Astrid
Castleburg’s nights stretched longer than most, like the dark was made thicker here. I sat alone in Magnus’ chambers, the fire crackling softly in the hearth.
My hand rested on my stomach, the pulse of another life steady beneath my palm. He was growing stronger. And so was I.
I had sent word to Yormsborg that I would be remaining in Castleburg for a while. The city needed a ruler present—visible. And I needed answers. The hunger clawing at me wasn’t just the thirst for blood anymore; it was power, clarity, the truth behind the attack on my life, and now, the restlessness that was beginning to whisper through the corridors.
Luther had left earlier to send the message to one of our swiftest vampire messengers, a trusted vampire-kin named Varek. He was quiet, observant, and loya
