Master Niallan and I walked on quick feet to breakfast through his castle, in companionable silence, though we instantly separated as we entered the room, heading to different sides of the ornate table. Devin, Ysander, and the Overlords turned their attention to us, where they already sat at the table eating.

Lord Otto glanced at his watch. “You’re late, candidate.” He tipped his head back up and glowered. “You knew what time we wanted to start this morning.”

Master Niallan sat on his chair in a huff. He shook his head, and muttered, “My damn alarm clock didn’t go off. My apologies.”

I sat on my chair with ease. “I told you to plug in your phone. You didn’t listen.”

His green eyes met mine. “You did not tell me that.”

“I did too. Right before you threw a pillow at my head for daring to mention the beds at our stronghold were better than yours.”

Master Niallan blinked. “Oh. That’s what you were babbling on about?”

I lifted one black eyebrow. “You just wanted to sleep in. Don’t pretend for a second that you didn’t hear me.”

Gradually, his lush lips twitched.

“That’s what I thought.” I leaned back on my chair as a servant set my morning meal before me. I turned my attention to the Overlords. “You’ll have to excuse my appearance, my lords. But the asshole at the end of the table is at fault for the pillow creases still on my face and my rat’s nest of hair.”

Lord Belshazzar grunted. “Is he also at fault for your shirt being on inside out and backward?”

I snapped my attention down, my eyes flying to my shirt. My fingers fumbled at my neckline…and a tag poked the pads of my fingers right under my chin. I slowly looked back up and lowered my hands.

This probably did look bad.

I was sure he’d been told about the druid’s and my conversation last night—my decision for no sex, manipulating the druid on a much, much more intimate level. The Overlord had to be wondering what the fuck had happened to change it—like, a possible remaining childhood crush.

That was dangerous territory.

A personal fuck, not a work fuck.

Lord Belshazzar merely waited.

He took a bite of his eggs and chewed.

I cleared my throat quickly. “No. In my rush this morning to change out of the shirt he gave me to sleep in, I must have put it on wrong.”

He leaned back in his chair and inhaled deeply. I knew he was trying to decipher by scent if we’d had sex or not. His blink was gradual as he untangled the smells or lack thereof. The lord chuckled quietly under his breath and turned his regard to the druid ruler. “Apparently, you can be a gentleman.”

Master Niallan munched on a piece of cantaloupe. “Nothing happened between us last night, my lord. Quit worrying your small-minded thoughts about it. I wouldn’t want your head to explode from jealousy.” His green eyes flicked to Devin and Ysander, capturing their attention. “Really. Don’t worry.”

Devin and Ysander sat mute. But nodded.

No knives flew my way. That was a plus.

Directly on my right, Lord Cato stifled a yawn behind his fist. My father blinked blurry eyes down at his meal and ate at a sluggish pace. He was also leaning heavily on the table with his elbows during his silent eating.

My black brows puckered as I took a bite of my food. I used discretion while evaluating the rest of the Overlords. I took a sip of the blood in my glass, graciously gifted every morning by the druid leader, and decided that only Lord Xenon and Lord Otto appeared well-rested.

Lord Belshazzar’s eyes were even a little glassy.

Master Niallan and his partners were talking together at the end of the table, completely wrapped up in themselves, so I decided this would be safe to bring up.

I lowered my glass to the table, and asked quietly, “Have a late night, my lords? You look a bit peaked.”

Lord Pippin glowered. He stabbed at a piece of sausage on his plate. “Lord Belshazzar paced our room all night long. He fit right in with Master Niallan’s mother dancing and keeping us up.”

My entire body heated with affection. “Ah.”

I switched my regard to the lord sitting across from me. I licked my bottom lip and waited. And waited. But the Overlord wouldn’t look at me, his eyes cast down on his meal. I stated softly, “I was fine, Lord Belshazzar.”

He grunted and cut into his own cantaloupe.

My smile was gentle with caring. “On the positive side, you’ll sleep like a baby tonight.”

Ice blue eyes flicked up to mine—no sentiment showing at all. He chewed mutely, until he asked coolly, “You’re sleeping in our room tonight?”

I nodded once. And ate a piece of sausage.

“Brilliant. I doubt Lord Cato would like you out again tonight in the unknown.” His blue eyes sparkled on mine when my father flayed him with a cross expression. “It’s safer being with us, your majesty.”

My chin trembled in good humor. “Funny. I’m pretty sure Lord Cato knows I can take care of myself. But I’ll take that under advisement.”

Lord Belshazzar pointed his fork at me. “Do that. Everyone will rest easier if you’re sleeping soundly where you should be—even if you keep us up half the night talking beforehand. Not all of us are bothered by your chatter, your majesty.”

I hid the fondness that pressed to show on my face. I quickly stated, “That’s excellent to know, my lord.”

He nodded once curtly and resumed eating.

Lord Otto stated, “I had no issues sleeping. Didn’t notice anything amiss. I dreamed about two women with talented mouths.”

“That’s nice, my lord.” I shook my head in exasperation. “Now I know why you moan every night in your sleep.”

He smirked, unrepentant. “I have sweet dreams, your majesty. I believe you starred in one—”

I pointed my knife at him, cutting him off. “Enough of that.”

Lord Otto cackled quietly, fully enjoying himself.

Lord Belshazzar’s frosty gaze landed on him.

The Overlord’s laughter died a quick death.

My lips twitched. “Silence is a beautiful thing, is it not, my lords?”

The frown on Lord Otto’s face was amazing.

Lord Belshazzar grinned. “It definitely is, your majesty. But, unfortunately, we do have business to discuss.” His long, black hair fell over one of his shoulders as he turned his attention to the druid at the head of the table. “Master Niallan, your fourth Challenge begins after breakfast.”

The druid gestured to his partners. “Are they allowed to hear it this time? Or do I need to ask them to leave?”

Lord Belshazzar nodded. “They may stay, candidate, as her majesty may also remain. Queen Gwynnore will be the Monitor of Challenge today, as you were hers during her fourth Challenge.”

Master Niallan placed his napkin on the table and scooted his plate away. “I’m listening.”

“Your official fourth Challenge is to ask the Three one question we give you. You must return within twelve hours and tell us the answer. Do you understand?”

The druid’s jaw clenched. “No one asks them for a favor, my lord. There is a cost.”

Lord Belshazzar stared—he didn’t look away. “That is your Challenge. There is no other.”

The Three druids were old. And powerful.

Their prophecies, when given, were accurate.

Master Niallan’s nostrils flared. He gritted through his perfect white teeth, “What is the question I’m required to ask?”

“You must ask this word-for-word, candidate. Do not deviate in the slightest,” Lord Belshazzar stated simply. He rested back on his chair and crossed his arms. A bored black eyebrow lifted on his exquisite features. “How do we stop the coming war or, at least, find peace within it?”

My blink was slow. Shit.

Master Niallan cleared all expression from his face. “What do you know that I don’t?”

“A shit ton, apparently, because our council actually pays attention to the world around us.” That bored eyebrow didn’t lower. “Our peaceful lives are about to change if we can’t stop the wheels that are already turning. You should have listened to my warnings over the years.”

Master Niallan sat frozen in his chair. Thoughts ran rapidly inside his mind, his eyes lifting to the ceiling. His tone was quiet when he spoke. “You should have told me before this if it was this serious.”

“I have. Many times. You never listened.” Lord Belshazzar tossed his own napkin on the table with much irritation, the white linen flying halfway down the table. “You will never learn or grow up to be a true man who sacrifices himself for others. You are not always right, Nial. The world does not revolve around you. You’re still a selfish brat who doesn’t care what happens to the people around you. And now I’ll have to clean up your mess—once again.”

I swallowed and sat very still.

That was one hell of a personal put-down.

Master Niallan stood very slowly from his chair and placed his palms on the table, leaning over it. “If you think a true man is someone who kills an innocent woman, just to cover a debt owed, then you’re right. I will never be that. Thank the fucking Gods above.”

Lord Belshazzar snorted. “Your mother was about as innocent as a serial killer.”

Fire flashed inside his green eyes. “And your words are still bullshit. You did it to benefit yourself. Don’t act as if you did anyone a favor by murdering her.”

“You’re correct on one fact,” Lord Belshazzar stated calmly. “Her death didn’t benefit anyone. In the long run, I should have let the bitch live to save me this headache.”

In the span of a breath, I was out of my chair.

Not of my own making, either.

A sharp knife was at my throat, and a hard body was pressed up behind me, holding me in place. I held perfectly still inside Devin’s restraining grip, his arms glowing red in his druidic fury. The rest of the room’s occupants stood from their chairs very slowly.

Lord Belshazzar’s fangs glistened, but his blue eyes were as calm as I had ever seen them. “Release her now. Or I will kill you.” His smile was cruel. “And it’ll actually be lawful. Happy days.”

Master Niallan took a step toward us and raised his hands into the air. He spoke softly, “Devin, baby, let her go. Lord Belshazzar is an asshole, but it’s not worth it. You know he doesn’t make idle threats.” He waved his hands toward himself. “Come back over here with me.”

Devin hissed, “You’re just going to let him say that shit about your mother?” His right arm tightened around my stomach. “He obviously cares about this one. Let’s see if the cold-hearted bastard still spouts off when we take away someone he’ll actually miss.”

Master Niallan shook his head. “Don’t do this. Please.”

Devin stared into his lover’s eyes. “You have to take a stand against him at some point.”

“And this is not that time,” Master Niallan responded patiently. “Release her. Now.”

The knife didn’t budge from my throat.

Lord Cato growled, “Do as your ruler says!”

Warm blood rained down from above.

I was free.

I blinked in confusion, the surrounding silence immense, and turned around on slow feet. I wiped the blood off my eyelids and stared at the gore before me—a body literally pulverized and minced to a level of uncooked ground beef. White flecks were all that remained of bones. Shreds of clothing were barely seen. I shut my mouth and lifted my eyes to the Overlord standing in the middle of what was left of Devin.

Lord Belshazzar licked the blood off of his right thumb, his eyes glowing red. He stated coolly, “I warned him.” He tipped his blood-covered head to the side. “Your majesty, you should move behind me now.”

Shit. Fuck. Oh, good God.

I blurred with speed to move behind him.

The attack came before I got there.

Not that it mattered.

Lord Belshazzar held Ysander up in the air by his throat. With enough calm to soothe a child, he stated, “Master Niallan just lost one partner. I don’t think he can handle another today—maybe tomorrow, though.” The lord winked before he shoved and chucked the druid through the air.

Ysander landed on his feet. Barely.

Furious tears streamed down his face, and his unnatural fangs were bared. “I will kill you for that one day.”

Lord Belshazzar snorted. “You don’t listen very well, either.”

Master Niallan leaned heavily against the table on his left arm, with his head lowered and his right hand covering his eyes. His shoulders shook hard as he wept without a sound.

The Overlord’s uncompromising gaze landed on the druid. He explained coolly, “The twelve hours starts now, candidate. And I suggest you bring Queen Gwynnore back without a scratch on her, or I will make what happened here seem like a fucking beautiful birthday wish.”

No response came. Nothing at all.

Master Niallan continued to weep silently.

Lord Otto cleared his throat, and stated softly, “We’ll allow you ten extra minutes to collect yourself, candidate. You’ll be able to find the queen in our quarters when you’re ready to leave.”

I veered wide around “Devin” and followed the lords out of the room. Once we were far enough away, I allowed myself to smile. I whispered, “Well, that’s one down. We know who’s going tomorrow.”

The Overlords’ grins were pure evil.

It was breathtakingly stunning.

We’d all have pleasant dreams tonight.

Thank fuck the dolls were nowhere in sight.

 

*  *  *

 

“Where do the Three live?” I asked as we walked out of the castle. The winter sun was high in the sky at midday. I pulled my freshly washed hair up into a ponytail. “Do we have to leave the stronghold?”

Master Niallan still didn’t speak.

His eyes were bloodshot. His perfectly tan face was splotchy. His lush lips were swollen. He still wore the clothes from last night. His gait wavered left and right; he was hardly staying on his feet.

And he was mute.

I explained gently, “I understand you’re livid right now, and can barely see straight, but talking might keep your mind off of it.”

“Your majesty, for both of our sakes, just shut up,” Master Niallan responded. His tone was dull and dead to the world. “I’m trying really hard right now not to slit your throat out of vengeance.”

My brows lifted. “Well, that would be a shame. We’ve just become friends, too. I’ll endeavor to not die by your hand today—though I can’t promise to be quiet. I was recently told that I talk too much.” Adelie had never mentioned that. She must have liked our conversations.

He kept on walking. Silent.

My boots were covered in dust once we stopped at the edge of a forest. I peered up at the druid, probing, “Are we here or something?”

Master Niallan sighed heavily and rubbed at his eyes. “No. I need to use the Original druid amulet to get us there. We wouldn’t make it back here within twelve hours otherwise.”

“Okay.” I hid my excitement by yawning and waving at the trees in front of us. “Should I wait here for you to go get it? Because I don’t think I’m supposed to let you out of my sight for this Challenge.”

He shook his head and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “I’m waiting for it. Just shut up, please.”

I shrugged and sat down, resting with my back against a thick tree. My swords dug into my back, but I relaxed nonetheless. I dug the toe of my foot into the dirt and scrutinized the forest before us. I mumbled reluctantly, “It’s really pretty here.”

Master Niallan sighed again. “Be. Quiet.”

His hands were now palms down at his sides. And he stared at his feet—or, actually, the ground.

My head cocked. “Wait. Are you—”

“Yes, so shut your trap. I’m concentrating.”

Anticipation bubbled up inside my chest.

I yawned again behind a fist.

Five minutes later, the ground directly in front of him cracked open the smallest bit. The dark brown dirt lifted and mounded. The scent of pine tickled my nose as the druid ruler bent at the knees and dug through the soft dirt.

He turned his right hand over.

In his palm was a golden jewel the size of a baseball.

The Original druid amulet.

I blinked. “The vampire one is lovelier.”

Master Niallan’s brows rose…and his lips actually curved into a small smile. “They look exactly the same, except for the color.”

I shrugged. “I like red jewelry better.”

“You would, bloodsucker.” He brushed off the dirt with care.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, Master Niallan, but you’re also a bloodsucker now.”

His shoulders shuddered in revulsion. “I need no reminder of that.” He rose to his full height and wrapped the attached red chain around the golden amulet. He jerked his head at me. “Get up. Time to go.”

I stood to my feet and brushed off the back of my black pants. I watched as he lifted the amulet into the air and started drawing a large circle in the clear space. Gold sparkles followed the path as he whispered words under his breath—what had to be the ancient druid language since I didn’t understand it at all.

Power slammed into my skull. I wobbled.

Master Niallan grabbed my right hand while he continued to work. My head instantly cleared. I steadied on my feet as a rush of cooling druid power cascaded over me.

I would be on my ass right now if he hadn’t protected me from the spell he was weaving, using the energy of the most powerful druid artifact on earth to work his magic. I kept my hand in his and didn’t hesitate to step through the completed and outlined circle with him when he moved forward.

Our feet landed on black, flaky rocks.

My head swung in every direction.

I stared at the shoreline we suddenly stood on. Gentle waves crashed and flowed over the black rocks, almost reaching our feet before the water retreated backward. I muttered, “Um, where are we?”

“Where the Three live,” Master Niallan answered elusively.

“Very helpful,” I grumbled.

The druid ruler released my hand and pocketed the Original druid amulet. His palms landed on my shoulders, and he turned me away from the ocean to face inland. A small, white wooden house was perched directly on the sand before us—literally on the sand—and a white-picket fence surrounded it, the wooden slats stuck down into the sand.

I stared. “They must have one hell of a flooding problem. I hope they have insurance.”

“The water doesn’t breach the fence, your majesty.” Master Niallan shoved me forward, none too gently. “Move. I hate this place. I don’t want to be here any longer than we have to be.”

We walked forward in the quiet. I noticed something I hadn’t before. There was no noise—absolutely none. The ocean behind us was silent. Our footsteps didn’t make a sound. No birds called in the distance.

I shivered as we passed through the gate of the fence. There was no creak when we latched it behind us. “I understand what you mean.”

Master Niallan rubbed at his eyes again. Quiet.

The druid knocked on the front door.

His knuckles on the wood were soundless.

But he knocked again when no one answered.

The door opened—just an inch. A brown eye peeked through the crack. The woman asked, “What do you want, Master Niallan?”

His lush lips thinned. “Queen Gwynnore and I would like to come in. I have a favor to ask.”

The brown eye widened. “Are you positive?”

“Yes.”

The door flung open in a hurry.

The druid with the pretty brown eyes smiled—it was wicked as hell. “Well, come on in!”

Master Niallan and I stepped inside.

She slammed the door behind us. Shutting us in.

The druid woman waved her hand to her right. “Take a seat. I’ll gather up my sisters and make us some tea.”

The druid ruler and I strolled into a living room straight out of a beach house magazine. The blue and white color scheme turned my stomach, but I sat on the love seat with anchor designs. Master Niallan sat next to me and kicked his feet up on the white, wood planked coffee table.

I cleared my throat and glanced at each piece of god-awful decoration. I mumbled softly, “Do they surf? Or just eat the surfers and steal their surfboards to decorate their home?” There were at least twenty boards hanging on the walls.

Master Niallan coughed hard. He threw a glance in my direction, also speaking quietly, “Behave while we’re here. You won’t like their bad side.”

I didn’t doubt that.

I placed my hands on my lap and crossed my ankles. I would behave and not jeopardize his Challenge. That was the right choice. I stayed silent—in the fucking silence—and waited.

The brown-eyed druid and her two sisters eventually bustled into their living room. All were dressed now as if they were headed for a ball, their gowns ancient but dazzling even so. The druid who answered the door stared at Master Niallan’s feet on their coffee table while she stood next to it with tea set in her hands.

He snorted and dropped his feet to the ground.

She bent over and blew out a hard breath, blowing the dirt he’d left there off the pristine wood. The druid woman set the tea there and served us each a steaming beverage in perfect china.

I pretended to sip it. I wasn’t drinking anything from these insane bitches. I’d have to pour it over the back of the loveseat when they weren’t watching.

The Three took their individual seats across from us, fluffing out their gowns around their legs for a flawless appearance. They finally looked up at us—five minutes later—once they were settled.

The brown-eyed beauty asked bluntly, “What is your question, Master Niallan?” Her gaze flicked to me. “Unless you’d like to ask the question, Queen Gwynnore?”

I took another fake sip of my tea. With extreme politeness, I said, “No, thank you. It’s Master Niallan’s favor to ask of you.” I wouldn’t ask one single question while I was here.

Disappointment flashed over her features, but she turned her attention to the man next to me. “Ask your question.” She elevated a pointed finger into the air. “But know that you will owe us one favor. This time, we’ll take it in the form of a question after we answer yours.”

Master Niallan was just as blunt. “How do we stop the coming war or, at least, find peace within it?”

Their heads snapped back as if on puppet strings.

Their eyes closed and their mouths dropped open.

I quickly tossed the tea behind the couch, and then placed the empty china on the coffee table.

Master Niallan’s bloodshot green eyes turned in my direction. He took a calm sip of his drink. His throat bobbed as he visibly swallowed the liquid. The druid ruler lifted a blond eyebrow.

I shrugged one shoulder and peered back at the Three, who were starting to shake in their seats like they were having the best orgasms of their lives. I leaned my left elbow on the arm of the loveseat and placed my chin in my hand, hiding my amused smile behind my curled fingers.

Druids could be damn entertaining.

Their bodies slumped in their chairs.

The Three groaned in ecstasy, all as one.

I wanted to ask them if they wanted a cigarette, but I kept my mouth firmly shut. My sarcastic nature would end up screwing me over if I didn’t watch it in here.

Without opening her brown eyes, the leader of their group stated, “The war will not be stopped. Travel to S’Kir to find the Breaker. Only then will true peace be obtainable.”

My blink was real slow.

Was crazy-pants talking about the Unseen Gods?

My brows puckered in thought.

What. The. Fuck.

Her eyes fluttered open, and her voice was breathless. “Now, it’s our turn, Master Niallan. Why do you really want the vampire crown?”

I tilted my head and studied his profile.

Master Niallan’s lips curved up at the sides—it was his ugliest smile to date. “So I can hold the Original vampire amulet in my hands and finally end a murderer’s life.”

And there it was.

I stayed quiet with my own thoughts.

Her brows lifted. She stated patiently, “Forgiveness, Master Niallan. Never forget to forgive. Even if it’s simply forgiving yourself.”

He eyed her features. “Forgiving oneself is not as simple as you say.”

She waved her hand to the front of her home. “You may leave now.” Her brown eyes lit from within. “Unless you have another favor to ask?”

“Thank you, but no.” Master Niallan patted my right knee. “Time to go, your majesty.”

Both of us were out the front door before anything else was said—or any questions were accidentally asked. Out on the black rocks, I watched him create his transport circle with my right hand firmly placed in his free one. We stepped back through the magical opening and landed in the center courtyard of his castle, the dead grass under our feet snapping.

He tossed the Original druid amulet high above his head and whispered in the ancient druid language while it soared. It suddenly disappeared, no longer glimmering under the sun and sky.

My brows snapped together. “Uh, where did it go?”

Master Niallan dropped my hand.

He shrugged his shoulders, not answering me.

“Really?” I grumbled. I looked back up into the sky.

It had been right there. So damn close.

The druid marched toward the closest arched opening into his castle. “I’m getting this over with. Hurry up.”

My chest heaved in disappointment, once more glancing up at the sky. But I strolled after him, following him all the way to my shared bedchambers.

He pounded on the door. “Open the fuck up.”

Lord Belshazzar yanked the door open. His ice blue eyes completely bypassed the druid ruler and settled on me while the rest of the Overlords walked to stand around him. Lord Belshazzar’s intense gaze ran over me from head-to-toe. He asked gruffly, “Did any harm come to you, your majesty?”

I almost rolled my eyes. “No. I’m fine.”

The Overlord snaked an arm outside of the room and gripped my wrist, gently pulling me inside our bedchamber. He stuffed me behind him and turned his regard on the fuming druid. “What answer did the Three give you?”

I stared at his back…amused and annoyed.

I stepped out from behind him and crossed my arms, eyeing Master Niallan, wondering if he would tell the Truth.

Bloodshot eyes stared the lord down. “The war will not be stopped. Travel to S’Kir to find the Breaker. Only then will true peace be obtainable.”

No one moved for a full minute.

Lord Cato cast a quick glance in my direction. “Is that accurate, Monitor of Challenge?”

I nodded. “It is the truth. That’s exactly what they said. In my opinion, he passed the Challenge.” As damn crazy as that answer was, he hadn’t lied to make it sound more plausible.

Master Niallan was one step closer to becoming king of the vampire race.

That night, after the Overlords had gone out for ten minutes, I received an official invitation to dinner tomorrow night from Master Niallan. I turned away from the spying portrait and smiled.

It was time for TERMINATE.