Hexed Blood

By Stasia Huth-Fretz

The truth of the origins of werewolves and vampires is one full of sacrifice, blood and carnage...but if you still want to know the truth then read on.

Two siblings enter the Queen's castle.
One comes out in chains.
The other stays and is groomed as a knight.

One cursed by blood.
The other cursed by the moon.
Both cursed by the Queen.

While they try to survive and take care of each other, hatred rises, twisting hearts and minds until only one thought remains.

Kill the Queen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781682228968

Book preview

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Chapter 1

The year 1425

Ileana walked unsteadily towards the Queen, her leather shoes soft against the cold marble floor. She clutched fearfully to her two children. Her four-year-old son, Mihai, clawed her hand in a pathetic attempt to climb up her, leaving red marks in his path. He looked so much like his deceased father, with his floppy brown hair, sky blue eyes, and skin that never lost its tan. Her beautiful ten-year-old daughter, Titiana, bared her teeth at the Queen. The girl’s hair was full and hung down her back in waves. Her eyes were the same blue as her brother’s, but were set above a pouting mouth. Her skin was like Ileana’s own; the sun never seemed to shine on it, but when sunrays hit, it was left an angry red.

Respect, Titiana, Ileana murmured, squeezing her daughter’s hand until the girl whimpered.

They were drowning in the city; food was scarce and money nonexistent, but the Queen’s offer of a family portrait for free, from the goodness of her heart, could not be refused. So, they had dug up their best church clothes. The painting had taken three days to complete, but it was finally done, now sitting out to dry. The Queen had asked them to make their presence known before her when they were getting ready to leave.

Ileana now glowed in the warmth of the gift and gratitude for the Queen. Then she noticed all the armed guards, including the ones guarding the door. She had been in the presence of the Queen before and those soldiers had never been around. Her inner warmth faded.

She and her children stood before the Queen. Ileana knew the Queen was nicknamed Her Cruelness and had heard the rumors that the Queen practiced witchcraft. She knew the Queen had taken in children before, and those children had never returned. Ileana didn’t believe in witchcraft; it was not of her religion. Now, though, her faith was waning.

The little family bowed deeply to the Queen. Ileana’s back ached as she stared at the faded marble floor. The castle was grand and frightening. Women and men, contorted with animals, were the pillars that held up the rock dome ceiling, which itself was painted with dancing devils and demons drinking. A red carpet rolled up to the throne; its purplish stains did not set her heart at ease. The throne itself was carved from a strange red stone and bore a pure white cushion. Prancing cherub angels lined the walls—their necks and wrists were chained, yet they seemed unaware of their confinement. The chains interconnected into a single strand that disappeared behind the Queen’s throne. The smell of oil, the taste of stale air, and the clink of armor from the shifting soldiers … She started when the Queen spoke.

Rise, oh do rise.

They did. Mihai tried subtly to hide behind his mother’s skirt, but Ileana pulled him back to her side. He growled and dug his sharp claw-like nails into her skin until she was sure it was broken. Pain spiked through her hand and Ileana turned red at her son’s chicken heart.

She looked up at the Queen. The royal’s golden hair was twisted behind her head, leaving her face sharp and emphasizing the slight crook in her nose. Her crown, wrapped with large jewels, jutted from the tight golden mass. Her gown, like the carpet, was a deep red—like crusted blood—with white silk under it. Her nails, on the ends of long fingers, were painted the same disturbing shade. The Queen’s aura was dark, and yet her outer self was sweet and pleasant.

The Queen laughed, delighted. Ah, what sharp claws you have, little boy. Yes, I see what demon shall possess him. She turned to Titiana. And what black abyss lies in your soul, pure one?

Demon? Black abyss? How dare she insult my children! Ileana opened her mouth to say so, but a sharp look silenced her, as if the Queen had sewn her mouth shut. Anger and fear burned in Ileana’s heart. A clink of armor told her the soldiers had come forward a few steps. She froze.

She noted that her daughter was watching the Queen, head silently cocked. You look like an angel, Titiana commented lightly. But your heart reeks of a festering soul.

The queen’s face turned solemn. Titiana again bared her teeth, this time in a predatory smile, seeming pleased.

Ileana paled and quickly silenced her daughter. Heart thudding, she felt sweat break out on her forehead. My Queen, forgive her. My daughter has a devil’s tongue.

The Queen sat back in her throne, a twisted look on her face. Yes, Ileana saw the festering soul behind the angel guise that her daughter spoke of. The urge to run almost overtook her.

The Queen suddenly straightened, a joyful smile cracking her stone cold face. It changed her, transforming her into a creature so beautiful it hurt to stare. Guards, bring me my alchemist, she ordered.

The two black knights guarding her side dispersed quickly at her command.

The fewer guards the better, thought Ileana. The thought gave her hope that if they had to fight to leave, they had a better chance. Hope is a fool’s last resort, came a second thought.

The knights returned with a velvet box. One bowed while handing it to the Queen. She gave thanks and set it on a strange golden table the second knight had brought. Ileana wondered how the twisted legs kept the table upright.

The Queen beckoned Mihai closer with a curved finger, her smile razor sharp. The boy flinched and cowered. He tilted his head down, hiding behind his hair. A slight tremble overtook him.

Go, my son. Ileana urged, resisting the temptation to keep him by her side. Her gaze went back to the two black knights in front of her, and then she glanced behind her. All the knights had on their hands on their swords. She would surely be punished. Or worse.

Mihai let out a whimper as he stepped forward, still clutching his mother’s hand and skirts. Titiana stiffened as she watched her brother warily, alternately glancing at the Queen.

The Queen called the boy closer.

Mihai let go of Ileana’s hand reluctantly and went before the Queen.

Ileana’s hand felt instantly cold without him.

Titiana let out a tiny gasp and launched herself toward her brother, her blue cotton dress flying behind her. Mihai! she cried in fear. She latched onto her brother from behind in restraint, to keep him from going further. She clearly feared the Queen more than punishment from her mother.

Ileana swallowed but did not move to retrieve her children. Her hands itched to have them close and her heart burned in anger for them making her look like a fool. But she was fearful under it all.

The Queen carefully pried open the box lid and took out a bottle of dark, thick-looking red liquid and a curved bone dagger in the shape of a claw. She turned towards the children. Quicker then what should have been possible, she grabbed Mihai’s arm, pulled him up to her, and dragged the claw dagger across his forearm, leaving a trail of blood in its wake.

With claws like a wolf, a wolf you shall become, the Queen whispered, looking into his eyes, with hers aglow. Her hair fluttered softly. A painful static filled the air, making it hard to breathe. I create you, so I command you. Mihai, the Wolf, your soul is mine.

Mihai screamed in pain and fell to the