Rebellion (Risen Series Bk1)
Chapter 31 ~ Coronation

Here it is, the final chapter

Way of the Vampire: Revolution, The Risen Series Book 2 will be posted soon!

The woman who stared back at me in the mirror with a frown made me uncomfortable.

The corset of the dress was skin tight and almost crushing but I hadn't complained as Zena tightened the laces until I was sure their imprint would be embedded in my skin.

For a moment, when I had closed my eyes, it had reminded me of when my father had dressed me for the men that paid to bed me. He'd always tighten my corset until I couldn't breathe, making sure my breasts were pushed as high as they could go to tantalise drunken men. And it had worked.

My hand skimmed over the deep purple satin skirts that shimmered under the lights. Purple, the colour of royalty.

This wasn't me. I felt uncomfortable in my own skin, like some stranger was in the mirrors reflection and not me. My hair was too short for Zena to do much with it, and I was glad of that.

"Stop squirming," Zena sighed as she pinned the hem.

"I can't help it, I hate this," I mumbled, rubbing my scarred arms. "Are you sure I can't wear a jacket over it?"

Dark eyes looked up at me and Zena pursed her lips. That was a no. I rolled my eyes. How would I be taken seriously as a Queen if the proof of my weakness was as clear as day in the marks all over my skin?

"They're a part of you, Shylah. A part of your past, a reminder of what you've overcome. Those that see them will know only that you've gone through hell, and won," Anna said from the bed.

I tried to smile and agree but that wasn't what I knew or believed. "I hate dresses, that's all. I can't fight or run, especially as you want to shove my poor feet in heels!"

Anna laughed, sitting up and Zena scoffed from where she was crouched.

"I've seen you in heels before. Your boots are heeled," Zena pointed out.

"That's totally different. They're an inch or two at most and thick. You want me to wear heels as thin as a pencil," I huffed. "This is all tedious. We're hanging about in this horrible fucking hell house while Airell is gods know where so we can play politics--ow!"

I glared down at Zena, sure that the pin stabbing my foot was entirely on purpose. She stood, lifting her chin with irritation in her eyes. "If you want to live a safe life, if you want others to be spared what happened to you and the fate of becoming one of the Fallen, then you need to take this seriously. Solidifying your position, and Atanas' position, is what's most important right now. Turning Airell's allies into our allies, getting his enemies to be our friends."

I swallowed at the scolding but what she said made sense. Slowly, I nodded, showing her I understood.

"You're right. I'm sorry. This is all new to me, it's difficult for me to get used to."

She seemed appeased with that. Zena had been teaching me how to act but Atanas assured me that he only wanted me to be myself. Still, I did listen. I tried to remember the names of each Princeps, and take in the little Zena knew of each one.

She moved in front of me, looking me and down before nodding. "You look the part. I'll have it ready for the night. Though I disagree with not wearing it for the coronation but whatever makes you feel comfortable."

I tried not to laugh at her grumpy look. My usual leather trousers and flowing gypsy tops would be the outfit I'd wear while being crowned Queen and that was a big win on my part.

Looking in the mirror, I took a shaky breath. Next to Zena's dark skin, and the olive tone of Anna's, I looked an almost ghastly white. The dark purple of the dress didn't help either.

I needed to figure out how to get rid of the terror shimmering in silver eyes. Frowning, I touched a strand of silver hair, replaceing myself yet again thinking over being called moontouched.

Nobody had told me what it meant, nobody seemed to know. If Atanas knew, he said nothing, but when I'd asked he'd simply stared at me. Anna knew only a little about the supposed mythical beings that were said to be blessed by some obscure Goddess. A Goddess of the death.

"Don't be scared, Shylah. I know you can do this." Zena smiled, mistaking the frown for nerves.

"Of course I can. It's just standing up in front of almost a hundred vampires, and sealing my fate as the leader of said vampires while hoping other vampires also accept it."

Anna snorted. "Sounds simple enough to me."

I gave her a dirty look but she was busy studying the jewellery laid out on the bed. She looked a lot better than she had when she'd first arrived. Her movements were less sluggish and her skin less pale. Though her eyes were still circled in black bags which I was beginning to think was from a lack of sleep. Anna had recently discovered the joys of a vampires sexual appetites and stamina which Padraig was more than happy to explore with her. These urges calmed down after a while but I got the impression that wouldn't slow either of them down.

Hunting, feeding, sex, basic instincts and desires, these would always remain heightened.

"You're staring at me," Anna said, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm glad to see you looking better."

She smiled but there was a sadness behind her mask. We both knew that in a matter of weeks, she'd need to make her final decision. I was certain she'd choose to feed, to live.

Almost certain.

Zena helped me back out of the dress and I was glad to be back in my usual leather trousers and a brand new, cream blouse. Running my fingers through my hair, I turned to face the two women. The little makeup I wore felt thick on my skin, but I hadn't managed to win that argument. My eyes were lined in khol, a shimmering liquid highlighting my cheeks.

"Do I look ready?" I asked nervously before tugging on my boots.

Anna nodded, smiling. "You look great."

I eyed Zena, who's face was scrunched in judgment. Her eyes raked over my outfit and she shook her head.

"I really wish you'd at least put a bit more makeup on, or let me style your hair. This your coronation." she sighed.

"I think she looked edible,"

My heart skipped a beat and I spun to see Atanas standing at the door. I swore Zena almost combusted when she took in what he was wearing, but I grinned. Atanas hadn't bothered to dress up either, but he still looked like his usual, God worthy self in jeans and a t-shirt.

"Why do I bother?" Zena huffed, hands on hips. "You're meant to be royalty. You both look like you're going to some dingy club."

"Calm down, Miranda Priestly. They'll both be suitabley attired for your party," Anna teased, making me laugh.

Zena sent her a glare, magic electrifying the air. Anna and I had been warned about calling the ball a party. It was a meeting of leaders, Zena had said, an important political event.

Atanas came to my side, his arm slipping around my waist as he whispered. "Who's Miranda Priestly?"

"The Devil," I replied in a conspiring whisper.

Atanas snorted, eyeing a fuming Zena.

"Are you making things difficult for her? I replace it's best just to do as she says," he advised.

But since when had I ever just done what someone said. His lips twitched as if he'd heard my thoughts and he pulled me in to give me a soft kiss. I kissed him back, all nerves about tonight melting away for a stolen moment.

"Are you ready, my Queen?" he asked, pulling me even closer until I was pressed flush against his chest.

My neck strained to look up at him, my fingers curling into his shirt. "I think so?"

He laughed, amusement shining in his ocean blue eyes. I looked away, embarrassed. There was no hiding my uncertainty but time had run out and I had to try and keep calm, or at least seem calm. I needed to put my shields up.

"You'll be fine. Focus on me, don't look at the crowd. Pretend they're not even there."

"Hard to do when I can hear every heart beat, and every breath someone takes," I grumbled, fiddling with the hem of his shirt.

He gripped my chin and forced me to look at him, his voice a low growl as he spoke, "So listen to me."

A shiver of delight went through me and I nodded, shifting my weight as heat filled my veins. One simple touch, and I was putty. He grinned, inhaling deeply and his eyes darkened. My breath hitched as his hands gripped my ass, our lips a breath away.

"Don't you dare start anything, we're already late!" Zena interrupted, pushing us apart with a mere glare.

Magic fizzled between Atanas and I, and I couldn't help but shudder. I hated the touch of magic on my skin, even if I trusted Zena. It made me skittish. Yet this time, my hands felt as if they were burning and Anna was staring with her mouth gaping.

I looked down, blinking at the odd silver glow that radiated around my hands. Fear flared, my stomach erupting in butterflies. "What is that?"

Atanas gently lifted a hand, turning it over. He was studying the light with a mixture of awe and curiosity.

"I've only seen something like this once before," he murmured, pain flashing across his face as he looked at Zena.

"Leyla," she breathed, her eyes meeting mine.

It was then I wondered just how old Zena was. I snatched my hand away from Atanas, not liking the way he seemed to be seeing someone else as he looked at me. Zena backed away, shaking her head before darting out the door. That wasn't the action of the strong confident witch I knew. . .

"It's magic," Anna answered for me, standing from the bed.

"I don't have magic," I argued, watching the light around my hands fade until I wasn't sure I'd even seen it in the first place.

A trick of the light?

Anna and Atanas shared a look that had me bristling but nothing more was said on the matter. Anna gave me a tight smile. "I better replace Padraig and get ready. I'll see you soon, my Queen."

She winked, even though there was still a strain to her features that gave away her unease. That only set my anxiety off again. Suddenly standing in front of a room full of vampires seemed like more than I could handle.

"This is what Airell wanted to unleash, this is what he wanted from the beginning. If he replaces out, he'll come back for me, he'll-"

"Shylah, stop. You're working yourself up over nothing," Atanas soothed, reaching out for me.

I stumbled back, holding my hands up to keep him at bay, shaking my head. "Over nothing? You think this is nothing?"

He sighed, giving me a weary look as I paced the room, staring at my hands now and again as if they'd light up once more.

"Nobody apart from those in this room knows about it and none of us are going to say a word."

I gave him a disbelieving look, pausing in my tracks. "You think Zena won't tell Lachlan? That Anna won't tell Padraig?"

"Well of course they might, but neither Lachlan nor Padriag will let it go any further. Although, maybe we should tell those closest to us, so they can protect you," he suggested, his face creasing in thought.

I knew he was already going through every scenario in his head, of how best to keep me safe. Yet what scared me was he didn't seem to understand what had happened either. My hands began to tremble and I curled my fingers tight in an attempt to keep them still.

When my knees buckled, I had to catch myself on the bedpost. This was too much, too overwhelming. Why was there never a break, a moment of peace? Time for me to adjust.

Atanas came to me, gripping my face between rough hands, his gaze fierce and determined. "Whatever it is, it's stopped for now. Push it out of your head. Don't think about it. We'll replace out what it means, I promise. Airell won't replace out, but if he does, he won't get anywhere near you. Not again."

"Zena was scared of me," I whispered, frowning. "She wasn't seeing me, she was seeing her. So were you."

His lips parted but he was lost for words. He couldn't deny what I said, I knew it was the truth. Leaning against him to show him I wasn't mad, he eagerly wrapped his arms around me.

"Let's just get tonight over with," I sighed.

Lips pressed against my hair, the sound of my mate inhaling my scent making me smile.

"You're mine, Libertas Mea," Atanas growled softly. "I see you."

I laughed, looking up at him. "I love you too, my King."

Another of his breathtaking grins and he was leading me out of the room and down the stairs. I frowned, tugging on his arm. This wasn't the way to the hall where we held the meetings. Before I could tell him we were going the wrong way, he was pulling me to walk again.

"The Great Hall is on the ground floor. We couldn't exactly hold such an important event in the meeting room, the ball will be held down here too. It's big enough to accommodate all of us and the Princeps and who they bring," he explained, turning once we reached the bottom of the stairs to one set of huge double doors.

I swallowed nervously, glad that he paused to let me gather my strength. "How many of their people will they bring?"

"Not many. Their mates if they have one, perhaps a guard or two disguised as friends. They will be as wary of us as we are of them before our intentions are made clear, and their loyalties brought to light. Don't worry about it yet, remember? Focus on right now," he advised, giving my hand a squeeze.

I did try and force my jumbled thoughts and worries to quiet but it was easier said than done. When I managed to calm my breathing, he smiled. His eyes held a question to which I nodded and the doors swung open as if by magic. Though maybe it was magic. . .

The grandeur of the room nearly took my breath away. I was sure Zena had something to do with the deep, velvet red curtains that covered floor to ceiling windows, forcing my gaze up. I was caught in awe once more by the roof. It was brightly painted in what I thought at first was scenes from the bible until I noticed the celtic symbols intertwined amongst the scenes of Gods and ancient warriors. Tuatha De Danann. I would have taken more time to admire the work if I was then not suddenly focused on the hundreds of eyes I could feel watching me.

Those who had fought beside us stood on either side of the aisle created that Atanas lead me down. If it wasn't for him, I would have stopped in my tracks, turned and fled. I recognised the blonde vampire that had attacked Anna and I when we escaped the dungeon, and those that had fought beside her, but it was Gideon's grinning face that had me relaxing. I couldn't help but grin back, and a quiet yet possessive growl rumbled from my mate's chest. I gave him a look, only to see a teasing glint in his blue eyes.

When we reached the front of the gathered crowd, I stepped up onto the small raised platform. I was glad then that I had decided on going more casual. Zena was the only one really dressed for such an occasion and I really didn't want to stand out. I nearly snorted at that thought. It was a bit late for trying to blend in when I was stood beside a King about to become Queen. I bit my lip to hold in nervous laughter.

Atanas turned to face the crowd, his expression grave. The room was completely silent, my mate the centre of attention. "I want to thank you all for rallying to the call of your King. Thanks to your help, and the sacrifice of our warriors, we are about to bring about change!"

His voice boomed around the room, followed by deafening cries of victory. I held my breath, as captured by his words as the rest of the room seemed to be. Something about the way he talked, the way he held himself and the aura around him seemed to demand people follow him, listen, obey.

"Our kind is only kept safe because of our secrecy and those that threaten our peace can not be allowed to win. We are not beings of evil because we must reside in the dark, we are not beings of violence because we must feed on blood to live. Airell and his followers have ravaged the world for too long, torturing Ailill, humans, wolves and even our own kind for too long. His actions will bring about a war that nobody will win. How can one rule over ashes? Together we will restore peace, and stability. Only together." he continued, seemingly meeting the eye of every vampire in the room. "Tonight we celebrate our victory and our first steps, as my mate takes on a responsibility to protect our race by my side. She's suffered more than most of us, she's seen and felt what happens when our kind lose our way. She's proven to all of us that she's willing to sacrifice herself to save those she loves. To me, to many of us, she already our Queen."

I was surprised when many mumbled their agreement, a few eyes flicking to Anna who stood close to Padraig's side. How many knew of what I had suffered to keep her safe? I tried to stand tall with my head up, even as instincts screamed at me that my back was unprotected, that I should have brought a weapon, but if Atanas trusted those in the room, then I would trust him.

My mate turned to me then, with all the power of a King of our race thrumming in the air around him. I shiver went up my spine, our bond curling around my being, the feel of his strength drawing me ever closer to him. I was terrified my voice would quiver, that I'd stumble over the words that Atanas had helped me memorise last night.

"Look at me Shylah," he whispered, quiet enough for only my ears.

Silver eyes met his and a calm came over me. I could do this. A quiet came over the room again, not even the sounds of many heartbeats reaching my ears as my entire focus narrowed to Atanas.

"Are you willing to take the oath?" he asked me, loud enough that his voice rang through the room.

Swallowing, taking a deep breath, I nodded. "I am."

"Do you swear your loyalty to our race?"

"I swear to protect and defend our race, to pass judgement on those who go against our laws, to be merciful when able, and merciless when needed. I swear to rule fairly and wisely by the side of my King, and to act in the best interest of our safety," I recited, hoping my voice was as string as it sounded to my ears.

Before I'd even finished, Padriag was cheering from the front, inciting an eruption of noise from those gathered. I tried to keep a straight face, to seem regal and poised but it was all to overwhelming. I was Queen.

Atanas smirked, taking my hand in his before spinning me to face the crowd. "Your Queen!"