Chapter Eighteen: Forever is a Charm…
Michelle remained by Ana's side until the next evening when she finally awoke with a wide-eyed start. Breathing heavy, Ana pushed open the lid then looked around. She calmed down when she saw Michelle waiting for her.
"I'm sorry. Are you mad?" Ana asked with a terrified expression.
Michelle smiled warmly then shook her head. "No. I could never be mad at you. It wasn't the best circumstances, but it's done."
Getting up Michelle crossed the space to stand in front of Ana, she offered her hand. Ana took it and allowed Michelle to help her to her feet.
"I feel different," Ana said.
"That's just the start. Welcome to the other side," said Michelle.
Ana smiled then pulled Michelle into a long kiss that Michelle happily reciprocated.
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It took convincing for Radu to move to a crypt. The terms were Michelle's regular visits to him at the crypt, to feed and hunt with him. If she missed any appointments with him, he would leave the crypt and destroy everything. Michelle agreed.
The vampire councils' armies were dismantled. Each given a choice by Michelle, join me or die. Some did, some chose the sun. With the council demolished, Michelle took over their areas leaving only Bo Liu to stand in opposition to her. Ana embraced her transformation better than Michelle could have ever hoped for. There was no change, only enhancements to Ana's personality. They agreed after a little time passed this retention of personality was due to how much blood of Michelle's Ana had in her body when Radu turned her. Ana, like Michelle, was a free vampire. She felt the pull of their "master" yet was not compelled like others would have been. Ana also learned to use the serum and makeup to stay in the living world.
With Radu in the crypt, Michelle was able to keep her human business growing, and her parents happy. With Ana by her side, Michelle was able to rule over her vast territories with grace, strength, and terror. Vampires all over the world feared her and pilgrimed to Bucharest to see The Blood Queen on her throne. What they found was Michelle on the throne with Ana by her side.