The Queen's Champion

Three days after the trials, Elara still couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

She stood in her private garden at dusk, running her fingers along the petals of a newly bloomed hybrid flower. The plant was unlike anything she'd seen before – translucent petals that caught both moonlight and the last rays of sun, creating an ever-shifting rainbow effect. Like everything else in Nocturn lately, it existed in the space between shadow and light.

"Beautiful," she murmured, "but dangerous if we're not careful."

"Much like yourself, my queen."

Elara's hand froze on the flower. She hadn't heard anyone approach – but then again, few could hear Lady Amarantha when she didn't wish to be heard. The vampire noble emerged from between two towering rose bushes, her silver gown catching the dying light like mercury.

"I thought I might find you here." Amarantha's smile was perfect, practiced. "Always tending to your... unusual creations."