Page 15 of Blood Freed

Oh, for God’s sake!

“I saw him with my own two eyes,” I say sharply. “On several occasions, he drew my blood himself. And he was not gentle about it.” My jaw sets as I suppress a shudder at the memory of it.

There’s a murmur from the gathered elders. Seraphina raises her hand for silence, her expression troubled. “This has serious political implications. If what you say is true about Lucien Marlowe…”

“Itistrue,” I insist, even as I fight against the vertigo from sensing Soren’s presence. “Every word.”

The coven leaders exchange significant looks. Aurora Greenleaf whispers something to Marina, while Ignatius Emberstone’s frown deepens. The tension in the chamber builds as they weigh my words against decades of vampire-witch hostility.

The room spins as another wave of connection hits me. Soren’s pain floods me. The silver chains binding him – I can feel them searing into my own skin. I rub at my wrists.

“I need you to listen,” I say, my voice shaking. “He’s suffering. Right now.”

Morgan scoffs. “Theatrics won’t—”

Power surges through me unexpectedly, witch-lights above us flaring brilliant white. The ancient tapestries flutter without wind. “I saidlisten!”

Driven by frustration, I let my magic flow freely for the first time since my capture. A silvery mist forms in the center of the chamber, forming into a heavy cloud. Lightning bolts light the underside of it. The Conclave members gasp.

“By the goddess,” Lysandra breathes. “This is unprecedented.”

“Mia. This isn’t the place.” Gran puts her hand on my arm, her voice steady and sure.

I heave a sigh, feeling the fight going out of me. “I’m sorry, High Priestess.” I bow my head. “It’s been a trying time, and I’m really battling with the fact that nobody will listen to me. Could you at least let me see him? See that he’s okay? I… I need to thank him.”

Seraphina takes her time responding to me. “Yes,” she says when I think my anxiety levels are going to shoot through the roof. “Under supervision,” she adds.

“Oh, my God, thank you, High Priestess!” I’m gushing, but I can’t help myself.

The High Priestess raises her hand, silencing the mutters that have broken out. “And there will be strict conditions.”

My heart leaps, but I force myself to remain composed. “Of course. Whatever you need.”

“You will be accompanied at all times. No physical contact. The wards will remain in place.” Seraphina’s azure eyes lock with mine. “And if there is any sign of manipulation or distress, the visit ends immediately.”

Morgan steps forward, his dark eyes glinting. “High Priestess, I must object. The vampire’s influence—”

“Has already been considered,” Seraphina cuts him off smoothly. “Which is why the protective wards will stay active.”

“At least allow me to oversee the meeting,” Morgan insists. Something in his tone sets me on edge. “Given my expertise with shadow magic, I can ensure—”

“I will oversee it.” Lysandra Starfire rises from her seat, moonlight once again seeming to shimmer around her even though it’s mid-afternoon. “My abilities are well-suited to detecting any attempts at deception or compulsion.”

Morgan’s jaw tightens. “Lady Starfire, with all due respect—”

“Is settled,” Seraphina interrupts. “Lysandra will supervise, along with two guards of her choosing. You may attend if it will ease your concerns.” She turns to me. “The visit will be brief, Mia. Use it wisely.”

“Thank you,” I breathe, relief flooding through me.

Morgan moves closer, his voice low. “Remember, witch, one wrong move from him…” He leaves the threat hanging.

I meet his gaze steadily. “He won’t hurt me. He never has.”

I take in a trembling breath, swaying yet again. Gran steadies me with a gentle hand on my elbow.

“When can I see him?” I ask, trying to keep the desperation from my voice.

“In an hour,” Lysandra says. “I need time to prepare the proper safeguards.”

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