Page 26 of To Dwell in Shadows (Shadows of Aurelia #2)

T he moment they realized they were dining beside a vampire-killer, both Empusa and Blight’s eyes lit up.

“Oh ho, that definitely counts as a vice of ruin!” Empusa cried excitedly. “Give us all a bit of sustenance. Spare no detail.”

Slowly, and as gruesomely as she could, Selene described the encounter with Margery. How she and Sam were tricked. How Sam was injured. How Margery tried to bite her. And how Selene’s rage summoned shadows to her aid.

Blight gasped. “But how could a human have the gift of shadow manipulation?”

“From her mate, you simpleton.” Empusa scoffed. “Didn’t you see her tame that hydra at the banquet?”

“But I didn’t know Prince Samael was my mate at the time,” Selene added. She could feel Lamia’s eyes on her, so she continued, “He had fond memories of learning the shadows from Queen Lamia, and I was grateful even a sliver of that power transferred to me. It saved my life.”

“Or perhaps Sam sent them to protect you,” Lamia said sweetly .

Selene gritted her teeth. “He was unconscious, but that’s a lovely thought.”

“What did it feel like sinking the stake in?” Blight asked, rubbing his bony palms together. “Did you do it quick and neat? Or slow and languorous?”

“How much blood was there?” Empusa asked, vying for Selene’s attention. “Did the vampire expel the life fluid of all those she had consumed?”

The moment she had killed Margery had replayed in Selene’s dreams many times.

“There was no blood. What I remember most is how her face changed. When the stake went in, Margery’s expression was surprised.

Then confused. Then at peace. I wasn’t sure what had happened at first. But when she stopped moving, I knew. She was truly dead.”

“Ah, your first murder,” Empusa cooed.

“And what of the corpse?” Blight asked.

“Her body turned to dust when the sun rose. All that was left were her clothes.”

Empusa practically panted over that detail. “Fascinating. Do vampires still remain in Aurelia?

“Yes, they do,” Lamia snapped, unexpectedly. “And my sisters handle them just fine. Queen Thema is resting—otherwise, I’d summon her to tell you herself.”

She turned her gaze on Selene. “I never intended for their immortality to end at the tip of a stake. Surely, there was another way to defeat her that night.”

Selene looked down, feeling completely intimidated. “I wish there had been.”

“Bah. Violence can solve any problem,” Empusa said firmly. “You did well, human.”

“I disagree,” Lamia said coolly. She took a sip of wine, then set the goblet down with precision. “It’s important for a demon’s mate to have skills in diplomacy, as well as strategy and wisdom. Confidence, strength, and charisma. But so far, I haven’t seen evidence that you have any of those.”

Selene blinked at the boldness of her words, then swallowed at their impact. She had endured years of insults from her mother, but rarely had they landed with such precision. “I’m sorry you feel that way,” she said quietly.

“As am I,” Lamia replied. “If I must indulge my son’s infatuation with you, then I believe he would benefit from a second wife—one better suited to his nature.”

The words hit Selene like a punch to the gut. “But I’m his fated mate.”

“He can still take another bride.”

“Vanthee would be an excellent choice, my queen,” Mammon said, spitting out bits of food with every syllable.

“You look pale Selene. Do you believe your love is not strong enough to welcome a second wife?” Lamia asked.

“It’s not something we ever talked about.”

Empusa glanced between Selene and Lamia like she was watching a thrilling tennis match. “I know—let’s play a game,” she said, practically bouncing in her seat. “Human, tell us why you should be the prince’s only bride.”

“Well, I… ” Selene’s mouth went dry. Her mind blanked.

Why was she the better choice?

On paper, they didn’t add up: demon and human, light and shadow, calm and chaos. But somehow, they worked . She brought him peace. He gave her fire.

But sitting there now, under the weight of their judgmental eyes, she was struggling to articulate that. And why someone as ordinary as her could possibly be a better partner to Sam than the beautiful, powerful, and thoroughly demonic Vanthee.

Lamia’s stare remained fixed and unflinching. Selene fumbled for something— anything —to say. But then her gaze shifted, just past Selene’s shoulder.

Asmodeus and Sam returned to the room, their expressions grim .

“Well?” Blight asked.

“Empusa was right,” Asmodeus said. “A creeping rot is spreading through the land. We didn’t touch it, but the look of it is abominable. It’s clinging to the edges of two lakes now.”

“We must stop it!” Mammon said, spraying crumbs.

“For once, I agree with him.” Empusa muttered.

“Let’s send a few imps to touch it. Then we can monitor their reactions and track the process of the disease,” Lamia said.

“No,” Sam protested. “Mother, that is cruel.”

Lamia rolled her eyes. “Oh, Sam. You’re far too merciful at times.”

“Listen, everyone. The rot is a concern, but fear not.” Asmodeus crossed his arms, grinning. “I know when it will disappear.”

“When?” cried Blight.

Asmodeus cast a proud glance at Sam. “Once we crown the Dark Sovereign.”