Page 172 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“Why do the Vanir want me dead so badly?”

“At its core, the Vanir are against the concept of having a High King and Queen. If there is going to be one, they want it to be a Vanir with the crown.”

“Don’t you think the Vanir are putting too much stake in the hatred between the vampires and the rest of the courts?” Luka asked.

Oriza shrugged. “That’s not my judgment to make.”

“It doesn’t make sense—this level of hatred.”

“They’ve lost sight of the vision they started with,” Oriza said quietly.

“What was that?” Luka pressed.

She sighed. “When the Vanir originated—centuries ago—all they wanted was equality. They wanted their people—the vampires—to be treated as everyone else was. That vision was quickly lost when members became bloodthirsty. They saw the power that came with killing and they got a different type of blood lust. They thrived off of fear—no longer did they worry about true equality. They wanted the crown. With the crown, they could demand justice by force.” She looked at Luka. “I’m sure you’re all familiar with how the original rebellion ended.”

We nodded solemnly. “Everyone thought the Vanir had snuffed out centuries ago when they were hiding in the shadows instead. The Vanir never ended. But they decided recently to make themselves seen again.”

“That’s how they’ve been able to keep themselves so hidden while coming back so strong.” I looked at Luka. “They’ve been hiding for centuries.”

“Why are you telling us all this?” Luka asked Oriza.

“I didn’t have a choice in being a part of the Vanir.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was born into the Vanir. My parents were members. Once you’re in it, there is no way out but in death. I was forced to live in the shadows.” She took a deep shuddering breath. “Living in the shadows is no way to live.” Oriza looked at the ground before speaking again. “What else do you want to know about the Vanir?”

“Where can we find them?” I asked without hesitation.

“They’re everywhere. They live in groups all throughout Lethenia—not only in the Blood Court. It’s nearly impossible to find them unless you know their locations and know about their tattoos.”

“Can you tell us the locations you know?”

“I moved to the Star Court about ten years ago, I was too young when we came here to remember where we were located before, even if I could, I doubt they’re still there. But I can tell you about my base here.”

Luka and I nodded, encouraging her to continue. “I’ve been living with a group of Vanir located on the northernmost tip of the continent. You have to travel through the Abode Mountains and on the coast there are several small villages scattered along the border.” She looked at me. “People rarely travel through the mountains.”

She was right, there was nothing of use on the other side of the mountains, so no one ever traveled there. Making it the perfect hideout for a secret organization.

“Who is your leader?” I asked.

“And where can we find them?” Luka added.

“I’m afraid that’s a question I can’t answer. They keep their identity safely guarded. Only the people in their trusted inner circle know their identity. As well as at their home base. From what I understand they move around a lot though.”

“That makes sense,” Luka murmured.

“Is there anything else you can offer us?” I asked.

She thought for several minutes.

“I don’t think so. I’m sorry. This was one of my first jobs. They don’t share much information with me yet.”

The more I looked at her, the younger she looked. She couldn’t be older than twenty and yet the Vanir sent her out here to poison the High Queen.

They had to have known it was a suicide mission.

“You going to kill me now?”

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