Crooked Kingdom By Leigh Bardugo Novels & Stories

Shawn pursed his lips then said, “I guess this queen really has many dead bodies on her hands.” Aldridge nodded his head, “To be exact, the number is…” he started and rummaged through a black leather book on his desk. He stopped on a page, ran his right index finger down it and stopped in the middle, he shut the book and continued, “One hundred and ninety-nine, that I know of.” Shawn’s brows shot up surprised, “And the king just let her be?” Aldridge nodded his head, “I did ask him about this because he had the previous man in charge cover up the case and he said that she did anything and everything to secure her position and it is only a matter of time that he dies at her hands.”

Laleh was the perfect ally—fueled by vengeance and with nothing left to lose. I found myself in the dank, dimly lit lair of the Rogue King, a man as notorious as they come, but even notorious men have their prices. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the barely concealed fear of his minions. Perfect. "Alpha Leo," the Rogue King greeted, a wary edge to his voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" I leaned back in the rickety chair he offered, making sure my disdain for the surroundings was clear. "Straight to business," I said, my voice dripping with authority. "I need a favor—a destructive one."

Barely restrained curiosity echoed in my mind. “Take out the fluff, and I’ll fill in the missing details,” I smirked nastily. That’s why I still roam these streets. To cause chaos, to ruin history, to avenge my grandmother. Yes, that’s my purpose. I need to know what happened at the Battle of Karana. It's the only way I can fulfill my grandma's last wishes, and make the empire repent for what they did to her dignity as a magician. As a woman with power. After all, revenge is for the living.

"You've built something, Ava. I won't pretend otherwise. The question I brought you here to answer is simple: what is it, exactly, and who does it answer to?" "It answers to itself." I say it plainly, the way Daniel told me to, no hedging, no softening. "Not to Marcus. Not to any Alpha's territory. Every person standing here chose to be here, and every person standing here has the right to leave whenever they choose. That's not a threat to your authority, Garrick. It's just not built on the same foundation your authority is." "An interesting distinction. Also, from where I stand, a dangerous one." He doesn't raise his voice, doesn't need to. "Packs that answer to nothing set a precedent othe

"This is Vandamonth, the third-largest kingdom in the nation. This kingdom has the most sagacious rulers, including greedy King Jarob. I needed the fealty of this man, Jarob. His kingdom stands as the largest in the north, and he could easily eliminate us in battle. But that shall not happen anytime soon. Because I married his daughter, Jazell, I made her my second wife. Jarob Makaah swore fealty to me, even to death. "Ragaleon's voice became strategic. "This is Samaria, the fourth largest kingdom in terms of population," he said, pointing towards the eastern side of the map.

The bodyguard following him snapped, “How dare you?! The pup Mr. Hoills’s sister is carrying is born to be his heir! How could you call it an illegitimate child?!” Someone sucked in a sharp breath. “What?! Hoills, the Lycan Chairman who rules over all packs?!”

The pendant was now where it needed to be, and Brooks had unknowingly taken the first step toward the destiny that had been waiting for her since before she was born. Over the following days, Dagon quietly watched events unfold from the shadows, learning everything he could about the kingdom that had risen from the ashes of his own. He heard about Kieran's death. He learned that Levi had taken the throne. He also heard what had been broadcast from the palace and to the people about the old man and the White Wolves. Dagon wasn't surprised at all. He hadn't expected anything different. Levi was Kieran's son after all. And as far as Dagon was concerned, that alone was enough to explain everythi

"If if if. You can if yourself to death. Or you can accept what happened and move forward." "I don't want to move forward without him." "Then you dishonor his sacrifice. He died so you could save your children. So you could live. Don't waste that." She's right. I hate that she's right. On day ten, I can walk without falling. Run without pain. Use my magic without it flickering out. "You're ready," the witch says. "To go home?" "To face what comes next." "What comes next?" "The kingdom is in chaos. Caius is dead. You and Damon are the only remaining royalty. The council is demanding answers. Decisions. Leadership."

"Yes?" "If they ever assign you a cubicle, take a picture. I want to frame it to prove you survived corporate captivity." His smile carried him all the way down the grand hallway. Unfortunately, the Ashcroft estate possessed another inescapable hazard: Victor Ashcroft. Victor possessed an uncanny, radar-like ability to detect any trace of unearned optimism in his son-in-law and immediately summon him for cross-examination. "Ethan." The deep, resonant voice cut through the corridor from the open study doors. Ethan stopped, took a steadying breath, and turned. "Yes, Dad?"

She directed her gaze to a particular person sitting at the front who was already shaking in fear. "Our terms are that you all desert your positions and bow down to us right away because from now on, we are taking over. I will be your queen, while my dear Ash here will be your King. Or you refuse, and my entire army will make sure that none of you gets out of here alive. So, will you all agree to our terms or not?" She asked them with a mischievous smirk on her face. The hall went silent. Dead Silent! * * * * BOOK 2 ON THE WAY!! (Vengeance on the cruel Alpha King ) -THE END-