Page 72 of Blood Bound

“I’m here,” I project, pouring all my determination into the words. “I’m coming for you, Rowan. I promise.”

There’s a surge of emotion from her – gratitude, hope – and the responsibility of it is almost crushing. It leaves me breathless, more determined than ever to rescue her.

“Darick, I—” Her thoughts grow jumbled and hazy, words running into each other. I’m shaking with the effort of reaching out to her; my fist closed tightly around the pendant that’s burning into my skin.

“Fuck!” I want to scream the word. “I’m losing you.” I’d be sweating if my undead skin was capable of it. “Stay strong,” I try to encourage her. “I’m going to find you, Rowan.”

The heat in my hand is growing almost unbearable. When I glance down, my fingers are glowing, smoke streaming from between them. The scent of singed flesh makes my lip curl. Inadvertently my hand snaps open. The shape of the pendant has been burned into my palm, seared and smoldering. Gritting my teeth, I close my fist again, eyes shut as I reach out to her again. The distance between us feels like it’s stretching, but for a brief moment, I feel her.

As the connection begins to fade, I pour every ounce of strength I have into one final message: “Hold on, Rowan. I’m coming.”

My chest is heaving when I open my eyes again. Evelyn is watching me intently.

“It worked.” She exhales a long breath.

“You said it would,” I tell her.

She looks away briefly, an odd expression flashing across her fine features. “It was a long shot,” she says eventually, looking back up at me. “But this is significant, Lord Drake.”

“How so?” I tilt my head.

“Because it tells me that you could be the one.” Her lips curve into a small smile that seems…remorseful.

I could be the one?

“So what does it mean?” I’m growing impatient with her vagueness.

“It means that you can save her with it.”

I cock my head, confused. “Like I did now? By contacting her?”

“No.” Her lips press together. “By making a choice to save her. An impossible choice. You give it to her then.”

I stare at Evelyn, her words sinking in. The pendant feels heavy in my hand, its significance weighing on me even more.

“If I find myself facing an impossible choice, giving this to Rowan will save her?” I repeat, seeking confirmation.

She nods solemnly. “Yes, but remember, it’s a last resort. You’re not compelled to do this. The consequences…”

I lean in, curious. “What consequences?”

She motions me closer and whispers something in my ear. My eyes widen as I process her words. It’s unexpected, shocking even, but I understand the gravity of what she’s telling me.

“Are you certain?” I all but whisper.

“As certain as one can be with ancient magic,” she replies, her eyes burning into mine.

I take a deep breath, unnecessary as it is for my kind, and nod. “I understand. And I accept the responsibility.”

Her expression softens slightly. “If it comes to that, Darick…”

“I’ll do what needs to be done,” I assure her, pocketing the pendant carefully.

She studies me for a moment, then seems satisfied. “Very well. Now, we need to focus on finding Rowan.”

I straighten up, pushing aside the burden of what I’ve just learned. “Agreed. What’s our next move?”

“I’m going to have to speak to Lake and Georgia, Rowan’s parents,” she says, rising stiffly. It’s easy to forget her age, given her youthful features. But I suspect this situation has taken its toll on her.

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