EKON: BLOOD TIES

Prologue

The crisp autumn air swept through the campus as Claire stood in the middle of the bustling crowd, her cap and gown fluttering in the breeze. She took a deep breath, eyes fixed on the distant horizon, trying to picture what lay ahead. Today wasn't just about her degree; it was about honoring the legacy of her father, Sebastian. He had been a hero, a detective who had given everything to protect others, and she had followed in his footsteps, determined to carry on the work he'd started.

As the ceremony concluded and the crowd dispersed, Claire spotted her family. Alexander, her grandfather, stood tall and dignified. His once-iron demeanor had softened with age, but his eyes still held the same intense focus. Beside him was Jane, her grandmother, a powerful yet gentle presence. Liz, her godmother, waved excitedly, while Robbie, her father's old friend and colleague, clapped proudly. And then there was Lucian, Jane's brother and Claire's mysterious great-uncle, standing a bit apart from the others, always the protector in the shadows.

"Claire!" Liz called, rushing over to envelop her in a hug. "I am *so* proud of you! Detective, just like your dad."Claire smiled. "Thanks, Aunt Liz. It's still surreal."Robbie approached, giving her a firm pat on the shoulder. "Your dad would've been proud. You've got his spirit, no doubt about it."Her grandfather, Alexander, nodded solemnly, his eyes scanning her face with a mix of pride and concern. "Sebastian was a great man, Claire. And now, you've taken up the mantle. The world needs more people like him—and you."

Jane stepped forward, her hand resting gently on Claire's arm. "You have your father's courage," she said softly. "But don't forget—you also have his heart. Compassion will guide you in ways strength alone cannot."Claire's chest tightened. Her father had always been her hero, but the weight of his legacy often felt heavy on her shoulders. Becoming a detective wasn't just about solving crimes; it was about making the same sacrifices Sebastian had made.

Lucian, the quiet and enigmatic presence he always was, gave her a rare smile. "You've got your family's blood in you—both the human and the other," he said, with a knowing look. "Use it well."Claire nodded, understanding his words beyond their surface meaning. She had grown up knowing of the hidden world, the vampires her father had fought, the guardianship her family had protected. But she had chosen the path of law and justice, hoping to walk in the daylight, where her father's work could live on in a different way.

As they made their way back to the house, the conversations flowed around her, but Claire's mind was already racing ahead to the future. She had her degree now, and soon she would be starting her first day as a detective. She could already picture herself in the office, poring over case files, seeking justice like Sebastian had. But there was one case that remained unsolved, one that gnawed at her constantly—her father's death.

"Claire, what are you thinking about?" Liz asked, nudging her."I'm just...thinking about Dad," she replied softly.Alexander's voice cut through the conversation, gentle yet commanding. "It's natural to think of him today. But remember, he would want you to forge your own path, not just follow in his shadow."

Jane nodded in agreement. "Your father's story may have ended, but yours is just beginning."Claire's gaze flickered between them all. They were right. She couldn't let the past define her. Sebastian's legacy wasn't just about how he died, but about the way he lived—fighting for justice, protecting the innocent, and standing up for what was right. She would make him proud, not by reliving his story, but by writing her own.Later that evening, as the family gathered around for dinner, laughter and warmth filled the room. Claire sat quietly for a moment, watching them all—her grandparents, her godmother, Robbie, Lucian—her *family*. They had all been through so much, yet here they were, supporting her as she stepped into the future.

Lucian caught her eye from across the table. "Whatever comes, Claire, we're with you," he said quietly, his words holding a deeper meaning. "Always," Jane added, her smile filled with pride.And as the evening wore on, Claire knew, deep in her heart, that she wasn't just carrying her father's legacy anymore. She was building her own—one that would honor him, but also stand apart, defined by her own choices, her own path.Tomorrow, she would step into her new role as a detective, with her family behind her. And whatever mysteries lay ahead, Claire was ready to face them.

A/N "Hi this is the author thanking all of you for your continued support and for reading my work! I hope you guys support this book till the end and enjoy reading!"