CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED

The abandoned lobby was a terrifying sight, broken glass and spray paint littering the once glamorous destination, making it look more like a decrepit Halloween attraction than a resort.

What was I doing here? Did Lysander send me here?

Certainly not.

But that would mean that I sent myself here. I didn't know I possessed teleportation, and judging by the look on Lysander's face before I came here, neither did he.

Lysander.

Bastion.

Rory.

Shit, I didn't even know how to get back. What the hell was I supposed to do?

I could ask Lysander for help, but I was afraid. I didn't know if he would even still want anything to do with me after all of the hell I put him through. It was my fault he was in the middle of this in the first place. I couldn't let him deny me. I refused to listen.

I shivered, the stale, cool air kissing my exposed skin. Why the hell was it so cold in here?

I glanced down, a tremble flowing through me when I recognized the tattered remains of my dress. I looked terrible. I attempted to salvage enough material to preserve my modesty, but what was even the point?

I was stuck in Vegas, in an abandoned building, without any of the men I loved beside me.

This was what I deserved.

Honestly, if I were selfless, I would reject my bonds with both my royal and my mate so that they could be free to live without me, but I wasn't the hero type. No, I was quickly becoming the villain in my story. I was disloyal, untrustworthy, unfaithful, and a fucking coward for running when it all came to the light. But I didn't know how else to be.

I was desperate to get away, to run from my problems.

How could I possibly be a Queen when I couldn't even keep my own household together?

I couldn't protect my mate, my royal, or my children. I was scum. Absolute scum.

If I had any tears left to cry, or if I deserved to, I would have. But I didn't. I stayed kneeling on the ground, staring at the pillar that I first met Rory at.

"Do you remember, Rory?" I spoke aloud, laughing humorlessly. "Love at first sight."

But it was fake. All of it was fabricated by a tempting man with a little too much power. A man who would later draw me away from the very man he chose for me, offering me love I had no business receiving.

Ironic.

My children, my mate, my royal, my god; all of them had taken a backseat to my own selfish desires. I was no Queen.

I glanced down at the vibrant seal between my breasts. What a cruel joke.

I lifted my hand, trailing a claw up the ornate image, blood beading down my torso. I didn't react to the pain. I already felt numb, so what was a little cut?

The subtle clicking of shoes on the marble drew my attention, and I glanced up to see a young man approaching me. Both of his arms were covered in fantastical designs, his shoulder length black hair brushing the top of his plain white t-shirt.

He had a devilish smirk hidden behind his stubble, and was approaching me slowly, menacingly.

My survival instincts kicked in when I noticed the black and gray clouds of dark energy surrounding him, and I fell back on my ass, scurrying across the dried blood and leaves that were covering the floor.

"Aria Wilson." He spoke in a smooth, British accent, and I knew immediately that this human worked for Lorec. But how did he even find me?

I had to tell Lysander.

But before I could formulate my next thought, hands grappled me from behind, and a black beaded necklace was fastened to throat.

What the hell?

I fought the binds, trying to channel my strength into my movements, but I felt so damn weak.

"Lysander!" I yelled in my head, hoping it had somehow got through, but he didn't come. Damn it, I needed him. The man was less than ten feet away from me now, and I was shaking like a leaf.

"Lysander!" I shouted aloud this time, but the man only chuckled, pulling his tongue between his teeth.

"Sorry, my darling. He can't hear you."

"What do you want from me?" I tried sounding strong, but it came out in a pathetic plea. I didn't have the energy to fight. The man's face lit up with amusement and he squatted before me, twirling a silver and gold plated ring on his left hand.

"Do you have any idea how long it took us to finally catch you alone? Of course, I surely didn't expect you to be here of all places. It seems the Prince has given you more of his power than we originally thought." His thin lips turned down in a frown, but he kept talking. "Regardless, Mr. Bennet will be most pleased at your arrival to the Palace."

My eyes grew wide. No! It was one thing for me to come along on my own two feet, but they were making me a prisoner. I was going to be dragged there.

"Let me go!" I shrieked, thrashing violently, catching glass with my flailing legs, making them bleed.

"Koimao." The man whispered, a puff of black smoke pouring from his lips and burning like embers against my skin. It was my first real experience with dark magic, and I was helpless against it.

My lids grew heavy, and I could no longer keep them open. As darkness consumed me, I heard a muffled voice cry out my name.

Lysander.

I'm sorry that I couldn't be the Queen you wanted.

"Love?"