England, 1123

Stone Crest Castle

If Danielle had known what she would become, she would have plunged the dagger in Gabrielle's heart when she'd had the chance. That decision had cost her her soul, and she paid for it every day. She didn't like what she had become, but her mother had told her that in order to survive one had to adjust.

Danielle had certainly adjusted.

As she stared through the growing darkness at the imposing mass of stone that was Stone Crest castle, she thought about the people within its thick walls. A shiver raced over her skin, but it wasn't due to the icy night air. She had finally found Gabriel. And it was time he paid for his crimes.

Danielle smiled and pulled the hood of her cloak up to cover her head and face. Getting into the castle wasn't going to be easy, but she was certainly up to the challenge. After all, she had waited nearly an eternity to see the look on Gabriel's face when she confronted him.

"Gloating already?"

Danielle stiffened until she felt the familiar wash of air as He moved around her. He might not have a form, but he was the most powerful being in any of the realms.

"I know I shouldn't," she answered as she kept her eyes on the castle.

A tsking sound came from behind her then a warmth enveloped her. "My dear, Danielle, did I teach you nothing?"

She smiled and breathed deeply. "You taught me to survive, and for that I owe you everything."

"Do you think I kept you alive just so you could out your revenge against Gabriel?"

For the first time in centuries, Danielle felt a gnawing of worry. "I assumed so, aye," she said softly.

"That was part of it, my dear," he whispered in her ear. "However, once I regain my form, I'm going to need a queen, someone who knows how to rule with beauty, grace, and the iron fist of vengeance. In other words, Danielle, I need you."

Danielle didn't know what to say. For too many years all she had cared about was finding Gabriel and killing him. Never had she thought about a husband or a family. It had always been about Gabriel.

As if reading her mind, He asked, "Just what had you planned on doing once you killed Gabriel?"

"I don't know. I've never thought about it."

"I think the time has come for you to think about many things. My mission is nearly complete. For the first time since time began, evil will dominate the realms. No longer will good triumph and punish. It will be our time. Think about it."

And just as suddenly as He had appeared, He vanished. Danielle pushed aside His words. She needed to focus on Gabriel, on finding him and sinking her blade deep into his heart as he had done to her so very long ago.