Page 59 of Blood Freed

“So,” Seraphina interjects, “Lord Marlowe ordered Soren to execute you.”

“Yes.” It’s Jemma again. “But Soren helped us escape instead. He got us to Dr. Chen, who kept us hidden until now.”

The questions start flying. Seraphina asks about dates, locations, other vampires involved. Morgan Shadowmaster’s questions are particularly pointed, trying to trip them up. But their story holds.

“So Lucien Marlowe ordered your deaths directly?” Seraphina asks yet again.

“Yes,” both women answer in unison.

The debate that follows makes my stomach churn. Yes, they’ll investigate Lucien. Yes, this proves his involvement. But Soren?He was still there. Still part of it. One moment of conscience doesn’t erase months of complicity.

No, no, no!

I want to scream. They don’t understand about Maxwell’s control over him, about the Maker’s Bond. But even as my frustration builds, something else creeps in – a cold emptiness where Soren’s presence should be. This isn’t like before when he was blocking me. This feels…wrong. Different.

The hollow sensation spreads through my chest as the Conclave members continue their discussion. Something’s happening to him. I can feel it.

I force myself to focus on the meeting once more, feeling a small surge of pride as Gran steps forward, her voice carrying that quiet authority that always draws attention. “If I may, High Priestess? We have another witness. One who has proven his dedication to our kind through the ultimate sacrifice.”

Darick moves forward, and I notice several of the elders shift uncomfortably. It must be strange for them – sensing his changed nature, knowing what he once was.

“This is Darick Drake,” Gran continues. “Former leader of Clan Sanguis, now bound to our family through his love for my granddaughter Rowan.”

Mom and Dad move to flank Gran, a united front. It helps – I can see some of the tension easing from the gathered witches.

“Speak,” Seraphina says, her eyes sharp with interest.

“I cannot speak to what happened in the facility,” Darick says, his voice carrying that odd mix of authority and humility I’m still getting used to. “But before I chose to give up my immortality, I was investigating Lucien Marlowe’s activities within vampire society.”

The clearing falls silent. Even the birds seem to pause.

“He’s been systematically masterminding a series of illegal operations – blood trafficking, witch hunting, politicalmanipulation. All of it carefully hidden behind intermediaries.” Darick’s expression hardens. “Based on what I discovered, I believe that his ultimate goal is to overthrow the Blood Assembly entirely and seize control of vampire leadership.”

Gasps ripple through the gathering. I watch Morgan Shadowmaster’s face carefully – his expression barely changes, but something flickers in his eyes.

“This would destabilize the entire supernatural world,” one of the elders says, her voice trembling.

“Exactly,” Darick responds. “And with the Assembly gone, there would be nothing to stop him from targeting the witch community next.”

“That’s outrageous,” someone mutters. My eyes are still on Morgan, and it’s not him. Are there others among us who support Marlowe?

Cut it out, Mia.

I’m getting suspicious of everyone. But I can’t help myself. I understand why there would be caution in accepting my claims; I’m making some bold statements. But why so much resistance?

The silence stretches after Darick finishes speaking. I hold my breath, willing them to understand the gravity of what we’re facing.

“You have given us much to consider,” Seraphina finally says, her tone measured. “The Conclave will need time to deliberate on these matters and—”

“Time?” The word bursts from me before I can stop it. “We don’t have time! Soren is facing execution. Don’t you understand what’s happening here?”

Mom grabs my arm, trying to quiet me, but I shake her off. The hollow feeling in my chest where Soren should be is growing stronger, feeding my desperation.

“Mia,” Gran warns softly.

“No! I won’t be quiet about this. While you sit here ‘deliberating,’ Lucien is systematically destroying everyone who could expose him. Maxwell is already dead and—”

“Maxwell Kern is dead?” Seraphina frowns.

---