Page 59 of Claim of Blood
They gathered in the formal Council chamber, an elegant room designed specifically for these meetings. Unlike the modern conference room at Nocturne’s headquarters with its sleek technology, this space honored older traditions. A round table of polished ebony dominated the center, its surface gleaming under the lighting.
The six chairs surrounding it subtly reflected their occupants’ heritage while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Adam’s and Oren’s seats incorporated Egyptian elements—scarabs and hieroglyphics etched into dark wood—while Maja’s and Lander’s chairs bore Nordic influences with clean lines and subtle rune accents. Gaspard’s French-inspired design complemented Ilona’s chair, its Ukrainian folk patterns standing out even on the monitor that displayed her aboard the Court’s private jet.
“Let’s begin,” Adam said once Lander had taken his seat. “Ilona, how are the preliminary negotiations progressing?”
“Productive,” she replied, her image crisp on the screen. “I’ve attended several meetings by video conference, discussing trade arrangements. The neutral territory between our cities is up for discussion tomorrow when I arrive in person. They’re pushing for expanded access to the riverways.”
Adam nodded, making a mental note to review the proposed boundaries before the talks. “Oren, security update?”
Oren straightened slightly, his gaze sweeping the table before he spoke. “The Pack’s patrols have increased in number, but otherwise, nothing significant has changed. Nathaniel assures me they’ll report any unusual hunter activity immediately.”
Gaspard cleared his throat. “Regarding the Julian situation—he’s agreed to gift the building to the Coven.” A small smile tugged at his mouth. “In exchange for not starting a territory war. The young vampire was properly chastised.”
Adam inclined his head in approval before turning to Maja. Her demeanor remained cool and professional, though the edge in her voice hadn’t softened.
“Inter-court matters are stable,” she reported. “We have three requests for visits to friends abroad, all routine. Court members Vanessa and Christopher wish to travel to London next month for a gallery opening. And we have one new human ‘pet’ registration from Dmitri.”
“How many registered pets do we have now?” Adam asked.
Maja consulted her tablet. “Surprisingly, only fourteen, considering how large our Court has become. Most prefer more casual arrangements these days.”
Adam nodded, absorbing the information. The practice of keeping human ‘pets’ as private blood sources had been common for centuries but was falling out of favor, at least amonghis Court. Modern vampires often preferred more informal arrangements or pre-sourced alternatives.
The meeting continued for another few hours, as the Council worked through concerns affecting their territory. Adam listened attentively, offered guidance where needed, but part of his awareness remained fixed on Leo’s presence upstairs.
When they finally adjourned near two in the morning, Lander departed quickly, avoiding eye contact. Maja lingered, as if she intended to say something more, but ultimately left with a formal nod. Only Oren remained, his eyes steady and assessing.
“Is everything all right between you and Lander?” he asked, his tone measured.
Adam met his gaze. “Yes,” he said, then paused. “And also no. I’m... unsure. I need time to work it out.”
Oren moved to the sideboard and poured two glasses of bloodwine without asking. He handed one to Adam before settling into a chair with the effortless composure that came from thousands of years of existence. His movements were economical, nothing wasted—a trait that had served him well as Head of Security longer than most nations had existed.
“What I saw tonight reminds me of Radu’s research,” Oren said without preamble.
Adam’s attention sharpened. Oren rarely spoke of his time in Radu’s Court during the seventeenth century—those decades away from Adam’s side, before Radu’s fall from grace and the slaughter of his followers.
“They were studying blood bonds,” Oren continued, his expression neutral but his eyes watchful. “Not just traditional compatibility, but its variations—and the effects on those in proximity to compatible pairs.”
“I remember your reports when you returned,” Adam said. “Though you focused primarily on their... other experiments.”The raising of the dead as vampires—the violation that had ultimately ended Radu’s reign.
“Those abominations were what drove me to leave,” Oren confirmed. “But before that, I observed their work on resonance bonds. Secondary connections forming between those closely associated with a blood-compatible pair.” He set his glass down with precise care. “They documented cases where strong compatibility created ripple effects. Their research was incomplete and afterward tainted by their other transgressions. I shared what seemed relevant with you and Miroslav, but the resonance data felt more theoretical than concerning.”
“Until now,” Adam said quietly.
“Until now,” Oren agreed. “What I witnessed tonight between you and Lander matches their findings. Not a true bond—an echo. A resonance triggered by your compatibility with Leo.”
Adam studied him, considering this from a fresh angle. “Did Radu’s researchers determine any purpose for these resonances?”
“They had theories,” Oren said carefully. “The most compelling was that secondary bonds serve to strengthen and stabilize the primary bond.”
The implications were impossible to ignore. “You’re not concerned about security risks?”
“I’ve already adjusted patrol rotations and monitoring protocols,” Oren said with quiet confidence. “But I’ve learned over centuries that unexpected doesn’t automatically mean threatening.” He paused. “In fact, throughout our existence, your greatest strengths have often come from embracing the unforeseen.”
Adam let out a slow breath. “What’s your assessment, then—as my head of security?”
“Monitor, but don’t restrict,” Oren said immediately. “Document everything you experience. Watch for patterns.” Hehesitated. “And consider this: in uncertain times, with hunters regrouping and alliances shifting, multiple strong connections in your inner circle could become a powerful asset.”
