The wind howled through the ruins of Blackthorne Castle. Evelyne and Alec stood in the grand hall, where the ceiling had caved in, letting moonlight spill over the shattered remnants of her childhood home.
Alec placed a dagger in her hands. "Your blood is the key."
Evelyne hesitated before slicing her palm. Blood dripped onto the cold stone floor. The moment the first drop touched the ground, the earth trembled.
From the shadows, they emerged.
Monsters. Beasts of nightmares. Veilborn creatures with hollow eyes and twisted limbs. And yet, they did not attack. They knelt. Bowed before her.
A voice echoed in Evelyne's mind. You have awakened us, child of Aradon.
She swallowed her fear. "You once served my ancestor. Will you serve me now?"
The creatures let out a guttural chant, their whispers filling the room. We obey the Blackthorne blood.
Alec stepped beside her. "The army is yours, my lady."
Evelyne's grip tightened around the dagger. "Then let us take back the throne."