Page 30 of Bound in Blood

That is where I believe I may have some more answers for you, she says in a sad voice.

Axl shifts, and I snuggle closer to him, seeking his comfort even as he continues to sleep, unaware of this conversation.

What do you know?

When was your last period, child?

Embarrassment washes over me, but she wouldn’t ask if it weren’t relevant, so I answer her.Last week. Why?

So you would have ovulated shortly after your arrival to Giorgio’s fortress, she mumbles like she’s talking to herself.I suppose even he would have thought it was too soon.

My mouth goes dry.Too soon for what?

You have to understand, Ophelia. You are very special, and not only because you are the only elementai to have been born in half a millennium. There are some who believe you are much more.

Much more what?I demand.And what the hell does this have to do with my period?

There is a ritual. One that I am not aware has ever actually been effectively performed before because of its barbarity.

A ritual?My stomach rolls with nausea. Barbarity? That’s what she said, right?

It can only be performed when an elementai is ovulating.

Oh god, what fresh hell is this? Is Giorgios intending to knock me up with his vampire spawn?What ritual, Enora? What does it do? Why is it barbaric?

If Alexandros is truly alive?—

He is!

Then the only way to permanently sever a fated mate bond is for the elementai to be impregnated by a different vampire.

What the hell?If that were true, then why wouldn’t it have been performed before? Why wouldn’t more vampires try it? I mean, they’re not known for their chivalrous behavior. If such a ritual exists, I can’t believe some of the unscrupulous types didn’t give this a whirl back when there were plenty of elementai to choose from.

Because it requires more than simply an elementai and a vampire. It requires dark magic and immense power. And you, my sweet child, have more power than any living creature in several millennia.

My heart rate spikes alarmingly, so much so, the boys wake. Xavier sits up, his fangs protracted, and Axl and Malachi cocoon me between them.

“It’s okay, I’m not in any danger,” I whisper. “I’m just talking with Cadence and Enora. I’ll explain everything in a minute.”

His concerned eyes remain on me, but Xavier lies down, and the guys stay silent while I continue my conversation. It’s probably possible for me to pull them in too, but I have a sickening feeling that the things Enora’s telling me will only get worse, and I have no idea how they’ll react. For the immediate time being, it’s probably best they remain unaware, and then I can explain in my own way without any other distractions.

But the dark magic? My magic is good, right? Elementai are inherently good.

Yes, dear, you are correct. But any magic can be used for dark purposes. Even if it is weakened by the act, magic such as yours would still be powerful enough to cast such a spell.

But who can use dark magic like that? I can’t. I won’t.

I have reason to believe Giorgios is capable of using dark magic.

That doesn’t make sense.How? Vampires can’t cast spells.

You mentioned something to Cadence about him leaving the grounds when he transported. Has he ever transported from within the fortress grounds as far as you are aware?

He transported into the dining room when we first got here.

I am not talking about entering, but leaving, Ophelia. When he left Axl and Malachi and returned for you, did he teleport from within the grounds or outside of them?

I ask the boys the question.

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