Chapter 32: Hunger - Hunger & Harmony

Golden eyes appear and disappear as I blink slowly. I’m still pressed to the mirror in awe.

That’s when I see them. On my neck, two perfectly aligned scars, near the base where my heartbeat used to flutter. When I bring the mirror closer and angle my chin, my eyes widen as the scars shimmer a faint gold. Like two stars etched onto my skin.

“Whoa . . .”

As I press my fingers to them, Niko surprises me with a kiss on my temple.

“First of your kind,” he says as I run my fingers over the marks. “A Resonant vampire.”

I place the hand-mirror down on the bed and turn to him. He’s radiant, every fragment of soft candlelight dancing on his skin. My eyesight is so sharp, it’s almost disorienting. All of my senses are.

Including one particular feeling in my throat.

Hunger.

Not ravenous. Nowhere close to uncontrollable. Still stronger than when our bond was crumbling, though. It’s not a reckless thirst, but a craving for something fulfilling.

My pause must alert Niko, as when he pulls me closer to him, he smiles knowingly.

“Queen of my heart.”

The moment I’m pressed against his body, his scent overwhelms me. I squirm in his lap as my fangs lengthen, the awareness of thirst expanding.

“Drink.”

His wrist appears at my lips, and my eyebrows shoot up.

“Don’t say no,” he teases softly, and I recall when those words were mine.

My hesitation dissolves into understanding. I smile against his skin, allowing myself to inhale slowly.

Nosing along his wrist, I get familiar with this scent, this sensation, this pull. It’s alive within me, like my hunger has lain in wait my whole mortal life.

“I just . . .?” I whisper, words ghosting over his wrist.

“Follow instinct,” he says. “Take as much as you need.”

It’s not as awkward as I thought it’d be. The moment I pierce his skin, my body comes alive. His other hand relaxes against my waist, patiently cradling me in his lap as hunger flourishes into satisfaction. I drink my fill, time blurring before my tongue presses to his skin.

I feel complete. Running my tongue over my dulling fangs, I relax in his arms.

“Good?” he asks.

“Great,” I tease softly, giddy with satiation.

Now, I intimately understand Niko’s desires. Blood isn’t just appetizing—it’s nourishing. Contentment hums under my skin.

We lay back together, face-to-face. The candle wax is running low, the flame flickering and casting dancing shadows around the room.

While I want this moment to last forever, I know it’s limited. Threats still loom on the horizon.

“This isn’t over.”

My statement breathes in the space between us. Niko’s hand curls on my hip as he nods.

“It isn’t.”

“Do you know what you want?” I ask.

He doesn’t hesitate to answer.

“You,” he says, to which I poke his chest lightly.

“Which you already have.”

I shoot him a look, and he grins. The playful expression fades as he quiets for a moment.

“I’m torn,” he admits. “What do you think? Does queenship call you? Or a quieter life?”

“It’s your crown.”

When I point that out, he immediately shakes his head.

“What’s mine is yours. We make the decision together.” He looks at me earnestly. “Fate brought us to the time and place, but we chose.”

My body settles. Everything feels right when he puts it that way.

“We chose,” I echo softly, nodding a moment later. “You’re right.”

“Hunters have shaken my kingdom and infiltrated my Court. The Order has thrown down their gauntlet.” He frowns, voice thick with promise. “Regardless of sitting on the throne, I refuse to yield without resistance.”

I stare into his eyes, ferocity gleaming like fire within them. This isn’t just any vampire—this is a king. The one to lead his people to peace.

“Then, I am your queen,” I say, all doubts cast into the fire of determination. “What’s yours is mine. I won’t take it lightly.”

My mind goes straight to Arteria. I hold Ezren and Selene dear to my heart, and even Cass and Ryel. They are my family. They’re who I belong with.

Viola has turned her back on me. Surely being a vampire and Niko’s queen will be the end of our sisterhood. One day, I hope to reconnect, even to say goodbye properly. Not that I believe she’d give me even that.

I already know my parents will be alarmed. I’m ready to give them time to adjust, as I need my own to forgive them. While I don’t hold a grudge against them, or even Viola, I have to look forward. It’s not just Niko and I. It’s our loved ones, our responsibilities, our kingdom.

“There’s no one else I’d rather do this with,” he says, bringing my hand to his lips.

As he places a kiss on the top, I laugh softly.

“Will there be a coronation or . . .?”

“There are rituals involved, yes. And you are a queen worthy of celebrations and ceremony,” he says.

The blush that settles onto my cheeks is different. Not as warm, but just as effective.

After one last kiss on my hand, he then pulls me into his embrace. More laughter bubbles up my throat as I snuggle him.

“When you’re ready, we’ll return to everyone.”

I hum against his chest.

“Together?”

He chuckles into my hair.

“Together.”

* * *

I’ve never had the strength to withstand a vampire’s full attack before. My eyes widen when I realize I’m still standing, and Ezren is clinging to me like a koala.

“Cadence!”

His wails echo through the throne room. Behind him, Selene and Cass exchange an amused look. It’s a relief to see her fully healed, standing next to her lover proudly. Ryel scowls at the back of Ezren’s head as his cries continue.

“It’s been so long! Lifetimes have passed!”

“It’s been three days,” Cass corrects him, but Ezren keeps sniffling.

As I pat his back, I glance around. It’s only the six of us. The facade has faded, and Sancte Noctis isn’t torn between shadow and light anymore. Only echoes of my effect remain, like the candles on the lined path glowing amber. Our elevated thrones are restored, proudly gleaming onyx side-by-side.

I can appreciate what I once thought was gloomy. Sancte Noctis is beautiful, and now a place I’ll call mine.

“Wait.”

Ezren pulls back, his hands clasping my shoulders. When he gets right in my face, his jaw hits the floor.

“Your eyes! They’re . . .They’re . . .!”

“Resonant,” Cass says from behind him.

Ezren whips around before he gawks at me again.

“They’re gold. I’ve never seen that before!”

“It exists in certain High Fae,” Selene says before she bows to me. “And now, our Queen.”

A gasp rips from Ezren before he lets me go and bows, too. Cass joins him, and even Ryel lowers his head. I glance back at Niko nervously, my hands raising in a panic.

“H-Hey, no need!”

“You are their Queen,” Niko says, gently lowering my hands. “You’ve earned their respect. Mine, as well.”

He places chaste kisses on my knuckles. Flustered, I shrug.

“You’re all still family,” I say, happy when they each stand straight again. “I’ll need your help with this whole . . .queen thing, anyway.”

“Of course.” Selene glances at her wristwatch. “There isn’t much time before midnight. You’re sure about broadcasting the ceremony?”

I nod.

“If our downfall was shown to the world twice, then why not our ascension?”

Each candle flickers higher, like Sancte Noctis itself approves.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Ezren exclaims, and even Ryel hums his agreement.

“Well said.”

“You were always meant to complete the bond,” Cass says. “And now, you’re restoring the crown.”

I lean against Niko’s front, and his arms wrap around me securely. My eyes return to our thrones up ahead. In mere hours, we’ll publicly claim our bond and sit before the world as King and Queen.

“I can’t say I saw any of this coming,” I admit quietly. “But it feels right.”

Funny. I was the pop fan who dismissed rock music and Arteria’s sound completely. I’m still me. I’ll always prefer pop music, and I won’t ever be able to sing or play an instrument.

At least I found freedom for good this time. I found it in love, even with its share of burdens. I like who I’m becoming. I’ll flourish into who I’ve always meant to be.

“Let’s get you ready, then,” Selene says, and I beam when she offers her hand. “The world waits for Sancte Noctis’ queen.”

* * *

Murmurs hush. Cameras refocus on the opening doors. Painted visages and curious faces turn to look.

“His Majesty, Reigning Supreme of the Western Courts, King Niklaus Vane!”

During our three-day respite, Niko discussed claiming his own name over candlelight. Alaric Soren is a shadow of his father, and he wishes to leave that legacy in the past.

A smile pulls my lips, watching his eyes shine proudly. He is now King Niklaus Vane to the world and his kingdom. He bears the only name his mother wanted for him, and her maiden name.

There’s a brief pause before the announcer continues.

“And Her Majesty, Exalted Resonant of the Western Courts, Queen Cadence Vane!”

With my gloved arm joined with his, Niko leads us forward. We follow the crimson path across the throne room, the luxurious rug lined with candles and rose petals. On each side, onlookers and cameras alike keep their focus on us.

Midnight blue sweeps down my legs to the floor. I was allowed to choose, and this gown captivated me the moment I saw it. Like stars, crystal embellishments dot along the brocade fabric, the deep navy cascading from the off-shoulder neckline to the flare of the skirt.

A matching velvet choker covers my neck, with one very special guitar pick descending my collarbones. I wanted to wear blue and claim this evening as my own. But I’ll always keep this red pendant over my heart.

Something new sits on my carefully pinned-up hair: a crown. Gold twists into stunning branches, a few golden butterflies resting next to the crystal dewdrops. The perfect acknowledgement of my metamorphosis.

Beside me, Niko wears his own delight. From the ivory crown nestled on his dark hair to the black velvet draped on his body, one would see he’s dressed no differently. Yet, he returns to his throne a different man. The hints of gold threaded amongst staunch fabric, and the soft smile he keeps sneaking me, relax my bare shoulders.

This is not just the beginning of our reign.

This is a new era of power through choice.

Hums of approval swell through the crowd, blending with the Vox Crown’s serene music. For the faces I can see, excited, awe-struck, and hopeful expressions catch my attention. I don’t bother keeping a straight face. My smile beams back at them.

Our journey comes to an end. Niko and I exchange a smile before we pull away and assume our places on smooth onyx.

Blood hums under the scent of incense. After sitting, I cast my gaze over the crowd, the details of their garments richer, and their voices sharper in my ears.

“She isn’t like us.”

The whisper comes from my left.

“She was never meant to be,” a soft reply follows.

I hold my head high. It’s not that I don’t belong; I’m a key no one considered. The Court that once disregarded me now shows its blessings.

Another blanket of silence falls over the crowd as a familiar woman in red steps up to the elevated platform.

“Archduchess Imara,” I greet, watching her painted mask carefully.

Only to watch her hand clasp the covering, lowering it from her face. Her eyes close as she bows, acknowledging both her nephew and I. Her lady’s maid rushes to receive the mask from her.

“I extend my sincerest congratulations on this auspicious night.” She straightens again, her hands clasped at her waist. “And I hope for forgiveness in time, Your Majesties.”

“It isn’t I who deserves an apology,” Niko says, voice curt despite his relaxed posture.

She nods before meeting my eyes.

“I apologize for the grievances I have caused you. My intentions were and will always remain pure.”

She lowers her head again. I glance at Niko, taking note of how he and everyone watch, even the Archduchess’s closest underlings. I’m finding it hard not to believe her. There isn’t any point in holding onto bad blood.

“I understand,” I say. “I appreciate this. Your apology won’t go unnoticed.”

A brief, albeit awkward, smile pulls her red lips.

“Thank you, Exalted Resonant.”

Multiple voices murmur, testing out this new vocabulary on their tongues.

“Resonant . . .”

I smile back.

“To the King and Queen,” Archduchess Imara then says with a flourish of her hand.

“To the King and Queen!”

Ezren’s voice rings out louder than anyone else’s. I giggle openly when I spot him to the right, Selene, Cass, and Ryel also beside him in their formalwear and masks.

Tensions haven’t resolved entirely, but I feel the ease in this room. The hope. I’ll do my best to meet their expectations, even knowing a traitor lurks amongst us. Maybe in this hall right now.

Which is why I show my joy openly. No threat is large enough to overturn our bond.

I look to my right and find Niko already smiling at me.

Together, we’ll face any enemy, Hunter or vampire.

The Crown is no longer hollow.