikes repeatedly around us as I fade in and out of consciousness.
Seeing Casteel cry confirms what I already know-I'm dying. There's so much left unsaid, so much I still want to experience with him. As I slip away, Casteel roars in anguish, and the ground beneath us cracks open. Ash-colored roots emerge, and a massive tree grows instantly, sprouting blood-red leaves.
Despite his father's desperate protests and warnings about "what will happen," Casteel orders Kieran to remove the bolt. Before Kieran pulls it out, Casteel compels me to look at him, declaring his love for me and vowing he will not lose me, even if I hate him for what he's about to do. When Kieran yanks the bolt free, my body convulses violently as pressure builds in my skull and chest. Casteel strikes quickly, sinking his teeth into my throat. I realize with terror that he's attempting to Ascend me. The pain is excruciating, nothing like the sensual experience of his previous bites. Lightning strikes all around us as my heart falters and then stops completely. Death sweeps in, swallowing me whole.
Chapter 5
Neither Mortal Nor Vampry: A New Existence
I float in nothingness-no light, no color, just hollow coldness. Eventually, a speck of silvery light appears in the distance, pulsing and expanding with wispy tendrils. As I drift toward it, a deep voice pulls me back, commanding me to drink. The voice fades, and I'm surrounded by warmth and the scent of lilacs.
Time passes as I sleep deeply, occasionally feeling a damp cloth cleaning my body. In another memory fragment, I see my mother with a black spike in her hand, demanding "How could you do this?" Then I encounter a woman with moonlight-colored hair and green eyes with silvery-white light behind the pupils-she looks like me, with freckles across her nose, and sheds a blood-red tear before disappearing.
Finally, I begin to wake, overcome by an intense hunger that makes my entire body ache. I open my eyes to see Kieran in a chair. Driven by instinct, I launch myself at him, but Casteel catches me. When he offers his bleeding wrist, I drink his blood eagerly, which eases my pain. Casteel forces me to look at him, his amber eyes filled with tears as he realizes I didn't Ascend despite experiencing bloodlust-I have no fangs, yet I crave blood.
Later, when I'm more coherent, Casteel explains that he replaced all my blood with his own when my heart stopped-there's not a drop of mortal blood left in me. Both he and Kieran confirm I no longer feel or smell mortal. When I ask what I smell like now, Kieran reluctantly admits I smell of "absolute, final power" unlike anything he's ever encountered.
I learn I never became an Ascended because I was never truly mortal. My divine heritage protected me from the transformation, though Casteel's blood awakened more of my abilities. We also discover that the wolven bond has transferred from Casteel to me-an ancient connection that predates even the Atlantians. Kieran explains that wolven were given mortal form not to serve elemental bloodlines but to serve the children of the gods, creating an instinctual bond passed through generations that now recognizes me.
My greatest concern remains coming between Casteel and Kieran, whose bond has shifted to me. But both reassure me their friendship transcends the mystical bond-Kieran explains they've "made room for me" in their relationship.
As we travel through Atlantia, I notice that the golden trees of Aios have all transformed into blood trees with deep crimson leaves gleaming like pools of blood in the sunlight. This change, along with the trees that grew where my blood fell, confirms that my near-death experience has somehow transformed the landscape itself.
Chapter 6
The Path to the Throne
When we arrive in Saion's Cove, I'm struck by its beauty. Ivory and sand-colored buildings gleam under the sun, dotting rolling hills and valleys. Unlike Masadonia or Carsodonia, there are no gates or inner walls, no buildings stacked upon one another, no scent of people forced to live in cramped spaces.
As we approach the city, people slowly venture outside-men, women, children-staring at us with wide eyes. An older man in blue yells, "Our Prince! Prince Casteel! Our Prince returns!" A gasp ripples through the crowd, and doors open all along the road. Shouts of excitement and cheers fill the streets as people spill from buildings and lean from windows. Some fall to their knees weeping as they call Casteel's name.
Then something unexpected happens. An elderly woman in a blue gown on a balcony slowly lowers herself to one knee and places her fist over her chest, bowing her head. Others follow-older men and women throughout the crowd. A man shouts, "Liessa! Meyaah Liessa!" The cry is taken up by others, including children who race forward.
"What does that mean?" I ask Casteel. "Liessa?"
"It's old Atlantian. The language of the gods," Casteel answers, his voice rough. "Meyaah Liessa. It means: my Queen."
Later, after we've settled in Jasper's home, Casteel and I discuss what this means. He explains that if I don't take the throne, we cannot stay in Atlantia because my presence would create division. The wolven and many Atlantians would treat me as Queen regardless of who wears the crown.
"I don't want to be party to forcing you into yet another role you didn't ask for," he vows. "If you want to take the throne, I will set this kingdom on fire to ensure the crown sits on your head. If not, we'll go wherever you want."
His devotion overwhelms me. As I contemplate my options, I realize I have no thirst for power, but I do have great ambitions, particularly freeing the people of Solis from the Ascended. I fear failing as Queen, but Casteel reassures me that my compassion, courage, and willingness to take risks are qualities of a good ruler.
Our conversation is interrupted when Delano arrives with news of an injured child whose father has come seeking my healing abilities. When I learn a child has been severely injured in a carriage accident, I immediately rush to help. The little girl's leg is twisted unnaturally, her light brown hair streaked with blood. Despite her parents' desperate pleas, she won't open her eyes.
As I place my hands on her, they begin to glow with silver light that spreads across her entire body like a shimmery web. I channel all the joy and happiness I can, recalling how I felt when Casteel slipped the ring on my finger. I repeat to myself, "It's not too late. She will live." Suddenly, the child jerks and speaks-"Momma." Her skin turns pink, her eyes open, and she sits up reaching for her mother.
Casteel looks at me with wonder, whispering, "You are a goddess." Around us, everyone in the garden-including Kieran and the skeptical Healer-drops to one knee with hands pressed to their chests. The little girl mentions dreaming of a lady who told her she "always had the power in her"-words that seem strangely familiar to me.
After this miraculous healing, I decide to accept my destiny. I will take the Crown, feeling a sense of rightness despite the bittersweet knowledge that forces had tried to prevent this moment. Casteel bows his head, calling me "My Queen" for the first time, and I request that the crest be changed to make the arrow and sword equal.
Chapter 7
Coronation and Conspiracy
We arrive at the Temple in Evaemon where King Valyn and Queen Eloana stand beside their thrones of pearlescent shadowstone with golden veins. Both wear their crowns-the King's of twisted bleached bone, the Queen's of shining golden bone.
After briefly discussing an attack by the Unseen-a secret brotherhood we've discovered is working against us-I announce our purpose: "We have come to claim what is mine-the Crown and the kingdom." When Valyn asks what if they contest my claim, I stand firm, explaining how my parents were killed, I was left scarred, and my brother was Ascended-all because of my birthright. Despite everything meant to prevent this moment, I've arrived to claim what belongs to me and Casteel.
Queen Eloana accepts our decision, saying "It's time. It's been time." King Valyn agrees but warns that this responsibility doesn't end after we accomplish what we seek. We decline a traditional elaborate coronation until after we've handled the western threat.
As the Council of Elders emerges from the shadows, Lord Gregori voices concerns about transferring power during wartime, revealing his distrust. When I ask about his specific concerns, he admits they're uncomfortable with a foreigner taking the throne-especially one raised as the Maiden by their enemies. I respond diplomatically, acknowledging our shared enemies and loyalties while hoping to prove myself worthy of his trust.
Casteel and I kneel before the King and Queen in a formal ceremony. Valyn announces they relinquish their crowns of their own free will for our rightful ascension. When they place the crowns on the floor, a whirl of air sweeps through the Temple, revealing the gilded bone beneath. We each swear to watch over Atlantia with kindness, strength, compassion and justice "from this moment to your last moment." As the crowns are placed on our heads, silver-white flames ignite in the torches throughout the temple, and we rise as the new King and Queen of Atlantia.
I'm stunned to discover that one of the Council members is actually Wilhelmina Colyns-Miss Willa herself-author of the scandalous diary I've been reading. She reveals she's a changeling and one of Atlantia's greatest Seers. She explains that when she saw me at the Red Pearl, she recognized me as the Maiden wearing a mask and knew Casteel was seeking the same thing I was-to truly live.
When I ask about the prophecy, Willa delivers a chilling message: I'm not the great conspirator the Unseen believe me to be, but "one of two who will stand between what has awakened and the retribution it seeks to reap against man and god."
After the Council meeting, we proceed to the Temple balcony where thousands of people have gathered. Willa introduces us to the kingdom. She presents Casteel as "the King of Blood and Ash" and me as "Penellaphe Balfour Da'Neer, the Queen of Flesh and Fire." The crowd responds with silence until wolven begin howling, followed by people pounding the ground with their feet and fists. Casteel explains this means they're mine and willing to go to war for me if needed.
Chapter 8
The Blood Queen's Betrayal
Our reign is quickly tested when we receive word that my brother Ian has arrived at Spessa's End with a message from the Blood Crown. Despite concerns it might be a trap, I insist on meeting him. When we arrive, I'm devastated to confirm that Ian has indeed been Ascended-his eyes now pitch-black.
Ian speaks with false concern about rescuing me from "the Dark One," but I immediately correct him-I'm not a hostage but Casteel's wife. He tries to convince me I've been misled, claiming the Queen and King are worried about me, but I embrace my anger instead of grief, calling myself their "blood bag" and confronting him with the truth about the Ascended.
When I ask about Tawny and Malik, Ian claims they're safe and well cared for-and offers us the chance to see for ourselves. That's why he's come. The true Queen has requested a meeting with us in Oak Ambler in a fortnight, promising our safety if we leave our northern armies behind. Before leaving, Ian hugs me and whispers something shocking: "I know the truth. Wake Nyktos. Only his guards can stop the Blood Crown."
Following Ian's advice, Casteel and I journey through ancient tunnels beneath the Temple of Nyktos to reach Iliseeum-the Land of the Gods. There, we discover what appears to be a stone dragon statue. When I touch it, the statue cracks open, revealing a living draken named Nektas. Before we can react, we sense another presence-a tall man with coppery brown hair and luminous silver eyes standing on the Temple steps. It is Nyktos himself, the King of Gods, awakened from his slumber.
Nyktos reveals ancient history about the Primal gods and explains that I have Primal blood, which explains my powerful abilities. When I ask for his guards' help against the Revenants-mysterious beings the Blood Crown possesses-Nyktos's demeanor changes dramatically. He calls them "an abomination of life and death" and a "greater evil," apologizing for what I would face. Before dismissing me, he declares: "You are a Bringer of Life and a Bringer of Death. You are the Queen of Flesh and Fire, due more than one Crown. What you seek, you already have. You always had the power in you."
Despite Nyktos's cryptic message, we proceed with our plan to meet the Blood Queen in Oak Ambler. We travel by ship across the Stroud Sea, with a decoy group traveling by land to draw attention. When we arrive at Castle Redrock, we discover a caged shapeshifter and encounter a Handmaiden-a masked woman with crescent-shaped shadowstone blades who effortlessly subdues Delano despite her small stature.
Ian leads us to the Great Hall where we find our captured friends and, to my shock, Tawny-who hadn't Ascended. During our brief reunion, Tawny whispers a warning that "the Queen isn't what she seems."
Queen Ileana enters in her magnificent crimson gown, wearing the Blood Crown-twelve ruby hoops connected by onyx and topped with diamond spires. But the true shock comes when Casteel recognizes the man beside her: his brother Malik, somehow alive and standing at the Queen's side.
Chapter 9
The True Face of Evil
Queen Ileana demonstrates the terrifying power of the Revenants when the Handmaiden, stabbed through the heart, suddenly revives. Her fingers twitched first, then her entire body convulsed as she gasped for breath and sat up. The Queen explained that Revenants "cannot easily be killed"-they could be stabbed with bloodstone, have their throats cut, be set on fire, or have limbs severed, yet "they always come back whole."
In a shocking revelation, she claims to be my mother, not grandmother. When challenged about being a vampry who couldn't bear children, Ian confirms her claim. The Queen explains that Coralena was actually Ian's mother who had been tasked with protecting me from those who might use me. When Coralena discovered plans to marry me to Prince Malik, she fled with the child, ultimately facing the Queen's wrath despite being a Revenant herself.
Finally, the Queen reveals her true identity-she is Isbeth, King Malec's former lover, who had been poisoned with belladonna by Eloana. Malec saved her by giving her his blood, but unlike Atlantians whose blood creates vamprys, his blood had transformed her into something else entirely.
When Casteel steps forward to refuse the Queen's terms, she dismisses him as merely "a pretty accessory" to me. Casteel warns her not to underestimate him: "I'm also a very deadly accessory."
The Blood Queen smirks and demands Atlantia again, threatening consequences if refused. I question how surrendering Atlantia would end the suffering of innocents or stop the Ascended's predation. When I firmly refuse, Isbeth coldly orders "Kill him."
In a horrifying instant, a knight beheads Ian. Blood sprays everywhere as his head rolls across the floor, leaving everyone in shock-Tawny screaming, Malik stepping back in disbelief, and Casteel trying desperately to shield me from the sight. Isbeth screams that she loved Ian like her own flesh and blood, then cruelly adds, "Look at what you made me do."
In the chaos that follows, Casteel is captured while I and the others barely escape. Back in Atlantia, I confront Queen Eloana about the truth-that she knew Ileana was actually Isbeth, and that she was never a vampry. Eloana admits she hid the truth out of embarrassment, not wanting people to know Isbeth had won by becoming Queen after taking her husband Malec.
I also learn from Nektas that Malec is not my father-my true father is Ires, Malec's twin and son of Nyktos. I realize the caged creature I saw with the Blood Queen was actually my father. Nektas explains that Ires was lured from Iliseeum along with his daughter Jadis. He confirms that gods cannot die when entombed but exist in a state between dying and death.
With this knowledge, I embrace my divine heritage fully. I summon the draken: "I summon the flesh and fire of the gods, to protect me and those I care for. To ride at my side and stand guard at my back. I call upon the bloodline birthed of flesh and fire to awaken." Dozens of draken emerge from beneath the Temple, their scales gleaming as they take flight toward the Mountains of Nyktos and eventually toward Solis and Carsodonia.
Chapter 10
The Queen of Flesh and Fire Rises
Four days later, I wait in the forest outside Oak Ambler with Delano, Kieran, and several draken. As night falls, I prepare to execute my plan, approaching the city where we encounter a dozen knights and a Revenant guarding King Jalara himself.
The Blood King mocks me, taunting me about Casteel's captivity and torture. When he refuses to deliver my message to the Blood Queen, I reveal that he himself is the message. In a swift, brutal attack, I behead the King while Kieran holds him. Using my godly powers, I tear apart the knights from within without summoning the eather.
I order the surviving Revenant to deliver King Jalara's severed head to the Blood Queen, keeping his ruby crown as my own. My message is clear: I'm coming for the Blood Queen, will destroy everything in my path, and will make the Queen suffer for thousands of years if Casteel is harmed. I declare myself "the Chosen, the One who is Blessed," carrying the blood of the King of Gods, the Liessa to the wolven, the true heir to both crowns, the Queen of Flesh and Fire-and tell the Blood Queen to prepare for war.
As the gates of the northern wall open, hundreds of Atlantian soldiers ride out led by Valyn and the Guardians. Banners bearing the Atlantian Crest-now with the arrow and sword crossed over the center-ripple in the sun as I close my eyes, telling myself that Casteel would see them. Large winged shadows fall over the armies of Atlantia as they ride west.
The journey that began with my discovery of divine heritage has transformed me completely. No longer the veiled Maiden or even just an Atlantian Queen, I have embraced my true nature as a descendant of gods. With the draken at my command and the armies of Atlantia behind me, I ride to war against the Blood Queen who dared to take my husband and kill my brother. The Crown of Gilded Bones now rests firmly on my head, and I will use its power to reshape both kingdoms and rescue those I love, no matter the cost.
