Page 29 of Blood Bound

Despite the seriousness of our mission, I can’t help but feel a tingle of anticipation. For the first time in months, we’re not just sitting around hoping for news about Mia – we’re actually doing something. And just as importantly, I’m being useful.

“You know,” I say, leaning back in my chair, “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m kind of looking forward to playing dress-up for once.”

Kara’s eyes widen in mock surprise. “Who are you, and what have you done with my sister?”

I laugh, flicking a sugar packet at her. “Hey, I can be fun sometimes!”

“Sure, if by ‘fun’ you mean ‘buried in a book with Poppy nesting in your hair,’” Kara teases.

“That was one time!” I protest, but I’m smiling. It feels good to joke around with Kara like this; it feels like a lifetime since any of us has been lighthearted.

As we continue planning, I feel the bond between us growing stronger. It’s been so long since we’ve worked together on something, and I’d forgotten how well we complement each other. Kara’s strategic mind and my newfound powers – we might actually have a shot at this.

For a moment, I consider telling her about Darick’s visit last night. The words are on the tip of my tongue, but I hesitate. Would she understand? Or would she think I’m falling for his manipulations again?

I watch Kara as she excitedly outlines our next steps, her eyes bright with eagerness. No, I decide. I can’t risk ruining this moment. Besides, what good would it do? Darick’s offer doesn’t change anything. We don’t need him.

Still, as I nod along with Kara’s ideas, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m keeping something important from her. The secret sits heavy in my chest, a small shadow on our otherwise bright mood.

As Kara and I finalize our plans, excitement and nervousness bubble up inside me. We’re really doing this – sneaking into a vampire club to gather intel on Mia. It’s dangerous, probably reckless, but it feels good to finally take action.

“Okay, so we’ll meet back at my place at eight,” Kara says, scribbling in her notebook. “That should give us enough time to get ready and cast our protection spells before heading to the Nocturne Lounge.”

I nod, my stomach doing a little flip. “Right. And you’re sure you can get us in?”

Kara grins, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Trust me, sis. I’ve got connections. Just bring that magical mojo of yours, and we’ll be golden.”

As we gather our things to leave, I can’t help but feel a surge of affection for my sister. Despite everything we’ve been through, she’s still the same fearless, determined Kara I’ve always loved so much.

“Hey,” I say, catching her arm as we step outside. “Thanks for not giving up on Mia. And for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Kara’s expression softens, and she pulls me into a quick hug. “Always, Ro. I’ve always known you had it in you. You’re special. I can feel it.”

Her words melt my heart a little, and as we part ways, I feel a strange combination of emotions. There’s the thrill of adventure, the hope that we might finally get answers about our sister. But there’s also a nagging fear in the pit of my stomach. We’re diving headfirst into vampire territory, armed with little more than my unpredictable magic and Kara’s wit.

I can only pray we make it out of there.

10

Chapter 10

Darick

Istep into the hidden elevator, the keypad’s soft glow illuminating my face as I enter the code. The descent is smooth, almost imperceptible, but I feel the weight of the earth above me growing with each passing second. As the glass doors of the main entrance slide open, the pulsing rhythm of the Nocturne Lounge envelops me.

The air is laced with the scent of expensive perfumes, aged liquor, and something darker — the unmistakable undercurrent of power. My eyes adjust quickly to the dim lighting, taking in the sleek, modern furnishings that combine beautifully with the ancient stone walls. It’s a perfect blend of old and new, much like us vampires.

I make my way through the crowd, nodding to familiar faces. The patrons here are a mix of the supernatural elite and those humans privileged enough to be in the know. They part before me, some out of respect, others out of fear. I can smell their curiosity, their desire to be noticed by someone of my status.

“Are you sure about this?” Marcus shoots a look at me as we head deeper into the dim interior of the club.

“No, I’m not sure,” I mutter. “But, as you keep pointing out, I’m running out of options. The sooner I have a solution, the sooner I can focus on what’s important.”

“I’d say that survival is pretty important, Darick.” Marcus glances around us. “A booth for the evening?”

I shake my head. “I don’t plan to be here that long.”

The bar catches my eye, its shelves gleaming with rare spirits that would make any connoisseur weep. But it’s not alcohol I’m here for tonight. My gaze sweeps the room, searching for a particular type of company. I need to feed, and it has to be witch blood. The thought makes me grind my teeth. It should be Rowan’s blood, but she’s made her stance clear.

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