Page 13 of Blood Freed

“What does that mean?” But I already know he won’t answer.

He moves to the door, pausing with his hand on the frame. “The Bloodbane isn’t what you think.” His words are so quiet I almost miss them. Then he’s gone, leaving me alone with the hum of magical wards and the weight of silver on my wrists.

I slump onto the bunk. My maker, my mentor, my father in all but DNA – he’s caught in Lucien’s web as surely as I am. But while I chose to break free, he remains tangled in whatever hold Lucien has over him.

The Maker’s Bond throbs like an open wound between us. Five centuries of trust and loyalty, and now this. No allies, no support, just me against Lucien’s carefully constructed trap.

I’m in this alone.

5

Chapter 5

Mia

The Conclave chamber soarsoverhead, its vaulted ceiling lost in shadows despite the hundreds of floating witch-lights. Ancient tapestries depicting magical battles and prophecies line the stone walls. The air hums with centuries of accumulated power. It’s unusual to be here. Normally our issues are dealt with in our homes, or out in nature where we feel most at peace. This place feels formal, stifling.

I sit between Gran and Mom, my hands trembling slightly in my lap. After a year of captivity, the sheer number of people makes my skin crawl. The semi-circular arrangement of ornate chairs holds the eight coven leaders, with High Priestess Seraphina at the center. Her golden hair catches the witch-light, creating a halo effect that only enhances her ethereal presence.

Gran rises, her voice clear and strong. “Honorable Priestess, esteemed leaders, I present my granddaughter, Mia Blackwood, rescued from vampire captivity through the aid of Soren Daire.”

A murmur ripples through the chamber. Seraphina’s azure eyes fix on me. “You have had a terrible ordeal, my dear. We are so glad to have you back in our fold.”

“Thank you, High Priestess.” I dip my head.

“I trust you are feeling stronger now that you’ve had a chance to rest?” Her expression is assessing.

“Much better. Good as new.” It’s not true. My knees still buckle from time to time. My hands tremble. I’m jumpy as hell. It surprises me how badly the whole thing affected me. And it frustrates me, too. I kept my chin up through the whole thing, and now that I’m finally safe, I feel like I’m ready to crumble. I’m not used to feeling this way.

“That is excellent news.” Seraphina’s face warms with a genuine smile. “Cause for celebration. There will be a gathering in the grove. To welcome you home.”

“I would love that.” It’s true that I would. The chance to see familiar, friendly faces after a year in which I thought I’d never see any of them again… I’m eager for it. “But there’s another matter I’d like to address first.”

The priestess looks over at Gran and then back at me. “Go on?”

“The vampire who was with me when I was rescued—”

“He is in custody. You are safe from him now.” She smiles.

“Well, that’s the problem.” I pull in a breath. “He’s not to blame. I want you to free him.”

There’s a collective gasp. Seraphina’s eyes narrow. “I’d been told you were…confused.” She sighs. “I know it will take a while, Mia, but you’ll begin to heal, eventually.”

“I’m perfectly fine!” I say sharply, then modulate my tone. “Really. I’m weak. And I know that I need time to rest and recover. But on one thing, I’m certain, Soren Daire is not guiltyof anything aside from defying his own kind, his maker, to save me.”

“You claim this vampire helped you escape. The same one who held you captive for a year?” Seraphina doesn’t look convinced. Nor do the others.

“The situation is more complex than it appears,” Gran interjects firmly. “Soren defied his maker’s commands to ensure Mia’s freedom.”

Morgan Shadowmaster leans forward from where he’d been settled back in his seat, observing silently. “Or perhaps this is an elaborate deception. Vampires are masters of manipulation.”

My hands clench into fists. Before I can speak, Lysandra Starfire raises her hand, moonlight seeming to shimmer around her. “Let us hear the girl’s story before passing judgment. I sense truth in her aura, and pain – but not confusion.”

The other coven leaders shift in their seats, some nodding in agreement with Lysandra. I catch Morgan’s subtle frown as he exchanges a look with someone in the shadows behind him.

“Very well,” Seraphina says. “Mia Blackwood, tell us your tale.”

I take a steadying breath, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. “I was taken right after a coven meeting. They…” My voice catches, but I force myself to continue. “They attacked me and subdued my magic; then I lost consciousness. When I woke, I was in a cell.”

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