Page 47 of Blood Match

He doesn’t need to finish the thought. We both know the danger Lucien poses. If he learns of my potential weakness – or strength – there could be grave consequences. Worse, it could put the woman at risk, even though she doesn’t seem to be the direct solution.

“We need more information,” I say. “About the Bloodbane, about these…matches. How they work. Anything that can help us understand what’s happening.”

Marcus nods grimly. “I’ll reach out to some contacts, see what I can dig up. In the meantime, you need to be careful. We can’t risk anyone finding out about this, not until we know more.”

I pause as I realize that Sebastian is hovering nearby. I nod to him, acknowledging his presence. “What is it?”

“My Lord, there’s been an urgent message from the Council,” Sebastian says, his usually impassive face betraying a hint of concern. “They’re demanding your immediate presence at Council Chambers.”

Shit.

The Council rarely calls for urgent meetings, and when they do, it’s never good news. I exchange a look with Marcus, seeing my own unease mirrored in his eyes.

“This wasn’t on the agenda, Sebastian. Did they give any indication as to why?” I ask, keeping my voice steady.

Sebastian shakes his head. “No, my Lord. Only that your presence is required without delay.”

I nod, dismissing him with a wave.

“This can’t be a coincidence,” Marcus mutters, voicing my own thoughts. “Do you think they know? About the Bloodbane, or…the witch?”

I clench my jaw, considering the possibilities. There may be suspicions about my health, but nothing concrete. And there’s no way anyone could know about her. The first time I’ve ever acknowledged it aloud has been now, to Marcus. “I don’t see how they could. I’ve been careful.”

“Careful enough?” Marcus presses. “You said yourself, this connection with the witch is something you don’t understand. Who knows what kind of ripples it might have caused?”

He’s right, of course. The truth is, I have no idea what consequences my encounter might have set in motion.

“It could be about Lucien,” I say, grasping for alternatives. “Maybe they’ve uncovered evidence of his attack.” It would be a relief if they have. I still haven’t found anything to present to the Grand Elder.

Marcus nods, but I can see he’s not convinced. Neither am I, if I’m being honest with myself.

“Whatever it is, we need to be prepared,” he says. “If they start asking questions—”

“We stick to the truth,” I interrupt. “As much of it as we can safely share, anyway. Anything else is too risky.”

Marcus raises an eyebrow. “And what exactly is the ‘safe’ truth in this situation, Darick?”

I huff out a breath, frustration building. “I don’t know. But we can’t lie to the Council. They’ll see right through it.”

“Agreed,” Marcus says with a sigh. “But we also can’t reveal everything. Not until we understand what’s happening ourselves.”

I nod, feeling the gravity of it all. “I’ll have to walk a fine line. Give them enough to satisfy their curiosity without revealing too much.”

“Be careful, Darick,” Marcus warns. “The Council isn’t known for its patience or understanding. If this is an ad hoc meeting, Arabella probably won’t be there to mediate. It’ll make them more power-hungry. If they suspect you’re hiding something…”

He doesn’t need to finish the thought.

“I know,” I say grimly. “But what choice do I have?”

Marcus is silent for a moment, his expression troubled. “There might be another option,” he says slowly. “Perhaps you could raise the matter of the Bloodbane and then tell them about the symptoms disappearing. Frame it as a positive development, a potential breakthrough in understanding the condition.”

I consider his suggestion. It’s risky, but it might buy me some time and goodwill with the Council. “And if they ask how it happened?”

“Tell them the truth – that you don’t know,” Marcus replies. “It’s not a lie, and it gives you room to maneuver while we figure things out.”

I nod slowly, seeing the merit in his plan. “It could work. But we’ll need to be careful. If they start digging too deeply…”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” Marcus says firmly. “Whatever happens in that meeting, I’ve got your back.”