Page 55 of Blood Match
I bristle, anger rising in my chest. “And why,” I ask coolly, “would my clan’s concerns be any of your business, Lucien? If there were issues, they would come to me directly.”
But even as I speak, I can see the subtle nods of agreement around the table. Lucien’s poison has already taken root. This isn’t just about me – it’s a play for my entire clan.
The realization hits me like a stake to the heart. Lucien wants Clan Sanguis. As elder of the Umbran clan, he’s free to use their skills in covert operations as he sees fit. Combining that talent for subterfuge with my clan’s military skill would make him unstoppable.
I’ll be damned if I let that happen.
I lock eyes with Lucien. “My clan’s strength is not up for debate. Especially not by you.”
“I’m not talking about your clan. I’m talking about you.”
I clench my jaw as Lucien’s words hang in the air. This is about a takeover.
Who among these vampires might be aligned against me? I scan the room, trying to read their expressions, their body language. Isabella’s calculating gaze, Victor’s enigmatic smirk, Alaric’s furrowed brow – each one a potential threat.
Or perhaps not. Alaric simply looks curious.
Lucien’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “I propose we put Lord Drake to the test,” he announces, his eyes gleaming. “Unless he can prove his strength here and now, we must bring this matter to the full Blood Assembly. A compromised leader cannot be allowed to remain in power.”
A murmur ripples through the room. I feel their stares, heavy with suspicion and curiosity.
“And what exactly are you suggesting, Lucien?” I ask, keeping my voice steady.
“A test of your abilities,” he replies smoothly. “To be conducted immediately. Prove you’re still at full strength, and you can continue to lead. Fail, and you step down.”
The room erupts into debate. I catch snippets of their arguments, trying to gauge who might still be on my side.
“It’s unprecedented,” Victor interjects, his brow furrowed. “But these are unprecedented times.”
Isabella nods in agreement. “We cannot afford weakness in our leadership, not with the growing witch threat.”
I lock eyes with Marcus, seeing the concern etched on his face. He gives me a subtle nod, which I return; this is a challenge I’m up to.
Still, I feel the tide turn against me. As the debate heads toward acceptance of Lucien’s proposal, he faces me, eyes triumphant. “Well, Lord Drake? Will you submit to the test?”
“Just what right do you have to make this demand?” I raise an eyebrow. I know he’s not acting in any official capacity at all. If my instincts are right, he’s hoping to catch me out and has gathered the others as witnesses to prove it. I won’t give him the satisfaction.
“Are you saying you won’t do it?” Lucien doesn’t answer my question. “Are you afraid you’ll fail?”
I say nothing for a moment because a day ago, I might have been. But now…
“I’m not afraid at all.” I rise from my seat. I know I don’t have to play this game, but if I decline, it will add fuel to whatever fire he’s starting. “Where would you like to begin?”
Something dark flickers in Lucien’s expression but is gone just as soon as it appears. “To the lower enclave,” he says, standing too. His shoulders are stiff as he leaves the table.
He’s pissed. Good.
I follow Lucien and the others out of the council chambers toward a rarely used section of the administrative buildings. We reach a door that creaks open when Lucien unlocks it. There’s a staircase winding down, and we all descend, the chill in the air growing more pronounced with each step.
The narrow walls press in around us, the flickering lights casting shadows that dance across ancient stone. The drip of water echoes in the silence; the only other sound is our footsteps.
As we descend deeper, I can’t shake the apprehension of hearing her voice in my head. It’s a distraction I can’t afford right now. I push the thought aside, steeling myself for whatever lies ahead.
The passage opens into a vast cavern, and Lucien steps forward. “The Trials of Tantibus,” he announces, “will test every facet of your abilities, Lord Drake. Strength, speed, cunning – all will be put to the test.”
I scan the faces of the other leaders. Victor’s expression is unreadable while Isabella watches with keen interest. Alaric appears intrigued.
Lucien’s eyes lock onto mine, the challenge unmistakable. “Are you prepared to prove yourself worthy of leadership?”