Page 80 of Bound in Blood

I do not work for the Skotádi!he roars.

I close my eyes and breathe.You said it was complicated, so please uncomplicate it for me. And then I will leave you in peace.

He is quiet for a moment before his voice fills my head again.Nineteen years ago, before she was born, the Skotádi learned of a child, a descendant of Azezal himself who was able to summon fire from her mother’s womb. Jadon Nassari tried to keep such power a secret, but the magic was detected by warlocks of the Skotádi. They sent a squadron of their finest vampire soldiers to kill the parents and take the child. But once again, the child summoned fire from her mother’s womb and burned the vampires who came for her to ash.

I was aware of this, but why did the Skotádi want Ophelia?

Because they believe she is the Chosen One.

It seems I cannot escape those words and this damn prophecy.And do you?

I believed enough to be willing to kill the child myself before I would allow the Skotádi to take her and manipulate her power for evil. To be the first to drink from the untouched vessel. I am too enraged by his admission to explore the words taken straight from the prophecy.

You would have killed a defenseless infant?—

To prevent the darkest creatures in the world from getting their hands on the Chosen One? I believe you already know me capable of more heinous crimes than that, Father.Again, the word is more insult than title. He is right; I am acutely aware of the darkness inside him.

But you did not have to because members of the Order saved her?

Nazeel Danraath and Ophelia’s uncle, Kameen, yes.

Another burst of rage hurtles through me at the mention of Nazeel’s name.So when did you meet Ophelia?

I have met her many times in her life, but as she got older, I remained at a distance and observed, careful to never let her see me.

To what end were you watching her?

To ensure she was not manipulated by the dark, he snaps, growing impatient. Restless to move on from wherever he currently is. And I have an image of him, always restless, always moving.

I have two more questions, and then I will bother you no further.

He growls.

Did you have anything to do with the attacks on Ophelia whilst she was at Montridge?

I believe you should look closer to home for the answer to that question.

Giorgios?

Is that your second question?he scoffs.

I have two million more questions, but there is one burning to be asked.Why can Ophelia sense you? It is as though you share a bond when I know you do not.

Ah.He laughs darkly.That is because I tasted her blood. A hell of a long time before you did, Father.

No. That is impossible. I would have known if he had fed from her, would I not? Because then he would have had to bond with her too. He would have been drawn to her the way the boys and I were. Unless she was only a child. The raging maelstrom of emotion in my chest grows wilder and less able to be contained.When? How? Did you wipe her memory?

I answered your questions.All trace of amusement is gone.Now get the fuck out of my head.

I clench my jaw so hard my teeth ache. Why is it that answers only lead to more questions where Ophelia Hart is concerned? But I will keep my promise and leave him in peace—for now, at least.I am going. But Lucian…

He does not reply, and I wonder whether what am I about to say will hurt or help, but I cannot live a moment longer without saying it.I felt your loss as deeply as I did theirs. You are my son. And it does not matter that you removed our bond—you will never not be my son.

Still, he says nothing, but I am content knowing he heard me. For now, that is all I can hope for where he is concerned.

Chapter

Thirty-Six

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