FREYJA

  Lilith walked through the grand halls of the castle, her sharp eyes scanning the familiar stone walls now enhanced with modern upgrades—electricity buzzed softly in the sconces, and security cameras monitored every corridor. A sense of nostalgia mixed with approval settled over her. It was good to see the place had evolved.

  She had been summoned by Jane and her brother, Alec—two individuals she hadn’t seen in quite some time, just like her mate. But that was about to change. Something deep inside told her that the wheels of fate had already been set in motion, a sinister plot brewing against her and Isabella. She didn’t know the details yet, but one thing was certain—whoever was responsible wouldn’t get away with it.

  The towering double doors ahead suddenly swung open, revealing the grand throne room. Inside stood four thrones—three of them occupied by the reigning queens, while the fourth remained vacant, waiting for her.

  "Lilith!" a voice rang out, filled with warmth and excitement.

  Didyme, radiant and regal, descended from her throne with inhuman speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. Before Lilith could react, she was wrapped in a tight embrace, the scent of roses and steel filling her senses. Didyme then pulled back just enough to meet Lilith’s gaze, her golden eyes gleaming with emotion, before pressing a passionate kiss to her lips.

  Didyme was no ordinary vampire. In fact, she was no vampire at all. She is Freyja the Goddess of love, beauty, and war, a truth known only to a select few. She also led the Valkyries—five hundred, and fifty warriors sworn to her alone.

  When their kiss finally broke, Didyme smiled at Lilith, her fingers lingering on her cheek.

  "I missed you," she murmured.

  Lilith returned a soft smile. "I missed you too."

  "Aww, isn’t that just the sweetest thing?" Sulpicia teased, turning to her mate, Athenodora, who arched an eyebrow.

  "I think they should just get a room," Athenodora replied dryly, her tone serious but laced with amusement.

  Lilith smirked, glancing at the queens still seated on their thrones. "You’re just jealous."

  "Not jealous," Athenodora corrected, waving a dismissive hand. "Just sick of witnessing this level of sweetness so early in the morning."

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  "It’s the afternoon," Didyme pointed out with a knowing smile.

  "It’s still too early," Athenodora quipped.

  Lilith chuckled. Despite Didyme being the true founder of the Volturi, things had spiraled out of control under the former kings, who had been more obsessed with power than actual governance. They had neglected their duties, growing complacent. So, Didyme had taken matters into her own hands, overthrowing them with little resistance—their subjects had despised them, after all. Had they ruled wisely, they might have still been alive.

  Sulpicia, Athenodora, and Didyme had fought together in that war, and through battle, their bond had strengthened. Now, they ruled together as trusted friends and sisters in arms.

  Lilith reached for Didyme’s hands, squeezing them gently as her expression turned serious. "We need to talk."

  Didyme’s brows furrowed. "Is Isabella okay?"

  "She’s fine, my love, don’t worry," Lilith assured her, exhaling slowly. "But first, I need to tell you something—I told Isabella about you, and she wants to meet you."

  Didyme’s face lit up with joy. "Really? When can we meet?"

  "As soon as possible."

  "Then let’s go." Without hesitation, Didyme grasped Lilith’s hand tightly and started pulling her toward the door.

  "Wait, my love. There’s more you need to know."

  Didyme stopped a flicker of impatience in her golden eyes. "Can it wait until after I see my daughter? I haven’t seen her since she was four years old."

  Lilith placed a hand on her cheek. "Please, just hear me out."

  Didyme sighed. "Alright. What is it?"

  "Andell," Lilith said, her voice darkening. "My son is plotting to kill Isabella."

  Didyme stiffened, her entire demeanor shifting into one of controlled fury. "What?" she hissed. "Then why are you here and not there, stopping him?"

  "Because he won’t succeed," Lilith said confidently. "The real threat is Victor. I haven’t seen him in a week, and that worries me. I believe he’s plotting against you."

  Didyme’s expression hardened. "He won’t succeed. I am also the goddess of war."

  "I know," Lilith said, her grip tightening. "But what if he’s found a way?

  "We made a deal with him—you stay in Hell, and he allows you to visit me. A deal I’ve always thought was unfair. Just because you were with him first and we met a hundred years later doesn’t mean he gets to dictate our lives. You are my true mate, not his. And it’s time we put an end to this foolishness." Didyme said in anger. "I only agree with his terms because I didn't want another war."

  Didyme’s eyes softened as she touched Lilith’s cheek. "Will you fight with me? For our freedom to be together?"

  "Of course, I will," Lilith vowed.

  "And we will fight with you," Athenodora said, standing and intertwining her fingers with Sulpicia’s.

  Lilith blinked in surprise—she had momentarily forgotten they were in the room. "Are you sure about this?" she asked. "Demons are far more ruthless than vampires in battle."

  "We are sure," Sulpicia confirmed.

  "You’ve been training us for thousands of years," Athenodora added with conviction. "We can handle them."

  Didyme smiled gratefully. "Thank you, my friends." She then turned to Lilith. "Bring Isabella here. It’s time she knows the truth."

  "Yes, of course. And you should know—she has found her mate."

  A genuine smile spread across Didyme’s face. "That is wonderful news. Bring them both."

  Lilith nodded, then smirked. "But first, let’s go to our chambers."

  Before Didyme could respond, Lilith grabbed her wrist and dragged her toward the exit, leaving Sulpicia and Athenodora chuckling behind them.

  She hadn’t seen her mate in weeks—she intended to make the most of their time before the chaos started.

  AUTHOR'S NOTE:

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