The Name She Wrote in Blood

I materialized at the gates of Versta Keep.I still had a few things to retrieve from his home.Looking at the ancient, imposing keep, I thought of my own family, the Vances. Our fall from grace began with my father. Once-powerful blood nobility, we backed the wrong side in the political upheaval that swept through our world. Our assets were seized, our titles stripped, and our family scattered.In my past life, I was naive enough to think marrying Mortlock would save us. I thought becoming the mate to the Prince of House Versta would restore our name and honor.How wrong I was then, how clear it all seems now.Just as I stepped through the main doors, I saw Isabella nestled in Mortlock's arms, murmuring pitifully while he gently stroked her back.In my last life, seeing them like this would have felt like a knife twisting in my gut. I would have been jealous, furious, heartbroken.But now, looking at them, my heart was still.I heard Isabella's soft sobs. "Will Grace be angry with me

The ball was held at Ravencrest Keep. Vampire nobles drifted through the grand hall in their finest attire, dancing to elegant music.I stood alone in a corner, dressed in a deep blue silk gown, coldly observing the scene.The center of attention, of course, was Mortlock and Isabella. Isabella was in a shimmering silver gown that sparkled under the lights. She stayed glued to Mortlock's side, and their intimacy drew countless envious stares."It seems Prince Mortlock truly favors his little savior. He's completely ignoring his own mate...""So the rumors are true. The Prince and Grace really don't get along."The whispers reached my ears, but I pretended not to hear. I sipped my glass of blood, my mind only on the Aethel Ruins, now just six days away."Lady Grace." A vampire approached me, a sneer on his face.I offered a faint smile. "I find such gatherings... tedious.""Oh, I understand," he said, lowering his voice. "It must be difficult, watching your own mate with another woman."

Deep in the shadows of the Aethel ruins, my blade sliced through the last specter. Its ghostly blue fire vanished into the air.A month of this had reforged me.The scars from the silver poison had healed, replaced by a sense of power I’d never known. Every fight, every brush with death, had brought me closer to my true self.I was about to press deeper into the ruins when a familiar voice called out from behind me."Grace!"My body went rigid.I turned slowly. Mortlock was stepping out of the shadows at the ruin’s entrance, his black cloak whipping in the night wind. His handsome face was a mask of rage and confusion."Why would you do this?" he demanded, striding toward me, fury burning in his eyes. "Why did you write Isabella’s name on the blood bond? Why did you lie to me?""Lie to you?" I let out a short, bitter laugh. "Isn't that what you wanted? Now Isabella is your bonded mate. You can finally be together, officially.""That's not what I wanted!" Mortlock roared. "Grace, I neve

The Winter Solstice Gala is the most important event in the vampire calendar. Even though I had left my old life behind, tradition dictated I return to the capital for the ceremony.The gates of Castle Versta were as imposing as ever, but as I stepped into the familiar grand hall, something was wrong. Everyone spoke in hushed tones, the air thick with tension."Lady Grace." A familiar voice stopped me.It was Marcus, the castle's old steward. His usually stoic face was etched with worry."Marcus, what's happened?" I asked.He sighed. "Isabella… she gave the Prince a forbidden elixir.""What?" I could hardly believe it."Moon's Embrace."It was one of the oldest and most dangerous forbidden draughts, said to forcibly deepen a blood bond until two lives were irrevocably intertwined. But the side effects were catastrophic."His Highness's power is fading," Marcus said, shaking his head in anguish. "His bloodline is tainted. The council of elders has already begun to question his right to

After dinner one evening, Kael suggested a walk in the sky garden.It was built on the highest tower of the castle, my father's favorite place. Even in winter, a few frost-resistant plants still thrived there.A snowflake drifted down onto my cheek. Kael naturally reached out and brushed the moisture away. The gesture felt so natural, as if we had been a bonded couple for years. His hand was warm, and I leaned into his touch."Kael…" I said his name softly.A deep emotion flickered in his eyes, and his body shifted closer to mine. A delicate tension filled the air. I could hear my own heart beating.Just then, footsteps echoed from the garden entrance.Kael and I pulled apart quickly and turned.When I saw the familiar figure, the warm atmosphere shattered."Mortlock," I said, my voice like ice.He looked pale and gaunt, completely broken."Grace. I have something important to tell you."Kael instinctively moved to stand in front of me, his hand already drifting toward the weapon at hi