Page 190 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“Anytime.”

We made our way back to the fray, taking down any Dhampir that crossed our path.

As another Dhampir fell at my feet, I kicked it aside, scanning the room for Lennox. Nico was still in his wolf form, his silver coat splattered with black blood, Luciana had joined Delcan and they fought back to back against a horde of beasts. They kept coming. No matter how many I killed, more kept coming.

But still, I couldn’t find Lennox.

Or Kara.

Where was Kara? Wherever Kara was Lennox was.

I scanned the room. Adreona still sat on her throne, a satisfied smile on her face as she surveyed the room. A guard stood by her side, still holding Kara hostage. I searched the throne for Lennox. Where was she? I turned my attention back to the area surrounding me, searching for any sign of blonde hair among the bodies of the Dhampirs.

Nothing.

Another Dhampir descended on me. I kicked it in the chest, giving me a moment to prepare before it struck again, shoving my sword clear through its throat.

The Dhampir gurgled as I removed my sword.

I made my way through the room, searching for Lennox.

A Dhampir swiped out with its arms, its claws coming dangerously close to my arm as I pushed my sword through its heart this time.

The dead Dhampir sagged to the ground as I removed my sword. I turned my attention to the throne, once again searching for my wife.

There.

There she was, climbing up the back of the throne.

Adreona’s gaze met mine. Fuck.

I looked away quickly, but not quick enough. Adreona’s gaze searched the floor, searching for Lennox. Her eyes widened with panic, but she was too late.

Lennox stood behind the ice throne, holding her sword to Adreona’s throat.

That’s my girl.

The sounds of fighting faded; I looked over my shoulder as my friends slayed the last of the Dhampirs.

“I’ll enjoy watching the blood drain from your body,” Lennox drawled as she pressed her sword into Adreona’s throat. Crimson dripped down the female’s pale neck.

“If you kill me your sister dies,” Adreona rasped.

I turned my attention to Kara at the same moment Lennox did, my throat going dry at the sight of the guard holding a dagger to Kara’s throat, a mirror to Adreona and Lennox.

Lennox was deathly still behind Adreona as she watched the male move with her sister. Her eyes fixed on that dagger.

Without hesitating, Lennox removed her sword from the female’s throat.

“Smart girl,” Adreona crooned.

“Why are you doing this?” Lennox pleaded as the male continued to hold the blade to Kara’s throat. She moved away from Adreona, making her way down the stairs of the throne to my side. “I gave you the journal. What more do you want from me?”

“Do you think me stupid?” Adreona spat. She stood fromthe throne, wiping the blood dripping from her neck with the back of her hand, but the wound continued to bleed. She flung the journal at Lennox’s feet. “There are several pages ripped out. Where are they?”

Lennox’s gaze stayed fixed on Kara. “I don’t know. I received the journal like you asked and came straight here.”

“Liar,” she hissed. She gave the guard a nod. Kara whimpered as the blade pressed into her skin, a thin line of blood dripping down her neck.

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