Born of Blood, Bound by Hate
His throat tightened, and he forced out the words, “—my heart rebels against further bloodletting.”
Odessa’s tail twitched with barely suppressed agitation, the fur at its base bristling like an alarm. “I, too,” she replied in a voice as cool as polished onyx, “am bound by duty. The Kingsleigh family charges me with safeguarding our secrets, ensuring no treachery roots itself within our ranks.” She folded her arms, every line of her poised stance honed by years of training. Still, behind her measured façade eyes swirled with turmoil—a yearning for a dawn beyond the endless cycle of vengeance.