Blood Bond

Chapter 3

The grand room is still as enormous and opulent as I recall. I've always felt like a star whenever I look up at the golden chandelier. Thousands of tiny stars will fall into the room when it lights up at night or at a special event. I glance down at my clothes, knowing he'll want me to change. But I'm going to stick with it until we've had our conversation. I can hear footsteps coming from behind me. I don't need to know to whom it belongs.

"Adriana...," He bows by getting to one knee.

I go by Adriana Chekin. The true me in this realm. Actually, the domain of my brother.

Turning, I reach out to touch his shoulder. "Zeke, please rise."

"You've been gone to the mortal world for far too long. You even began to smell like them." He reminded me that he, too, did not approve of my decision to live in seclusion on Earth. It's not safe... and given the incident with Lupus Corps. and Belmont, I can appreciate their point of view.

"Zeke, I too have human blood from my grandmother."

"Is that really the reason you left, though?"

"Where is my brother?" I ask.

"You don't respond to my query,"

I groaned. "I wanted to know where I came from... I can no longer be who I once was."

"You are not evil."

"We're not sure yet."

I had to lift my head to see Zeke as he approached me. He is towering, and the element is slithering all around him like an aurora. A warlock possesses stronger magic than a simple witch.

"You are not who you are just because you have touched the darkness."

"After my mother's death, you did not see what I saw. I know my future."

He keeps his eyes on me for a bit before breaking it to change the subject.

"Your brother is waiting for you in the throne room. Proceed with caution as he is still very enraged; perhaps a flower could serve as a start to a peace offering?" He uses his magic to tilt my palm upward and produce a blue rose in my hand.

I smiled a little bit.

"Thank you." I carefully grab the blossom.

"And we are aware of your experiences in the world of the living." I made a small jump.

"Which part? All of it?"

I was a little relieved when he shook his head.

"Because of you, your brother and I nearly destroyed the Lupus Corps. But someone was already one step ahead of us."

Belmont. Did they know he existed?

"It's one of my tests. I was deprived of my abilities on earth, although I must admit that being defenseless has its advantages. I've gained a lot of knowledge."

"Let's just hope your brother would agree."

When he turn to leave I called out his name.

I have never been able to figure out Zeke. He can be greater in position than me, yet it never interests him. So much depth and mystery are hidden in those eyes. But I can believe in him. He has a quality that makes me feel as though I'm standing in a tranquil sea.

"Yes?"

"Thank you for respecting my wishes. I know you can bring me home even without my brother's order."

"If only you knew..." He did not finish his sentence and disappear.