From Ashes To Queen: Now I Call The Shots Novels & Stories

“Stop worrying. They’re not going to find you.” “Oh really? It seems you don’t know how dangerous Lucas and Simon are, despite living with them. Just get to the point.” “Fine. The elders' council just passed a verdict that’s very difficult for me.” “What is it?” “They stripped me of my title as Queen, all because of that wretched Ashley.” “Who’s Ashley?” “Have you forgotten? The slave that Simon and Lucas brought into the house back then.” “Oh, the beautiful slave who threatened to take the kings away from you back then.”

"I think I’m going to watch her change everything." Daniel raised his glass. "To the queen’s return." Adrian remained silent. He simply stood there and observed as Natalie Evans turned, smiled at her people, and stepped further into the light—ready to carve a new path through the same world that had previously consumed her.

I whispered. Leo cracked his knuckles. “Then let’s make sure she regrets it.” Dante’s hand found mine again, a silent vow between us. “This war isn’t just mine to fight. It’s ours.” I squeezed his fingers, drawing strength from the promise. As the city stirred behind the walls of power, I felt the first true fire of my reign ignite — not the fire of destruction, but the fire of fierce, unyielding resolve. I was queen of ashes, yes.

Because I'd already learned how to rise from ash. Final line: They didn't come looking for a queen. They came for the fire. And I... I was already burning.

“You are heir to more than Sterling blood. You are heir to the forgotten throne. Heir of the goddess cast aside.” Her throat tightened. “No… I’m just—” “You are the flame reborn,” the spirit interrupted, voice fierce. “And the world will bow. Ash to ash. Fire to fire. You will rise, or you will burn.” The fire surged higher, enveloping her in light. She felt heat course through her veins, fierce but not destroying. It was power. Claiming her. Becoming her. Tears blurred her vision. “I can’t—” “You already are,” the spirit whispered. “Queen of the Ashes. Heir of the Forgotten Goddess.”

Asher called out. "Yes Asher." Miranda replied. "I'll see you soon. Okay?" Asher promised. "Just hurry, because if I meet the woodsman, you don't stand a chance." Miranda advised playfully. "He doesn't worry me." Asher reassured smugly and confidently. "Hubris kills." Miranda's playful tone began to morph into a nervous note. "So does a broken heart." Asher replied, his tone running soft and losing it's playful air as well. "Asher-"

Immediately, the phantom that had been locked in combat with the Vampire Queen's spiritual projection snapped back to her body. Then, Shiloh launched herself forward. The Vampire Queen's spiritual form likewise returned to her physical body. She let out a mocking laugh as massive wings unfurled from her back, stretching wide enough to blot out the sky. With Andrew dangling from her grip, she slowly rose into the air, her presence radiating outward from the great hall as her thunderous voice echoed everywhere. She declared, "I'm the ruler of this world. All of you rebels will die!" As her words rang out, the Dark Clans outside the palace received another surge of power.

She stood. Faced the open sky. And said: “Then let them see what it means to kneel.” The music of war had ended. The silence of power had begun. And over it all, one name remained. Amara Varela. Queen of Ash. Queen of Blood. Queen of Ruin.

Ashley looked down at her hand again. "Shit," she said. She looked up at Kate, looking strangely apologetic. How deep were those two in? "Shit shit shit. I call," Ashley said, "I have to have to call." She kinda squeezed her legs in and out as she said it, as if punctuating her point. Kate just sighed in disgust and tossed her card on the ground. Ashley was clearly conflicted. She flipped over her card. Queen. How appropriate. Emma just closed her eyes and sighed. Kate let out a little giggle.

“But this time… I’m the one with the knife.” She folded the report shut and placed it neatly in her drawer, locking it with a quiet click. Then she walked toward the window and pulled back the curtain. The city was alive beneath her, glittering like a thousand fragile lies. She was done being haunted. She wasn’t going to fall again. She would burn him slowly, elegantly, methodically until he had nothing left but regrets and the ruins of a kingdom he thought he built alone. And this time… She wouldn’t stop until the ashes bore her name.