I Can No Longer Accompany You

"Fool! How can you be the queen—?" Artyom got to his feet and prepared for another attack, only for him to freeze. His eyes grew wider. "This can't be happening…"

"Uncle Artyom… you have forgotten who I am…" The melodic and soft voice of a maiden echoed in the dance hall, rousing the unconscious from their sleep. It was as if a soft wave of energy washed over the whole place. Even Wren opened her eyes upon hearing the voice she longed missed.

Unlike Alethia's spirit form, Cressida's image was a full-body apparition. Her golden hair flowed into the air and covered most of what other people could see. Her white dress spread along the floor, only for the edges to be stained with blood. She moved her head to smile from behind Keagan. "I am still one of the most powerful psychic vampires ever born into the night."

Artyom gritted his teeth and regained his angry expression. "You're just a ghost now! I will kill her and you and everyone you have ever loved!"