Page 61 of Blood Freed

There’s nothing noble about being burned to a fucking crisp.

The cell door creaks open, and Lucien glides in like he owns the place. Which, I suppose, in a way, he does. His perfectly tailored suit and immaculate appearance seem designed to highlight my current state.

“Comfortable?” His lips curl into that insufferable smirk. “The silver content in these bars is quite precise. Just enough to weaken, not enough to kill. Yet.”

I remain silent, watching him. There’s no point in engaging with his gloating. But of course, Lucien loves the sound of his own voice.

“You know, I’ve spent centuries perfecting this system.” He runs a finger along the rune-carved bars. “Identifying those cursed with the Bloodbane, tracking bloodlines, documenting symptoms. It’s fascinating how shame makes people so…malleable.”

The way he says it makes my skin crawl. How many others has he trapped this way? How many of our kind live under his thumb, terrified of exposure? Desperate for the redemption he promises with witch blood.

“Maxwell was particularly useful in that regard.” Lucien straightens his already perfect cuffs. “Such a protective maker. So desperate to shield his progeny from the stigma. It made him remarkably cooperative.”

My hands clench involuntarily. He notices, of course.

“But the Blackwoods…” His eyes take on a fevered gleam. “They’re something else entirely. Their blood – it’s not just compatible, it’s transformative. The power in their bloodline…” He trails off, lost in his obsession. “Mia’s sister proved that when Drake turned human. But there’s more. So much more potential.”

I think of Mia, of the way her blood sang through my veins, how it cleared my mind instead of clouding it. The way our connection transcended physical bounds.

“You’ve felt it, haven’t you?” Lucien’s voice drops lower. “The difference. The power. Imagine what I could do with that power, properly harnessed. No more hiding our condition. No more shame. I could rule them all.”

“You’re mad,” I tell him, finally responding to his barbs.

The corner of Lucien’s mouth twitches upward, and I realize I’ve given him exactly what he wanted – a reaction.

Damn him.

“Finally. I was beginning to think you’d gone mute.” He circles the cell with predatory grace. “Though I suppose recent developments have given you plenty to think about. Your maker’s death, your impending execution…” His eyes glitter. “Your blood bond with the lovely Mia Blackwood.”

Ice slides down my spine. How could he possibly know about that?

“Oh yes, I know all about your little midnight rendezvous.” Lucien’s voice drips with satisfaction. “Blood magic leaves such distinctive traces. Did you think no one would notice?”

I force myself to remain still, to show nothing on my face, but my mind races.

What else does he know?

“It’s tragic, really.” He examines his nails with false casualness. “Such a waste of a powerful witch.”

“What are you talking about?” I hate the fact that I can’t help rising to the bait.

“The blood bond, dear Soren. Surely you must know what this means?”

“Enlighten me,” I say coldly, already feeling a sinking feeling of dread unfurling in the pit of my belly.

“Well, she’ll die, of course.” He heaves a sigh. “It’s what happens when you tear apart a bond. They always fade so quickly after their blood match dies. A slow, painful decline as the connection withers. Some last weeks, others mere days. I wonder how long Mia will hold on?”

The words freeze the blood in my veins – what little there is left. My knees nearly give way as their meaning sinks in.

Jesus.

“You didn’t know?” Lucien’s eyes widen with mock surprise. “Oh, this is delicious. The noble Soren Daire, so determined to protect his witch by pushing her away, and all along, you’ve been sealing her fate.” He chuckles, the sound echoing off the stone walls. “I couldn’t have planned it better myself.”

“You’re a fucking animal!” I snarl, lunging for him. Lucien steps back from the bars, then begins to laugh.

Fuck, I ever get my hands on him…

But I won’t. I’m going to die.

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