Page 42 of Blood Freed

“Our bloodline has always had a unique connection to vampires. It’s more than just magic – it’s in our very blood.” Gran moves to sit on the bench. “The Blackwoods have been blood matches for vampires for centuries.”

My head spins with this revelation. “Blood matches? You mean like Rowan and Darick?”

“Exactly like them.” Gran’s green eyes fix on mine. “When Rowan discovered her connection to Darick, it wasn’t just chance.”

“They were…meant to be together?”

Gran considers this for a moment. “I suppose you could say that. But in our case, it runs deeper. There’s an ancient prophecy about witch blood changing vampire-kind. Few know this, but this refers to Blackwood blood specifically. I believe it’s why Lucien has been so fixated on our family. He must have found out.”

I frown at her. “The prophecy says that Blackwood blood can transform vampires?” The pounding in my head intensifies.

“Not transform. Our blood can cure the Bloodbane affliction that plagues them. It’s why Lucien orchestrated your abduction, why he’s been hunting our family since he learned about us.” Gran’s voice drops lower. “He doesn’t just want a cure – he wants to control it. Control us.”

I press my fingers against my temples. “So when Soren and I…when we connected…”

“It wasn’t just a magical bond or physical attraction. Your blood called to him, just as his called to you. It’s part of who we are – who we’ve always been.” Gran takes my cold hands in hers. “The Blackwoods have carried this burden, this gift, since the inception of the Bloodbane.”

“We were there?” I stare at her. “One of us witnessed it?”

“One of us caused it, Mia.”

My mouth drops open. “What?”

Gran settles against the back of the bench and takes in a deep breath. “I’ve been hoping that I would be able to take this secret with me to my grave, but it seems that isn’t going to happen.”

“Gran, I think the time for secrets is over, don’t you?” I lower myself onto the seat beside her.

“Yes.” She heaves a sigh. “You’re right.”

Around us, the morning breeze stirs the leaves, setting the crystals tinkling against each other.

“So, are you going to tell me?” I press when she doesn’t say anything for a while.

“I am.” She nods. I expect another long pause, but she says, “Witches and vampires weren’t always mortal enemies, you know. There was a time when we existed peacefully together. Better than peacefully. We have a lot in common, if you think about it. Extended life, mysticism, a connection to the arcane…” She looks out into the garden. It’s beautiful at this time of year. Then again, it’s always beautiful. Mom and Dad spend hours working out here.

“So what changed?” I ask, angling myself to see her better.

“Love.” Her smile is sad. “Love changed it all. Or heartbreak, at any rate.”

“Gran, you’re being cryptic.” I rub my temples again. This headache just won’t quit.

“Love changed everything,” Gran says again, her eyes distant. “One of our ancestors – a witch of incredible power – fell deeply in love with a vampire. Their romance was legendary, but he betrayed her trust in the worst way.”

“I’m guessing he cheated on her, the bastard,” I say darkly.

“The details are obscure, but I’d imagine you’re right. Hell hath no fury and all that. In any event, heartbroken and furious, she cast a devastating curse.”

I lean forward, my headache momentarily forgotten. “What kind of curse?”

“She bound his entire line to her own. His descendants would slowly become unable to drink blood unless it came from a witch – specifically, from her bloodline. Our bloodline.” Gran’s fingers trace patterns in the air, and the crystals around us dim slightly. “She created the Bloodbane.”

“Holy shit.” I stare at her. “Talk about getting back at your ex.”

“Indeed.” Gran’s expression lightens for a moment. “Essentially, she bound him – and his kind – to her forever.”

“But how could that affect vampires today? Wouldn’t the curse have died out?”

“That’s where it gets complicated.” Gran shifts on the bench. “We can trace our lineage through DNA, following the family tree back to her. But vampires? They’re made, not born. Each time a vampire creates another, the curse can manifest. Over centuries, that original vampire’s line has branched countless times. It’s impossible now to trace who might be affected.”

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