Chapter 3

I met his gaze steadily. "A Thrall has no place in the main Blood Ledger. I'm just... adapting to my new reality."

Damien's expression turned distressed. "You'll always be my Consort, Serena. You have a place here in our coven."

I met his gaze steadily. "As your future Consort, I should follow coven law. I won't embarrass you as a Lord."

He pulled me closer, voice thick with emotion. "You always think of me first. That's why you're perfect for our coven."

I suppressed a bitter smile at his performance.

"Damien, I want to leave the healing chamber."

His body tensed immediately.

"Absolutely not. You haven't healed enough. I won't risk it."

I tugged at his arm playfully, forcing a bright smile.

"But didn't you mention adopting a child?" I made my voice small, worried. "High Blood children are rarely abandoned. Will we be able to find one?"

It was the first time in five years I'd acted vulnerable with him.

Damien's expression softened. "Don't worry about that. A friend of mine, another Lord, died in a territory war two years ago. His child is in our coven's orphan ward. We can visit him."

He hesitated, then added, "I've been checking on the boy occasionally. Making sure he's cared for."

On the drive there, Damien reached into the back seat and brought out a small silver bat-wing pendant.

He claimed he'd bought it specially for me, to cheer me up.

But the tag clearly stated "Suitable for children ages 3-12."

I set the pendant aside and closed my eyes, pretending to feel unwell.

This five-year deception needed to end.

At the orphan ward, I sat in the wheelchair, my burned body still too weak to walk.

A small boy, about three years old, immediately ran to Damien.

"Daddy!" he cried, wrapping his arms around Damien's legs.

Damien's face flickered with panic before he quickly explained:

"Don't misunderstand. I sponsor this ward. I've visited several times, and this boy... he's just attached to me. Calls every male visitor 'daddy.'"

I nodded, reaching out to touch the boy's cheek.

"He looks so much like you. If you hadn't explained, I'd think he was yours."

The boy had Damien's exact crimson eyes. His small features echoed Vivienne's.

"What's his name?"

"Lucien. He's... he's the one I thought we could adopt."

I stroked the boy's hair, noting how his scent carried traces of both Damien and Vivienne.

Even with my dulled senses, there was no mistaking it.

Before Damien could explain further, Lucien started crying, asking where his mother was.

Damien's face went pale instantly. I could sense his fear pheromones spike even through my weakened perception.

His eyes darted to me anxiously.

"It's fine," I said smoothly, forcing my lips into a gentle smile. "Go comfort him. He has strong High Blood lineage - he'll make a perfect heir for our coven. His aura already shows such potential."

My words visibly relieved him.

Damien hurried into Elara's apothecary with Lucien in his arms, the boy's small hands clutching his father's shirt with familiar ease.

I made an excuse about getting my burn medicine, lingering near the door.

Even with my weakened senses, I could detect Vivienne's signature night jasmine perfume from inside.

The coven members' voices drifted clearly through the gap.

"Why is Lord Damien pretending his own son is an orphan? Those clothes are blood-silk from the Shadow Weavers - worth more than my yearly salary. The moonstone buttons alone cost thousands! Who'd believe he's an orphan?"

"You don't understand. The Lord's got it all planned out. This is the only way to make the boy his legitimate heir. Be smart and keep your mouth shut around Serena - she can't know."

"Of course Vivienne is his true choice. They used to run night patrol together at the academy, always volunteering for the darkest routes. I knew they'd end up together! And now, alone in that office..."

Their knowing laughter made my chest tighten until I could barely breathe.

I moved closer to the door, and familiar voices became clear.

"How is he treating you?" Damien asked softly.

"Fine enough. He's away on territory business most of the time, which makes things easier. This way, he won't discover about Lucien. He even talks about having children with me." Vivienne's voice held barely contained amusement.

Damien's laugh was bitter. "Once Lucien is officially in the manor, you won't have to worry. If you need anything, just call me. I'll always provide for you both."

"Oh, I got you something. A Healing Blood Crystal from the Ancient House. Cost me ten million, but it's worth it - it can heal any scar completely."

Vivienne gasped as she opened the box. "Another gift? You've given me so many presents this year, my chamber is overflowing! Serena would be upset if she knew."

She protested, but her hands eagerly cradled the crystal.

Lucien cuddled against Vivienne's side, pressing his tiny fangs gently against her neck in the instinctive way of vampire children with their true mothers. "Mommy! Mommy! Can we go home now?"

"What if Serena figures it out?" Vivienne asked. "These burns... if she learns you gave me a Healing Blood Crystal..."

"She won't need it," Damien said. "A Thrall's scars don't matter to the coven."

Lucien's laughter echoed from the room - pure and happy, secure in his parents' love.