10. Blood Oaths and Broken Chains

The manor felt colder than before.

Leila hadn't noticed it at first, but now it pressed against her skin, the air thick with an unnatural chill. The fire in the hearth had burned down to embers, casting flickering shadows across the walls. And yet, the moment Raphael spoke, everything else faded.

"He's not just a vampire, little one."

Leila's breath caught.

Adrian moved fast—too fast for her to react—positioning himself between her and Raphael, his body tense with barely contained fury. His eyes glowed with something raw and dangerous, his fangs elongated.

"Enough," Adrian growled. His voice was low, lethal.

But Raphael only smirked, unbothered by the threat in Adrian's tone. He dusted an invisible speck off his sleeve before taking a slow step forward, his gaze lingering on Leila.

"She doesn't know, does she?" he mused. "You've kept her in the dark all this time."

Leila's fingers curled into fists. "Kept me in the dark about what?"

Adrian's silence was deafening.

She turned to him, her heart pounding. "Adrian, what is he talking about?"

Adrian didn't move. His jaw was clenched so tightly that she could see the muscle twitch.

Raphael let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Ah, I see now. You haven't told her a thing." He tsked. "That's going to make this so much more fun."

Leila took a step closer to Adrian. "I want the truth."

Adrian's gaze flickered to her, something pained in his expression. He didn't want to tell her. That much was clear. But she needed to know.

Before he could speak, Raphael answered for him.

"He's not just a vampire." His voice was smooth, almost amused. "He's something much worse."

Leila's stomach twisted.

She had known there was more to Adrian than what he let on, but the way Raphael spoke sent a shiver through her.

Adrian exhaled sharply. "Shut up, Raphael."

Raphael ignored him. "Tell me, Leila," he continued, tilting his head, "have you ever wondered why he's so different? Why the others fear him?"

Leila's mind raced. Adrian was different from any vampire she had ever heard of—stronger, faster, more controlled, but also… darker. As if something dangerous simmered just beneath the surface.

"I know what you're trying to do," Adrian said coldly. "It won't work."

"Oh, I think it already is," Raphael mused. "She's questioning you, Adrian. And when she learns the truth?" His lips curled. "She'll run."

Leila swallowed hard.

Adrian's fists clenched at his sides. "If you want a fight, Raphael, we'll finish this outside."

Raphael chuckled. "A fight? No, no. That's not why I'm here." He lifted his hand, and for the first time, Leila noticed the silver ring on his finger—intricately designed, with an emblem she didn't recognize.

"The covenant has spoken," Raphael continued. "You were given a choice, Adrian. You broke the oath."

Adrian's eyes darkened. "I don't answer to them."

Raphael's smirk deepened. "Then you'll die with her."

Leila barely had time to react before Raphael moved.

Adrian was already there, intercepting him before he could reach her. The impact of their clash sent a shockwave through the room, knocking over furniture and shattering the remaining glass in the windows.

Leila stumbled back, her heart hammering in her chest.

They moved like shadows—too fast to follow, too powerful for this small space to contain. The study trembled as they exchanged blows, the force of each strike cracking wood and sending books tumbling from the shelves.

Adrian fought like a man possessed, his movements precise and lethal. But Raphael wasn't just toying with him—he was enjoying this.

Then, in a blur of motion, Raphael twisted, driving a dagger straight into Adrian's side.

Adrian let out a sharp grunt, his body jerking from the impact. But instead of stumbling back, he bared his fangs and struck. His claws slashed across Raphael's chest, sending the other man staggering.

Raphael exhaled, looking down at the gash across his shirt. He touched the torn fabric, then lifted his gaze to Adrian, his amusement never fading.

"Ah," he murmured, "there he is."

Leila's hands trembled.

Adrian was bleeding. The wound wasn't healing as fast as the others she had seen before.

Raphael must have used silver again.

Adrian took a step forward, his breathing unsteady but his fury undiminished. "Leave. Now."

Raphael tilted his head, as if considering it. Then, with a slow smile, he said, "I'll see you soon."

And just like that, he vanished.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Leila stood frozen, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her mind was spinning, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

Adrian staggered slightly, gripping his side.

She rushed to him, reaching for him before she could think twice. "You're hurt."

"I'll heal," he murmured, though his voice was strained.

Leila wasn't convinced. Blood seeped through his shirt, staining his fingers as he pressed against the wound. She had never seen him look this… vulnerable.

She swallowed. "Adrian… what did he mean? About you?"

Adrian's jaw tightened. He turned away, as if the answer itself was too dangerous to speak aloud.

But Leila wasn't going to let this go.

"Tell me," she pressed, stepping in front