Page 12 of Blood Freed

I feel Maxwell’s internal struggle before he even moves. His face is drawn with pain as he turns to me.

“Soren,” he says firmly, “you will cease these accusations.”

The Maker’s Bond constricts like a vise around my chest. Every instinct screams at me to obey, but I fight it. “No.” My voice is sharp, harsh. I’ve never resisted him before.

Maxwell staggers slightly, the backlash of my defiance hitting him through our connection. Blood begins to trickle from his nose.

I grit my teeth against the searing pain flooding through me. My vision blurs, but I force myself to stay upright. “I won’t…let you…use me to hide…your crimes.”

The effort of resisting sends waves of agony through both Maxwell and me. I taste copper in my mouth, feel wetness on my upper lip. Still, I hold firm.

Maxwell’s face is ashen, his hands trembling as he fights to maintain the command. “Soren,” he whispers, though I’m not sure if he’s pleading with me to submit or to keep fighting.

The sight of blood trickling from Maxwell’s nose breaks my resolve. I let my resistance crumble, slumping back against the wall. The Bond’s vise-like grip eases, though the aftermath of pain still pulses through my body.

“There now.” Lucien’s satisfied tone makes my skin crawl. “I’m pleased to see you’re prepared to face your actions with dignity. Atone for what you’ve done.”

My stomach churns at his words. Because he’s right about one thing – I’m not innocent. Every day, I walked those facility corridors, knowing what was happening behind those doors. I kept the security systems running, monitored the cameras, made sure no one escaped. Even if I told myself I was protecting them from worse guards, worse treatment…I was still part of it.

“Your conscience troubles you.” Lucien’s voice softens with false sympathy. “As it should. You were deeply involved in this unfortunate business.”

“This was your doing. All of it,” I growl, but there’s less fire in it now.

“Did I force you to maintain security? To keep those witches imprisoned?” He raises an eyebrow. “No one held a stake to your heart, Soren. You made your choices.”

“I had no choice,” I begin. “The Maker’s Bond—”

“Didn’t seem to stop you when you finally decided to leave.” Lucien’s brow lifts. “You probably could have stopped it anytime you wanted to, couldn’t you?”

Fuck it, he’s right.

Sure, it nearly killed me, but couldn’t I have simply put my foot down and defied Maxwell that first day he gave me the instruction?

I close my eyes, unable to completely deny his words. The weight of my complicity settles heavy in my chest.

“I’m glad you’re beginning to see reason,” Lucien says. “It will make things…easier.”

“Easier for you to manipulate everything?” The words come out bitter.

“Easier for justice to be served.” His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “The Assembly will appreciate your…cooperation.”

“What about yours?” I snap. “This was your plan all along.”

“Soren…” He heaves a sigh, but not before I see his eyes shift around the room. He’s definitely worried someone is listening. “I’m not sure what you’re playing at, but trying to shift blame isn’t going to save you.”

“That’s not what I’m doing, and you know it!”

Lucien’s smile is oily. “I think we’ve said all that needs to be said on this matter.” He turns away.

The cell door closes behind Lucien with a heavy thud. His footsteps echo down the corridor, each one carrying a note of triumph that makes my fangs itch.

Maxwell stands frozen, blood still drying on his upper lip.

“I wish…” Maxwell’s voice cracks. He reaches toward me, then lets his hand fall. “There are things you don’t understand.”

“Then explain them to me.” I lean forward despite the burning silver. “What does he have over you?”

Maxwell’s eyes dart to the corners of the cell. “The truth isn’t always what we think it is.” His voice drops to a whisper. “Sometimes the darkest paths lead to the brightest ends.”

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