Page 60 of Blood Bound

Arabella’s gaze is cool, almost dismissive. “Patterns and coincidences are not proof, Lord Drake. And frankly, whether Lucien is involved or not is becoming less relevant to me by the minute.”

I stare at her, unable to hide my shock. Is she really saying what I think she’s saying? The implication hangs in the air, heavy and unsettling. It’s clear that Arabella doesn’t care about the witch situation, regardless of who’s behind it.

This bothers me more than anything. If Arabella, our Grand Elder, is this indifferent to the growing conflict between our kind, what hope do we have of preventing all-out war?

“Lady Ravenscroft, do I need to remind you of what’s at stake?” I say, keeping my voice studiously neutral. A war with the witches would inevitably lead to conflict with the humans. It’s taken us generations to reach the point where we can live this life.” I sweep a hand to the door that leads to the club beyond. “Lucien’s scheming threatens all of that.”

“Frankly, I think that Lucien threatens you, Lord Drake,” Arabella snaps. “And I don’t have time to waste on clan squabbles. Get your house in order.”

I hold my tongue. Arabella’s dismissive attitude is infuriating, but I can’t afford to lose my temper. Not now, when everything is hanging by a thread.

“Grand Elder, if I may,” Selene interjects. “While clan disputes are indeed beneath your concern, I am worried that we’re overlooking a larger issue here.”

Arabella’s eyes narrow, but she nods for Selene to continue.

“Lucien’s ambitions extend far beyond mere inter-clan squabbles,” Selene says, her gaze steady. “We have reason to believe he’s positioning himself to challenge the very structure of our society…including your position, Lady Ravenscroft.”

The room goes deathly quiet. I watch Arabella carefully, noting the slight tightening around her eyes. She’s listening now, really listening.

“That’s a bold claim, Lady Nightshade,” Arabella says, her voice dangerously soft. “I hope you have something to back it up.”

Selene nods. “We’ve compiled a dossier of Lucien’s recent activities. His alliances, his business dealings, the way he’s been courting certain…influential parties. Parties who could undermine your seat if they were to pool their resources.”

As Selene speaks, Arabella’s dismissive attitude from earlier is gone, replaced by a sharp, calculating look.

“And you believe all of this points to a play for power? My power,” Arabella asks, her voice carefully neutral.

“We do,” I interrupt, seizing the moment. “Lucien’s not just gathering influence; he’s systematically undermining the foundations of our society. The Bloodbane crisis, the witch conflicts – they’re all part of his plan to create chaos. And in that chaos…”

“You think he plans to seize control,” Arabella finishes, her eyes meeting mine.

“I do, my Lady.” I dip my head.

She settles back into her seat, lips pursing as she stares off into the distance for a moment.

I watch Arabella carefully, sensing a shift in her demeanor. For a moment, I dare to hope we’re finally getting through to her.

But then she turns her gaze on me, a hint of something unsettling in her eyes. “And what of your own motivations, Lord Drake? It seems you have…personal reasons for wanting Lucien out of the picture.”

I feel my body tense. Does she know? Has she somehow discovered my condition? I struggle to keep my expression blank, but I can feel Marcus shifting uneasily beside me.

“I assure you, my Lady, my only concern is for the stability of our society,” I say, hoping my voice doesn’t betray my sudden unease.

Arabella remains inscrutable, but I know she’s caught my hesitation. Dammit. If she suspects I have the Bloodbane, everything could unravel. My position as clan elder, my authority – all of it could be stripped away in an instant.

I watch Arabella carefully, anxiety coiling in my gut as she regards me with that unsettling gaze. Just as I’m about to speak, to try to deflect her suspicions, she abruptly rises from her seat.

“I’ve heard enough for tonight,” she says, her voice cool and detached. “I’ll take your…concerns under advisement.”

I stand quickly, fighting the urge to press her further. “Grand Elder, if we could just—”

She cuts me off with a sharp look. “I said, I’ve heard enough, Lord Drake. Good evening to you all.”

With that, she glides out of the room, leaving us in stunned silence. I turn to the others, heaving a breath of exasperation.

“Well, that was spectacularly unhelpful,” I mutter.

Selene sighs, shaking her head. “I’m not sure what to make of it. She didn’t outright dismiss us, but…”

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