Page 10 of Blood Freed

“That’s why he was with you on the road,” Kara says softly.

I nod, throat tight. “He knew the Maker’s Bond would kill him for disobeying, but he didn’t care. He just wanted to get me to safety.”

There’s a silence as I finish talking.

“So you see, I wasn’t brainwashed by him. I don’t have flipping Stockholm Syndrome or anything like that.” I look around at everyone. “You have to believe me.”

“The Conclave needs to hear this,” Gran says at last. “All of it. Including Soren’s role in your escape.”

“They won’t listen,” Kara says. “They’re too set in their ways.”

“Then we make them listen,” Gran says firmly. “The Blackwoods still carry weight in the Conclave.”

“It’s not just the Conclave we have to consider,” Dad says. “The elders have taken this matter to the Blood Assembly. There will be questions about his involvement in all of this from them, too.”

“I have allies who could help,” Darick suggests. “My second-in-command, Marcus Nightshade, is taking over leadership of my clan and—”

“Marcus? Another vampire?” Kara scoffs. “How do we know he’s any different?”

Darick’s expression remains carefully neutral at this, but I catch a slight tightening in his jawline. “We can trust him. I assure you.”

“I need to see him,” I say, pushing myself straighter. “Soren. I need to make sure he’s alright. And I need to tell them what really happened.”

“Absolutely not,” Dad snaps, but Gran silences him with a look.

“I think we can agree that Mia’s quite in control of her faculties, Lake,” she says to him before turning to me. “Youwill have your chance, darling,” she continues. “We’ll go to the Conclave together. As a family.”

The tension in the room shifts subtly. We’re still divided on this, but Gran’s words remind us of what matters most – we’re Blackwoods, and we face things together.

“I don’t like it,” Dad mutters, “but I trust your judgment, Mother.”

“Good.” Gran stands. “Then this matter is settled.” She smiles at me. “We save Soren.”

I heave a sigh of relief. Maybe the Conclave will finally see sense now. I just have to convince them.

I pray that I can.

4

Chapter 4

Soren

It’s hard to tellthe passage of time in this place. There are no windows – thank God – the last thing I need right now is a blast of sunlight. And the energies swirling around me make me feel like I’m hanging in some kind of limbo.

I shift my weight, feeling the sharp burn of the silver that has blistered my wrists bloody. The restraints are weakening me. Although that wouldn’t take much. I’ve been struggling to find my strength since the Maker’s Bond hit me so hard.

Mia.

The thought of her fuels my determination. She’s safe. She’s okay. That’s what matters.

I’m sitting on the hard bunk with my back against the wall when footsteps ring out in the hallway outside. The door flies open, and I stiffen.

“Maxwell!” I say sharply as my maker strides in.

The sight of my maker sends conflicting waves of relief and dread through me. Maxwell’s silver eyes are clouded with something I can’t quite read – worry? Guilt? After five centuries, I should be better at interpreting his moods.

“What have you done, Soren?” His voice is soft, almost gentle. That’s worse than anger.

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