All Chapters of BLOOD BOUND: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The oldest chamber in the palace, which had seen decades of choices and discussions, served as the venue for the vampire nobility gathering. There would be an open uprising against the king tonight, which may be even more terrible.At the rear of the room, Sera stood next to Lucien and saw the nobles entering. Their expressions varied from friendly to antagonistic, with many displaying cautious neutrality. With a confident grin on his face, Thaddeus arrived last, surrounded by supporters.Through the bond, Lucien whispered, "This is bad." "He's been planning this for weeks. "Is your dad capable of handling it?"He's handled worse. This is different, though, as it challenges his legitimacy as king on the issue of Peace vs. war.The meeting was called to order by Matthias. "Councilor Thaddeus has claimed the ancient right of questioning, which is why we are here. He wants the council to formally examine my leadership because he thinks my recent actions put our people at risk. Make your

The following morning, the human government sent out a summons. A demand, not a request. The vampire and witch leadership was urgently sought after by representatives from other nations. During the briefing, Matthias stated, "They're afraid." "The warehouse fire, the discoveries of conspiracies, and the public disclosure of paranormal disputes. People are becoming aware that we have been waging war in their towns without their knowledge or approval." Can they accomplish anything at all? Sera enquired. "Force us to comply with their demands?" Not by strength—we're too strong.But through numbers and organization? Absolutely.Both of our species could be wiped out by human technology, biological warfare, and nuclear weapons. Because it would be detrimental to both parties, we have avoided confrontation with them."So we negotiate.""We grovel," Matthias corrected."Give them a sense of power, importance, and inclusion. If not, they may determine that we are all too dangerous to put up w

The video had ten million views within two hours.Sophie's display of power was edited and replayed from every angle. News analysis speculating about the abilities of hybrid children. Pundits on both sides—some defending Sophie, others declaring hybrid children an existential threat.Amid the debate, one human security expert appeared on-screen:"What happens as she grows older? We just saw an eight-year-old almost bring down a building."Eighteen? How do we protect human populations from that kind of power?""Context matters," retorted the interviewer. "She was protecting her family from armed attackers.""And that makes it better? That she has that power at all? These hybrid children are essentially walking weapons. We need regulation, control, possibly even—"Sera turned off the TV, unable to watch more. They were in the palace situation room, and the crisis management team was assembled. Matthias, Lucien, Rowan, Margot, Elara, and various advisors. Everyone looked exhausted."Lega

Sera awoke to beeping machines and antiseptic stench. Her left arm and ribs throbbed. She sensed Lucien—terror and relief—before seeing him."Hey," she croaked, her throat raw from screaming and dust.Lucien, slumped in a chair, jolted awake. He grabbed her good hand and hurried to her side. "You're conscious.Thank god. The doctors said—they weren't sure—""How long?""Fourteen hours.You've had two surgeries. internal bleeding, a fractured arm, a collapsed lung, three broken ribs, and a concussion. He spoke in a strained voice. "They almost lost you on the table."However, they didn't. I'm present. Sera gave him a firm squeeze."The tablet?""Safe. Elara has it secured. But Sera, that's not important right now—""It's the only thing that's important. Did you analyze it? Is the information real?"Lucien let out a sigh, realizing that he would not prevail in this dispute. "Rowan's crew is now checking. According to a preliminary analysis, it is genuine—too specific to be fiction and c

By morning, the evacuation was complete but the cost was clear. Thirty-seven bonded couples had fled the city entirely, unwilling to risk staying after Vivienne's betrayal. Another dozen had gone into deep hiding, cutting contact even with trusted allies. The network they'd built was shattered.Sera was discharged despite doctors' protests. She needed to be moving, doing something, not lying in a hospital bed watching everything collapse.The palace situation room was crowded—Matthias, Lucien, Elara, Rowan, Margot, human representatives, various security officials. Everyone looked exhausted and worried."Status report," Matthias said without preamble.Elara went first. "We've relocated everyone Vivienne had direct contact with. New safe houses, new protocols. But we have to assume she knows our general procedures even if not specific locations. Security for the signing has been completely redesigned—new venue, new routes, new everything. Only people in this room know the details.""Wh