70. Face to face

(Vera)

"Your queen is dying."

"NO. I am not." Nova looked smug as hell. My claws lengthened as I looked around the room, my eyes assessing everyone. I didn't know who talked, but I had a feeling they were hiding in the crowd.

I closed my eyes as I felt the magic of the crown. A soft chant left my lips. "Please protect them, Freyr," I whispered as I shook my head.

There was another loud, thunderous explosion that rocked the ballroom, causing the chandeliers to sway and the guests to scream in terror. I stood up, my heart jolting in anger. I had anticipated this, but it still made me angry.

Chaos erupted around as people scattered away from their seat and clamored around in fear. There was too much noise, too many people, but I knew that I had to stay calm. I looked at my family and friends in the front of the line and they all nodded as I saw them moving between the panicked people, trying to talk to them and calm them.

Mateo immediately stepped in front of me, shielding me from harm,