Page 7 of Blood Bound
The room falls silent, everyone stunned by Gran’s words. I frown. What does she mean by “ancient forces”?
After a moment, Dad clears his throat. “You’re right, Mother. We need to approach this carefully. We’ll go to the Conclave, but we’ll also consider how this impacts our family.”
As everyone nods in agreement, I feel a strange combination of emotions churning inside me. Determination to find Mia burns bright, but it’s tempered by a creeping dread at the thought of facing the consequences of my actions. When I see Gran reaching for her phone to make the call that will gather the leaders of the covens, I feel sick to my stomach. I look away as she speaks into the phone.
“It’s done,” she says after a brief conversation spoken in hushed, urgent tones. “They’ll see us immediately. Seraphina is gathering the others at once.”
Time to face the music.
I steel myself as we start preparing to leave for the Conclave meeting. As I grab my jacket, Kara pulls me aside, her eyes intense.
“We’re going to find her, Ro,” she whispers, squeezing my arm. “And I want to know everything about this connection with Darick. I have a feeling it’s important.”
I nod, grateful for her support despite everything. As we head out the door, Gran catches my eye, giving me a significant look that hints at revelations to come. I swallow hard, wondering what secrets she’s keeping.
3
Chapter 3
Rowan
Istep into the grand chamber of the Conclave, my heart fluttering like a trapped bird in my chest. The cavernous room, with its vaulted ceilings and ancient stone walls, seems to close in around me. We seldom meet here, always opting for the open spaces of nature. The fact that the High Priestess has chosen this place makes things seem more ominous, somehow.
Witches from every coven fill the space, their hushed whispers creating a buzz of tension that makes my skin prickle.
Gran’s hand at the small of my back steadies me as we make our way to our designated seats. I catch sight of Kara’s worried glance, Dad’s set jaw, and Mom’s trembling hands. We’re a united front, but I’ve never felt more alone.
The scent of sage and lavender hangs in the air, mingling with the earthy smell of old books and candle wax. Ornate tapestries depicting our history line the walls, their vibrant colors a bright contrast to the somber mood.
As we settle into our places, I notice the other coven leaders. Lysandra Starfire of the Silver Moon, her silvery hair gleaming in the low light. Aurora Greenleaf, her emerald robes rustling as she leans in to whisper to Marina Tidecaller. And there, with eyes that seem to burn right through me, Morgan Shadowmaster of the Shadow Veil.
Keep it together, Rowan. You’re just here to tell your story.
“You can do this,” I mutter under my breath, trying to calm my nerves.
A hush falls over the room as the High Priestess glides to the center, her eyes scanning the gathered witches. When she speaks, her voice rings out with crystal clarity, silencing even the faintest whispers.
“Esteemed members of the Conclave, we gather here today to address a matter of grave importance.”
I swallow hard, feeling the weight of every eye in the room. This is it. The moment when everything changes. A quick glance at Gran steadies me, though.
She’ll be with me…every step of the way.
Gran rises, tall and regal as she faces the assembly. I feel a surge of gratitude for her strength, her unwavering presence beside me.
“Honorable members…friends,” she begins, her voice steady and calm. “We come before you today with a matter of utmost urgency. My granddaughter, Rowan, has experienced an extraordinary and troubling series of events involving the vampire Lord Darick Drake.”
I can feel the tension in the room ratchet up a notch. Vampires. The very word sends a tremor of unease through the gathered witches.
Gran continues, her tone measured. “Rowan developed an unexpected psychic connection with this vampire. While the nature of this connection remains unclear, it led to several encounters between them.”
I feel my cheeks burn as murmurs rustle around the chamber. Gran raises a hand, silencing them.
“However, the true gravity of the situation came to light during their last meeting. Rowan discovered photographs on Darick’s phone – photographs of her sister, Mia, who, as we know, has been missing for over a year.”
The murmurs turn to gasps. I see shock and outrage on the faces around me.
“The photos showed Mia in captivity,” Gran says, her voice tight with controlled emotion. Mom stifles a sob, and Dad’s arm tightens around her shoulders. “This revelation led to an intense magical reaction from Rowan. In her distress and anger, she inadvertently…caused the vampire’s death.”