BLOOD OATH

Chapter 14 

Blood Oath

The firelight flickered in the cavernous chamber, throwing jagged shadows across the stone walls. Lucian stood rigid, his fingers curled into fists at his sides, his jaw tight as he stared at the ancient figures seated before him. The Vampire Council—six of the oldest, most ruthless beings in existence. They were cold and unmoving, their expressions carved from centuries of power.

And they were here to decide Isla's fate.

"She is human," one of them, Lord Severin, said in a voice like grinding ice. His silver eyes flicked toward Isla, who stood slightly behind Lucian, trying to mask her fear. "You know the law, Lucian."

"She is mine," Lucian growled.

A murmur rippled through the council.

Lady Selene, the only woman among them, leaned forward, her dark lips curving into something that almost resembled amusement. "Claiming her doesn't change the fact that she is mortal. And the law is absolute. No human shall be bound to one of our kind."

Lucian's patience snapped. "Then change the law."

The room fell deathly silent.

Isla's heart pounded. She could feel the weight of every gaze pressing down on her, suffocating. Lucian had told her about the council—about how merciless they were.

Lord Severin's cold laughter echoed through the chamber. "You have always been reckless. Always willing to break the rules." His amusement faded. "But this time, your rebellion has consequences."

Lucian took a step forward, his body taut with fury. "Then I offer a Blood Oath."

A sharp intake of breath passed through the council. Even Isla, who barely understood the depth of vampire customs, felt the shift in the room.

Selene's eyes gleamed. "A Blood Oath? You would bind yourself to her?"

"Yes." Lucian turned slightly, looking at Isla. His gaze softened for just a moment, but his grip on control was ironclad. "I would give my blood, my strength, my very essence to protect her."

The council exchanged glances.

Lord Severin leaned back. "Very well. If you are willing to pay the price."

Isla exhaled in relief, but Lucian's expression darkened.

"What price?" she asked.

Selene smiled. "The Blood Oath is not just a vow. It is a tether. He will be bound to you, and you to him. But it comes with consequences."

Lucian didn't look at her as he spoke. "If one of us dies, the other follows."

A chill slithered down Isla's spine.

She wasn't just stepping into his world—she was chaining herself to it.

Still, she didn't hesitate. "I accept."

Lucian turned to face her fully, something unreadable flickering in his gaze. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Selene clapped her hands. "Then let the bond be sealed."

The council chamber transformed. Candles were lit, and a dark chalice filled with thick, crimson liquid was placed between them. Lucian took the dagger from the elder's hands and sliced his palm, letting his blood drip into the chalice. Isla hesitated only a second before doing the same.

"Our fates entwine," Lucian murmured, lifting the chalice to his lips. He drank, then pressed it to Isla's mouth.

The moment the blood touched her tongue, fire exploded through her veins.

She gasped, gripping Lucian's arms as a wave of power crashed through her. Shadows curled at the edges of her vision, the world tilting as their essences fused together. She felt him—his emotions, his hunger, his desire.

Her body burned with it.

Lucian's hands slid up her arms, steadying her as he pressed his forehead to hers. "Breathe, Isla." His voice was strained. "It's almost done."

But Isla barely heard him.

The hunger inside her wasn't just power—it was need.

Before she could second-guess herself, she crushed her lips to his.

Lucian groaned against her mouth, his control slipping. He lifted her, pressing her against the stone pillar as their bodies met in a frenzy of heat and desperation. The council faded from her awareness. There was only Lucian—his hands, his mouth, his body claiming her as she arched into him.

The magic bound them, their souls intertwining as the ritual reached its climax.

And when the final word was spoken, Isla knew—she would never be the same again.

Far from the vampire stronghold, deep in the heart of the forest, a gathering of werewolves stood beneath the full moon.

Varek stood at the center, his golden eyes burning with fury. "The Blood Oath has been taken."

Murmurs of rage rippled through the pack.

"She belongs to him now," a younger wolf snarled.

Varek's lips curled into a dark smile. "Not for long."

A tall figure stepped forward from the shadows. His presence silenced the others. Alpha Callen, the werewolf leader, regarded Varek with cold, calculating eyes. "You said you had a plan."

Varek's smirk deepened. "I do." He turned, pacing slowly. "Lucian thinks binding her will keep her safe. But all he's done is tie her fate to his own. And what do we know about Lucian?"

The younger wolves growled.

"He's reckless," one snapped.

"He's dangerous," another added.

Varek chuckled. "Exactly. And reckless men make mistakes."

He turned to Callen, eyes gleaming. "We don't have to take her." His voice lowered to a whisper. "We just have to make him fall."

Lucian's grip on Isla's hand was tight as they left the council chambers. The night air was cool against her heated skin, but it did little to calm the storm inside her.

"We need to leave," Lucian said. "Now."

Isla frowned. "Why?"

"The werewolves won't sit still after this. They know what I've done." His eyes darkened. "And they'll try to use it against me."

Isla's stomach twisted. "You mean… they'll try to kill you."

Lucian nodded. "And if they succeed—"

"I die too." The realization sent a shiver through her.

Lucian turned to her, cupping her face. "I won't let that happen." His thumb brushed against her lower lip. "You are mine now. And I protect what's mine."

Something in the way he said it sent a thrill through her.

But deep in the shadows, unseen eyes watched them.

And the hunt had already begun.