Bound by Blood & Moonlight

Chapter 8

Scarlet

The Blood Moon was nearing its end, and still, there had been no word from Kian about the collateral. Father had been insufferable these past few days, pacing the halls with a nervous energy that unsettled everyone around him. His anxiety was palpable, worsened by the silence from the Weres. Their lack of response was driving him mad, and the longer it went on, the more volatile he became.

Mother, on the other hand, had remained silent throughout it all. Not a word, not a single opinion. It was as though this entire ordeal didn't concern her—didn't involve her daughter. How could she remain so detached? I couldn't help but feel a sting of betrayal. Growing up, we had been close—exceptionally close. She used to love dressing me up, teaching me how to read and draw, filling my days with warmth and laughter. But that all changed when I hit adolescence. As I grew quieter, more reserved, she withdrew from me. I used to wonder if it was my fault, if my growing detachment made her pull away. Perhaps she no longer wanted a daughter like me—one who didn't fit into the mold she had crafted in her mind.

"Are you really going to be wed to a Were?" Lila, my chambermaid, asked softly as she pulled my corset tighter. There was a tremor in her voice, a mix of curiosity and fear.

I managed to force a breath between the tightening strings. "Yes, if he agrees."

Her hands paused for a moment, hovering at my back before she continued. "And what will you do when you're in the Were territory?"

Her question was valid, though it was hardly appropriate for her to ask. I could sense her concern, perhaps even pity, but I didn't have the luxury of entertaining such thoughts. This was my reality now, as much as I resented it.

I met her gaze in the mirror, my voice stern. "You know better than to whisper such things in the open, Lila. If anyone heard you, it could get you killed. We are not discussing this again."

Her face reddened with embarrassment, and she quickly averted her eyes, finishing the task of tying my corset in silence. I felt a pang of guilt for snapping at her, but it was necessary. This castle was filled with ears, and loose words could bring danger to both of us. Lila didn't deserve that.

I had been itching to leave the castle for days. It felt like forever since I last ventured into town. Titan was always the one making rounds, chatting with business owners, exchanging pleasantries with the townsfolk, playing the part of the future king effortlessly. But today, curiosity got the best of me, and the walls of the castle felt more like a cage than ever. So, without a second thought, I slipped out.

I traded my corseted gown for something more practical: a pair of pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a black cloak that I pulled tightly around me. My hair, a fiery cascade that always drew attention, was hidden beneath the hood. I was determined to blend in, to remain unseen.

The town buzzed with life as I wandered through its streets, my eyes taking in everything—the people, the market stalls, the strange blend of scents and sounds. Most of the inhabitants were Vampis, but there were a few Faes and humans among them, though I knew better than to believe they were here by choice. Slaves, all of them, bound by compulsion to serve. My stomach churned at the sight, a familiar wave of helplessness washing over me. How many of these people had lost their freedom because of families like mine?

As I continued my aimless wandering, something caught my eye—several wagons making their way toward the castle gates. That was odd. Deliveries were always done in the early mornings, well before dawn. These couldn't be the usual shipments of blood or fruits. My instincts prickled with unease, and I found myself drawn toward the wagons, my curiosity too strong to ignore.

As I approached, I felt the blood drain from my face. Bodies. The wagons were full of them—lifeless, pale bodies piled on top of each other. I couldn't tear my eyes away. The sight was grotesque, and the stench of death hung thick in the air. What in the hell was my father doing? My heart raced, panic bubbling up in my chest.

I spun on my heel, trying to keep my steps steady as I rushed back to the castle. My mind was racing, but I couldn't afford to panic. Not yet.

But as soon as I stepped into the foyer, he was waiting for me, as if he'd known I'd been gone.

"Ah, my princess," he said, his voice suddenly so smooth and untroubled unlike this morning. His eyes gleamed, and I knew instantly that whatever I had seen was part of something far worse than I'd imagined. "You're back just in time. I have good news."

His smile was sharp, almost predatory. "You are to be wed. Tomorrow."