Page 10 of Blood Bound

“It’s going to be okay,” Kara says, squeezing my shoulder. “We’ve got this, Ro. All of us.”

“There’s still a lot to discuss, Rowan.” It’s Dad now. “But you’re my daughter, and I love you…no matter what happens.”

I nod, grateful for their support, but I can’t shake the weight of expectation that seems to have settled on my shoulders. As we move to leave, snippets of conversation drift to my ears.

“…could change everything…”

“…dangerous to trust vampires…”

“…the Blackwood girl might be the key…”

I push my glasses up, trying to block out the mix of supportive and doubtful voices. It’s clear the witch community is divided, and I’m somehow at the center of it all.

4

Chapter 4

Rowan

Itake a moment to steady myself as I hesitate on the threshold of the hotel conference room. It’s been chosen as neutral ground for this meeting, and yet still, I can feel the atmosphere beyond the door, a vortex of supernatural tension. It’s been a day since the gathering of the Conclave, and my nerves are a mess. Now, looking into the bland decor of the spacious room, my anxiety hitches higher.

I’ve never seen so many powerful witches and vampires in one place before. It’s like walking into a powder keg with a lit match.

Seraphina glides ahead of us, her head high and her shoulders straight. She exudes an air of calm authority, but I can see the tightness in her bearing. This isn’t going to be a friendly chat over tea and cookies.

“Breathe, Ro,” Kara whispers, squeezing my hand. I try to smile back, but it feels more like a grimace.

As we move further into the room, I sense eyes on me from every direction. Some witches look at me with pity, others with barely concealed suspicion. The vampires are worse – their gazes feel like icy fingers trailing down my spine. I lift my chin, refusing to be cowed.

You’re here for Mia. Nothing else matters.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts. The vampire delegation enters, led by a statuesque woman with a haughty bearing. Arabella Ravenscroft, I realize with a jolt. The Grand Elder herself. Her startling green eyes sweep the room, coolly assessing.

I scan the faces behind her, my pulse quickening. Part of me expects – hopes? – to see Darick among them. But he’s gone. Because of me. The guilt threatens to choke me, but I push it down, forcing my nerves to settle.

I watch as the vampire elders file into the room, each one more intimidating than the last. They move with an eerie grace, their steps silent on the plush carpet. I work to maintain my composure as I take in their pale, perfect faces and predatory gazes.

Behind Arabella, a tall, dark-haired vampire with icy gray eyes strides in. His presence seems to suck the air from the room. Lucien Marlowe, I realize with a jolt. The same vampire who’d unnerved me when we’d last met with the Blood Assembly. My stomach tightens at the sight of his cruel smile.

As the vampires take their seats across from us, the temperature in the room seems to drop. Yet my palms are sweaty, and I rub them against my jeans. My mouth goes dry, and I wish I’d thought to bring water. I probably should have chosen something more formal to wear, too. I feel more out of my depth than ever.

A red-haired vampire catches my eye, her gaze cold and calculating. I swallow hard, my throat clicking audibly in the tense silence.

The last vampire to enter is a broad-shouldered man with close-cropped brown hair. He scans the room before taking his seat next to Lucien. As he sits, his gaze locks onto mine, and I feel my blood pressure spike.

For Pete’s sake, Rowan! Get a grip!

“If everyone is here, shall we begin?” Seraphina looks around at those gathered at the long boardroom table. “It would seem—”

“Just one moment.” Arabella raises a hand. “We’re waiting for one last clan elder.” As she says the words, the door swings open one last time…

And my heart stops.

My world tilts on its axis as Darick strides into the room, looking as alive and powerful as ever. His tall, muscular frame fills the doorway, commanding attention without effort. His thick blond hair is swept back, accentuating the sharp angles of his face. Those ice-blue eyes, which I thought I’d never see again, move over the room with chilled intensity before landing on me.

Oh, my God!

The blood drains from my face, leaving me light-headed and dizzy. The world narrows to a pinpoint, Darick its sole focus. My magic surges, a confused tangle of relief, anger, and something deeper I’m not ready to name.

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