Page 38 of Blood Bound

As we wind through the labyrinth of corridors, my apprehension grows. What if Arabella knows about my state? About the Bloodbane? The consequences of such knowledge becoming public would be catastrophic.

We reach the antechamber, and the attendant leaves me at the door to Arabella’s inner sanctum. I steady myself, pushing away thoughts of Rowan, of Lucien, of all the complications that have arisen in the past few days.

Whatever Arabella wants, I’ll face it head-on. I have to.

I enter Arabella’s chamber, the glass ceiling revealing a waning moon. The light of it catches her hair, creating a halo around her ageless face. Despite her beauty, there’s no warmth in her eyes as they fix on me.

“Darick,” she says, her voice carrying the weight of centuries. “I trust you know why I’ve summoned you.”

I bow my head slightly, a gesture of respect rather than submission. “I’m afraid I don’t, Grand Elder.”

She raises an eyebrow, her lips curving into a humorless smile. “No? Then perhaps you can explain your recent…dalliances with witches.”

My jaw clenches involuntarily. How much does she know? I force myself to relax, to appear nonchalant. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Don’t play coy with me, Darick,” Arabella snaps, her patience clearly wearing thin. “You were seen at the Nocturne Lounge tonight, feeding from a witch. And there are rumors of a more…intimate connection with another.”

Shit. Word spreads fast.

I feel a flicker of panic but squash it ruthlessly. I can’t let her see how much this affects me. “The witch at the Nocturne was nothing more than a convenient meal,” I say, infusing my voice with boredom. “As for the other rumors, they’re just that – rumors.”

Arabella’s eyes narrow. “Are they? Because I’ve heard some very interesting things about a certain Rowan Blackwood.”

The sound of Rowan’s name on Arabella’s lips sends a jolt through me. I struggle to keep my face impassive. “The Blackwood witch? I’ve had some interactions with her, yes. But only in the context of our ongoing negotiations with the covens.”

“Is that so?” Arabella leans forward, her gaze sharp, astute. “Then why do I sense there’s more to this story, Darick? What aren’t you telling me?”

“With respect, Grand Elder, I think this attention is misdirected.”

“What makes you say that?” She cocks her head, an eyebrow raised.

“At our last meeting, I raised concerns that I was hoping would be addressed, Grand Elder.”

“About Lord Marlow.” She eyes me coolly. “I haven’t forgotten that, Darick. In fact, I’d thought that by now, you’d have the information you promised.”

Fuck.

“I’m working on gathering that evidence, Grand Elder. These things take time.”

Arabella’s eyes narrow. “Time is a luxury we may not have, Darick. If Lucien is indeed behind the attack on the Starlight Vigil, we need proof. Now.”

I struggle to keep my composure. How can I explain the delicate web I’m trying to untangle without revealing my own vulnerabilities? Marcus, Selene, and Elias are working tirelessly, but Lucien is as cunning as he is ruthless.

“I understand your urgency,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “But Lucien is not an easy target. He covers his tracks well.”

“And yet you were so certain when you came to me before. What’s changed?” Her expression is calculating.

“Nothing’s changed,” I insist, perhaps too forcefully. “Lucien is a threat to our kind. His actions, his ambitions – they put us all at risk. I’m more convinced of this than ever.”

“Convictions without proof are dangerous, Darick,” Arabella says, her voice sharp. “I expected better from you.”

Her words sting, but I push on. “Give me more time. I have allies working on this. We will uncover the truth.”

Arabella’s expression hardens. “Your lack of progress is…disappointing.”

I feel my temper flaring. “With all due respect, Grand Elder, this situation is more complex than you realize. Lucien’s influence runs deep. We can’t afford to move hastily and tip our hand.”

“And you can’t afford to level accusations without evidence,” Arabella counters. “I need more than your assurances, Darick. I need you to back up your claims. You worry about war, yet your own behavior makes it look like you’re angling for one – with your own kind.”

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