Page 89 of Bound in Blood

“We will head for Silver Vale as it is protected from unwelcome vampires. I will inform Enora of our imminent arrival and have Osiris join us there.”

My heart gives a tiny flutter of hope. I’ll get to see Cadence and hopefully Sienna. Enora too. All of us together will figure out how to get Malachi back.

He must still be alive. I would know if he weren’t. We would have all felt the same heart-wrenching agony as when our bond with Alexandros was severed. That is what I’m clinging to, along with Axl’s and Xavier’s hands, as we race toward Silver Vale.

Cadence is waitingfor us on the steps of Silver Vale when we arrive. Hurriedly, she ushers us inside, and as soon as the door is closed, she throws her arms around me, wrapping me in the biggest, warmest hug she’s ever given me.

“I’m so sorry about Malachi. And Giorgios and everything.” She squeezes me tighter. “But I’m so glad you’re back.”

“Me too, girl.” Sienna hugs me from behind, sandwiching me between their warmth and comfort.

Being enveloped in their compassion has tears dripping down my face. “Thank you so much for being here for me.”

Cadence presses her cheek against mine. “We’ve always got your back, Ophelia.”

Sienna presses her cheek on my other side. “Ride or die, bitches.”

This right here is true magic. True friendship.

“It is good to see you all,” Enora says as she strides in our direction. “I only wish it were under much happier circumstances.” She gestures toward her study. “Osiris is here too. But I have sent all my other girls home for the weekend to be with their families. It felt like it was for the best.”

Alexandros scans the hallway, as though looking for a potential threat. After everything that’s happened, it’s no surprise he’s suspicious of everything and everyone.

“Don’t you want to go home to be with your families too?” I ask Cadence and Sienna.

Cadence shakes her head. “No way. I told you we got your back, and we do. Always.”

“My family is here anyway,” Sienna says, shrugging.

My heart is bursting with love and gratitude for both of them, but I can’t help feeling guilty. “It could be dangerous. I would hate for anything to happen to you because of me.”

“Ophelia Hart,” Alexandros’s growl sends a shiver down my spine. “How many times must I tell you that nothing that has happened and nothing that will happen is your fault?”

I can feel my lip lower lip tremble. Logically, I know it’s true, but still…

Enora offers me a kind smile. “He speaks the truth, Ophelia. And while your compassion is endearing, the guilt will hold you back. We are all capable of making our own choices, sweet child. Now, let us go. I have made tea.”

Xavier rolls his eyes.Oh yeah, because tea is exactly what we need, right?He winks at me before he follows Enora and Alexandros down the hallway.

Osiris is indeed pouring tea when we reach Enora’s study, and he offers us all a cup. All of my mates refuse, but I accept. I find holding the hot mug in my hands oddly comforting. Once the pleasantries are dispensed with, Osiris brings us all up to date. Alexandros, Axl, and Xavier stand near the entrance of the room, arms folded and bodies rigid as they listen to Osiris explain all they have learned since Giorgios’s arrival.

He apparently remains the self-imposed head of the Ruby Dragon society; however, many of the vampires have already left at his invitation. “From what I can tell, they refused to denounce you and swear allegiance to him.”

Alexandros merely nods. “Go on.”

“Jerome is still useless. He has not challenged Giorgios in any way thus far.”

I listen intently, with Cadence and Sienna standing either side of me. Giorgios seems to have spent his entire time on campus waging a smear campaign against Alexandros, trying to draw as many as possible to his cause. It’s a testament to how respected he is here that so few flocked to his brother’s side. But where is Giorgios keeping Malachi, and what the hell does he want with him? A shiver runs down my spine when I recall the wraith’s presence and how he filled our heads with darkness and despair.

“And the heads of all the other houses?” Alexandros’s voice snaps me from my depressing thoughts, reminding me we needto act, not dwell on what’s already been done. That is how we get Kai back.

“The heads of the Crescent houses have been advised that you are not a traitor. They are on your side, even if they do not understand the coming war.”

The sip of tea I just took goes down wrong, and I cough violently. When I can speak again, I rasp, “War?”

Alexandros narrows his eyes at Osiris, who winces and clears his throat before continuing. “Merely a figure of speech. But you can count on the Crescent societies, although at my instruction, most of our packs have been sent home. Only a few critical seniors remain. Those I believe would do well in battle should the need arrive.”

Alexandros turns to Enora. “And the Vales?”

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