PROLOGUE

COATING MY TONGUE IN THAT intoxicating copper flavor, the luxuriant liquid warmed my throat as it fulfilled my aching thirst. I wasn't satisfied, nowhere near, but it would have to be enough. For now.

Sudden cries of horror played like sweet music to my ears. My enemies' people wormed their way into the King's former Throne Room. The fear that dripped off of them fed my hunger for vengeance. Their weeping and whimpering slowly turned to shrieking, screaming for help as they drank in the sight of their new Queen.

They murmured for someone to save them, for a knight in shining armor. A low chuckle released from my blood-coated lips, mocking their terror as my tongue swept the remains of my dinner clean.

There's no such thing.

The curve of my mouth rose as a smirk contorted my features into something sinister. I dipped my head, lips stretching across my victim's throat as they all watched. Helpless. Terrified.

Intrigued.

Sweet, sweet victory, I hummed to myself.

Loosening my hold on the throat of the limp body, I let it topple to the floor. The body lay unmoving but bared for all to see, lifeless at my feet. I rose before the crowd when they bowed before me, their whimpers murmuring among them. My expression never relinquished the smirk of satisfaction.

My eyes bore into their bowed heads, watching them cower beneath my gaze. Not one dared meet my eyes, let alone rise to challenge me and the new kingdom I had built before them. Not with whom laid dead at my feet.

Vladimir Cain Leopold II, their almighty King.

My expression turned hard as I thought of my beginning, and how it all started. Then, I remembered the man next on my list. The man I owed my life to, and the man I gave my heart to.

The King's son, and his Heir to my new throne.

As I glowered down at his people from the tip of my nose, I felt no remorse nor mercy. I felt nothing. Empty like the thing they turned me into. The King's people had brought this upon themselves; turning me into this monster, and taking me from my family. The King had abused and used me in ways I never thought imaginable while his people had stood by and watched.

It was time to repay the favor.

Now I stood before them as a monster they could have never seen coming- a predator amongst predators- and as their new ruler. I was the Night Blood that ruled them, and the Goddess of the Night that commanded them.

They will kneel before their Queen.