Kikelomo_Odusola_7017

After tragically losing her parents in a car accident, Helena is taken in by her Aunt Agatha. But instead of finding comfort and support in her new home, Helena is met with cruelty and neglect. Her only source of solace is her kind Uncle James, but when he unexpectedly passes away, Helena is left alone to endure her aunt's abuse and her cousin Elizabeth's taunts.
  Meanwhile, a new student named Xavier joins Helena's class at school. Unbeknownst to Helena, Xavier is a vampire, and his elder brother, a powerful vampire leader, discovers that Helena's blood possesses unique properties that could benefit their kind.
  Xavier, drawn to Helena's quiet strength and the pain hidden behind her eyes, becomes determined to help her find a way out of her difficult situation and discover the true meaning of family and love. As they grow closer, Xavier realizes he must protect Helena from his brother's dark intentions.
Despite the dangers posed by Xavier's vampire identity and his brother's obsession with Helena's blood, the two find themselves falling for each other, embarking on a forbidden romance that could have deadly consequences.
  Together, Helena and Xavier navigate the challenges of adolescence, grapple with their troubled pasts, and learn to rely on each other as they search for a brighter future."With danger and darkness closing in around them, one question remains: will their love for each other be enough to overcome the obstacles they face, or will their forbidden romance ultimately be their downfall?"

BLOODBOUND HEART

The scent of roses filled the air, mingling with the crisp night breeze. Helena sat beside Xavier on the stone bench, their fingers loosely intertwined. The world felt peaceful for the first time in days—until a raven landed on the garden wall.

Helena's breath caught as the bird tilted its head, sharp black eyes glinting under the moonlight. A rolled-up letter was tied to its leg with a silk ribbon.

Xavier was already on his feet before the bird could flutter away. With a swift motion, he untied the letter and unrolled it. His silver eyes darkened as he read.

Mother and Father know everything.

They are furious. If you don't return now, you may never be able to.

Lucian's signature was at the bottom, sharp and deliberate.

It was too simple. Too direct. Too perfect.

Xavier crumpled the letter in his fist. "It's a trap."

She hesitated. "But… what if it's true? What if Mother and Father really know?"

Xavier stiffened. His parents were cold, calculating, and merciless. If they truly knew what he had done choosing Helena over them, defying their control they wouldn't just sit and wait.

They would send someone to drag them back in chains.

And Lucian would love every second of it.

A long silence stretched between them.

The grand estate loomed before them, its tall iron gates groaning as they swung open.

Helena's hand was cold in his, but she didn't pull away. They would face this together.

Candles flickered along the walls, casting eerie shadows that seemed to stretch toward them like grasping fingers. The scent of aged wine and burnt wood clung to the air.

At the top of the grand staircase stood Lucian.

His dark hair, styled just enough to look careless, framed a face sculpted like a masterpiece. His features were sharp, cruelly beautiful high cheekbones, a strong jaw, lips curved into an unreadable smile.

But his eyes—those piercing, unreadable predator's eyes—betrayed his amusement.

"Welcome home," Lucian said smoothly, descending the stairs with the grace of a prince.

Xavier's grip on Helena tightened. Protective. Possessive.

"Mother and Father," Xavier demanded. "Where are they?"

Lucian's smirk widened. "Oh, they'll see you soon enough. But first…" He gestured toward the dining hall.

"You must be exhausted. Come eat, drink. We have much to discuss."

Something about Lucian's voice sent a shiver down her spine.

The air was too thick, too sweet like spiced wine masking something bitter.

But it was too late to turn back now.

They had walked straight into Lucian's game.

A Call From Home