Of Blood and Downfall

Chapter 33.

Karden's POV:

I groan, ignoring the tightness in my pants when I tug. The entire drive home, all I can think about is Mavis and her soft, smooth body on mine. The pain leaving her alone, when all she wanted was me. And I wanted to give it all to her.

Exiting the garage, I walk through the quiet halls and up to my father's office. Knocking on the door, I enter and sitting on the couch is my mother and Greta and my father at his desk. The curtains are drawn closed and there is a single standing lamp lit near the couch.

"You summoned me?" I say, shutting the door behind me. Greta laughs a belly laugh, squeezing the handle of the cane.

"Maximus Carrington visited. He would like to close the marriage into a bond."

I nod, "I know."

"Which will cost Greta's life." My mother adds, her voice filled with anguish. She places a hand over Greta's and strokes her thumb along it.

"I don't have many years to live anyways." Greta mutters and my father stands.

"Doesn't matter, once this marriage forms into a bond," He turns to look at me "You cannot undo it, Karden."

Greta thuds the cane against the floor, "He can but he'd need a powerful witch to reverse it."

"Which would be too late. Maximus is very determined about this." Mother replies, her eyes gazing at the ground. "All he wants is to have a name and that his daughter will be secured."

"I will not let him use Greta for a fake bond." I growl, walking towards my father. "Do not let him do this."

"Then end the relationship."

"I can't." I tell him and he raises his arms in the air.

"Why?" I let the shield drop and both of my parents' tense. They smell it, I know they smell her. Greta glances, her eyes dancing and her smile curling upward.

"It's getting stronger." Greta inquires and I nod.

"I was with Mavis tonight. S-she must know something."

"Karden," My mother's sweet voice calls. "If you choose this...with Mavis...why are you still putting yourself in this mess?"

"Because Maximus threatened me that if I hurt Aria in any way, he will make sure I will never be happy again." Father curses, slamming his fists down on the desk.

"What are you going to do now?" He asks me, having a difficult time with the situation.

"Give the boy time." Greta announces, her tone thicker than usual.

"But that won't matter for you." Mother informs her.

"I will figure it out." Greta gives me sharp look and a gentle smile. "I will do anything for Karden." I return the gesture, a smile that reaches my eyes.

"How much time do you need?" Mother asks me and I glance at father.

"I told father after Aiden and Emilia's ceremony."

"That's in a few days." She says and I nod.

"I know. That's enough time. Enough time with Mavis." Father walks around the desk and to me. He reaches for my shoulder and gives it a tight squeeze.

"We trust you. Always will." I nod, pulling him into a hug. Something I rarely do when it comes to my parents.

Mother rests her head on Greta's shoulder and Greta runs a hand through her hair. I watch them both, how Greta is older than my mother due to her age. She was a mother to my mother and another mother to me. There isn't a part of me that I'd agree to let her give her life away for me and Aria.