A Guide Thicker Than Blood Chapter 1 Novels & Stories

But as I turned the pages, I was met with emptiness—a void waiting to be filled with knowledge and secrets long forgotten. “Huh?” Curiosity piqued, I traced my fingertip along the edge of the page, only to be met with a sharp prick as the book drew blood. “O-ouch!” Startled, I watched as crimson droplets stained the pristine surface, merging with the blank pages like ink on parchment. With trembling hands, I turned to the first page, my heart racing with anticipation. And as if by magic, words began to appear before my eyes, weaving a tale of destiny and prophecy that sent shivers down my spine.

I was expecting my fragile body to crash onto something hard, or to pierce onto a cold sharp metal, but none of it came. Instead, I felt warm, ironclad arms wrapped around my body. "You are not allowed to die, Katherine," he whispered coldly. I slowly stared. A pair of fiery eyes greeted me. It was blazing in both light and darkness. A combination I never thought would be possible. "You're not allowed to die until I say so..."

𝕰𝖘𝖙 𝖌𝖔𝖒𝖎𝖚𝖒 𝖜𝖍𝖚𝖎 𝖛𝖔𝖓𝖟 𝖓𝖚𝖐𝖊. "The past is the past. The future is the future. The Present is who I am now." ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ Prologue| Monstrosity, And Lunacy For Eternity TRIGGER WARNING This chapter contains strong violence, blood, cutting off limbs, and loss of loved ones, which may not be suitable for some readers. Discretion is advised and stay safe. Otherwise, enjoy reading.

Otsana’s gold mark burned beside me, but its light bent toward the throne like a flame leaning toward wind. Ashina sobbed harder, gripping her stomach while Maelor’s heartbeat echoed through the black bone like drums beneath a coronation hall. The first Blood Feather book floated above the throne, no longer thrashing, no longer screaming, but opening itself like a servant obeying its true master. A circle of old blood appeared around the throne’s base, then spread outward until it touched Blackfang warriors and Northridge nobles alike. Conri shouted orders, but the blood ignored every blade, every title, and every frightened foot trying to step away.

I woke with a gasp. The room was dark. The fire in the hearth had burned down to embers. The window was black with the night. And the Book of Blood, which had been locked in the council hall, was open on my bedside table. I sat up slowly, my heart pounding. My hands were glowing faintly silver, just like Mirren's had when she first discovered her spirit-wolf. The light pulsed once, twice, then faded. The Book was open to the first page. The names of the bloodlines glowed faintly in the darkness, and I could feel them. All of them. The families who had been waiting. The survivors. The lost.

A familiar bookshelf slid away from the wall. An old leather-bound volume floated toward my hands. I smiled. "Thank you." The castle hummed quietly. Almost proudly. I opened the book. Its title immediately caught my attention. The Awakening of Dormant Bloodlines My heartbeat quickened. I sat immediately. The first chapters described different awakening methods used throughout history. Some involved meditation. Others difficult trials. Several required guidance from an awakened relative. Then... A sentence made me stop reading. I read it again. Then a third time.

part of me finally had to sit down at the same table. I looked down at my hands. They weren't glowing with sunset-gold fire anymore. They were stained with Black Ink. Not a curse, not a corruption, but the literal substance of my life. My skin felt human—soft, vulnerable, and capable of scarring. For the first time in 169 chapters, I felt like I could actually bleed without it being a "plot point." "It’s quieter than you expected, isn't it?"

Absolutely. Here’s Chapter 26: Old Roads, Old Ghosts—expanded for maximum atmosphere and tension, with the journey carrying through dusk and night, all the way to the haunted, ruined remains of the old coven territory. Liminality, memory, regret, and foreboding run thick. Chapter 26: Old Roads, Old Ghosts Thalia

CONTENT WARNING This story contains dark themes, violence, trauma, religious cult elements, captivity, and morally grey characters. Reader discretion is advised. I was born inside a cult that taught me fear was holy and obedience was salvation. I believed them until the night the Blood King destroyed everything I knew and claimed me as his own. They called him a monster. They were wrong. Monsters kill you. He keeps you. Chapter I Liana Pov The first time I saw him, he walked through holy blood like it was rain.

My blood thickened before turning to ice. I dropped my arm without thinking, shoving my father aside to sprint down the stairs. Already people were flocking out the doors, curiosity driving them closer to the gardens. I shoved past the guards at the base of the stairs, forcing my way through the crowd. Here and there people stumbled out of my way. I made a mental note of those who didn’t, promising my blood thirsty wolf that we’d kill them all. She’s not dead. She’s not dead. She’s not dead.