Page 86 of Blood Freed

When we finally break apart, breathing heavily, I realize the church has gone silent. Only scattered debris and the lingering scent of burning surround us.

Lucien is gone.

31

Chapter 31

Mia

Isettle deeper intothe couch beside Soren, still marveling at how natural it feels to be here with him in my family’s home. His hand rests on my knee, his thumb tracing small circles that send shivers through me. Even that simple touch feels electric through our enhanced bond. I lean into him slightly, drawing comfort from his solid presence. I can still feel his blood pulsing through my veins.

The blood that saved me.

Dad keeps glancing our way from his armchair, trying to be subtle about it but failing miserably. He keeps looking at me like I might disappear.

Mom flutters around with tea and cookies, refilling cups that don’t need refilling. I notice she’s careful not to offer me anything. I’m not sure any of us know what I can eat now.

Who cares? I’m alive.

“Are you sure you’re comfortable, sweetheart? I can get another pillow…”

“I’m fine, Mom.”

I catch Soren hiding a smile.

Across the room, Kara perches on the window seat, her eyes narrowed at Marcus, who leans against the wall nearby. Every time he shifts position, she tenses slightly.

“So,” Gran says from her favorite chair, her voice cutting through the awkward silence, “tell us exactly what happened at the church.”

I exchange a look with Soren. His grip tightens slightly on my arm as I begin. “Lucien was waiting. He’d set a trap using runes. Black magic…”

Gran’s breath hisses. “A vampire with access to such power.”

“It’s not surprising.” Darick leans back on the couch. Rowan is nestled beside him, her legs curled beneath her on the seat. “God knows how long he’s been interacting with witches.”

“You’re right,” says Dad. “He’s bound to have picked up a trick or two along the way, whether from those he abducted or the traitors who conspired with him.”

“Well, he pulled out all those tricks for me,” I grumble. Nothing had ever prepared me for what I faced in that church.

As I describe the battle, I notice the shadows in the room responding to my emotions, stretching and contracting with each word. A new awareness tingles under my skin – everything feels different somehow, sharper and more intense. I can hear heartbeats, smell the iron tang of blood beneath skin, sense the magical currents flowing through the house in ways I never could before.

“The sphere he used,” Gran looks at us, “it was designed to drain power?”

“Yes,” Soren confirms. “An ancient artifact twisted by blood magic.”

Gran nods slowly. “I have heard of such things. Receptacles of evil. Forbidden in all realms.”

“Clearly not in Lucien’s realm. That bastard thinks he’s a law unto himself. It’s time we set that right.” I still feel a surge of rage every time I think about the man. “He may be on the wind, but—”

“No!” Dad stands abruptly. “I will not have you running off and putting yourself in danger again. You could have died.” His voice cracks. “Both times now, I almost lost you.”

“But you didn’t.” I meet his eyes. “And I’m stronger now.”

To demonstrate, I lift my cup with magic while simultaneously using vampire speed to appear beside him, giving him a quick hug before returning to my seat and plucking the cup from the air. The display breaks some of the tension.

“Show off,” Rowan mutters, then winks at me. I grin back.

Gran smiles, then continues speaking, “The Conclave and the Blood Assembly are cooperating fully in the aftermath. They’re both quite eager to study this new…development.”

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