Blood and Snow 11: Resolved to Rule Read Online Free Page B

asked quietly.
    What kind of question was that? Of course not. I wanted to be me. Snow White. I had no desire to be anything else. “No.” I shook my head.
    “But you know you’ll never be just a girl ever again. That you never were an ordinary girl. You were destined to be more from the moment you were born. So why not be the Vampire Queen?”
    I sputtered. “Do you want Sharra to take over my body?” She made it sound like I had a choice in the matter. That I could decide to be the Vampire Queen and Sharra would no longer exist.
     

Chapter 7
     
    “That’s the thing,” she began, her voice soft against my ear. “With the power of the Seal, I don’t think Sharra will be able to push you out. And when you destroy her, someone will need to rule in her place. You must be resolved to rule. It’s your destiny.”
    “I think destiny is just another word used to force others into doing what they think is best.”
    She glanced at me sideways. “You’re wrong. Destiny happens in spite of your choices. One day you’ll understand.”
    There was no point arguing. But I was sick of the word—destiny—and the others that went with it.
    The elevator stopped. A bright rectangle of light pulsed on the other side of the opening. I remembered how Silindra journeyed by light to get to Crystal City—the home of the elves. Silindra didn’t like it.
    “Are we going somewhere by light?” I asked, pointing.
    “Yes, it’s how elves travel and this is the only way to reach your friends.” I started to speak, but she quickly continued, “Travelling by light doesn’t hurt. I promise.”
    I snorted. “That’s not what Silindra said.”
    She made a noise like a gasping fish. “How would you even know that?”
    I leaned my shoulder against hers, and spoke softly, “I spent some time with her.”
    My mom’s eyes widened. “That. Isn’t. Possible.” She enunciated each word, as though that would help me comprehend that what I said was impossible.
    “It may not seem doable, but it happened. I was with Silindra when the Seal was created. I went with her to see your father in Crystal City. She went by light. And it didn’t tickle, that’s for sure.” I shrugged.
    “Silindra died a thousand years ago. Last I checked you’re barely eighteen.” My mother gave me a pointed look.
    Should I tell her, explain how, after the Seal killed Oberon, it took me back in time. That I helped Silindra create the Seal, that I witnessed her death. “Believe me when I say, it’s possible, it occurred, and the events that arose while with the Vampire Queen’s twin sister won’t be easily forgotten.”
    She smiled nervously. “That’s a story I’m anxious to hear.” She tucked a piece of wayward hair behind my ears. “Let’s get your friends, and get out of here.” She pointed toward the sheet of light. “Ready.”
    I forced back a shudder. “Not really.”
    My mother grasped my hand in hers. “Let’s do it together.”
    As one, we stepped into the light. I closed my eyes. Gritted my teeth. The smell of daffodils filled the air. My mother was squeezing my hand like her life depended on it.
    The light vanished, and I glanced over. Her features were scrunched in pain. I opened my mouth to tease her. By her expression, it was obvious the method hurt (even though it hadn’t really hurt, just felt weird, like I was pulled apart and put back together again). But my gaze fell to her other hand, the one not squeezing mine. It was wrapped around the handle of a knife protruding from her chest. Blue blood obscured her fingers and dripped down her wetsuit-like clothing.
    “Mom,” I cried, helping her lower herself to the ground. Frantic I looked to see if anyone was around, but there wasn’t.
    “Snow.” Blood gurgled from her mouth. “You must find the—”
    “The what?” I asked, kneeling next to her. No way would I be losing her. The power of the Seal would heal her the way it healed Christopher. I just needed to do like