Before Dawn: Break the Blood Pact is a gripping DramaSeries that blends LoveStory, RomanticDrama, and dark supernatural elements. Bound by a mysterious blood pact, two souls are trapped between love and destiny, where breaking the bond could mean freedom—or devastating consequences.
As secrets unravel under the cover of night, love is tested against fate, loyalty, and sacrifice. This short drama delivers a captivating mix of romance, mystery, and emotional tension. Perfect for fans of short drama, short movie, reels short, and modern drama full episode content. A must-watch full episode where love dares to challenge destiny.
#BeforeDawnBreakTheBloodPact #BeforeDawnBreakTheBloodPactFullMovie #SupernaturalRomance #BloodPactLove #DarkFantasyRomance #ForbiddenLove #DestinyLoveStory #LoveStory #DramaSeries #RomanticDrama #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ReelsShort #ShortFilm #ModernDrama #FullEpisode #EmotionalRomanticDrama #TrendingShortDrama #ViralDramaSeries
As secrets unravel under the cover of night, love is tested against fate, loyalty, and sacrifice. This short drama delivers a captivating mix of romance, mystery, and emotional tension. Perfect for fans of short drama, short movie, reels short, and modern drama full episode content. A must-watch full episode where love dares to challenge destiny.
#BeforeDawnBreakTheBloodPact #BeforeDawnBreakTheBloodPactFullMovie #SupernaturalRomance #BloodPactLove #DarkFantasyRomance #ForbiddenLove #DestinyLoveStory #LoveStory #DramaSeries #RomanticDrama #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ReelsShort #ShortFilm #ModernDrama #FullEpisode #EmotionalRomanticDrama #TrendingShortDrama #ViralDramaSeries
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Short filmTranscript
00:00On my birthday I showed up right on time at the upscale blood banquet lounge Daniel Cook had reserved.
00:06Genuinely excited for the night ahead.
00:09By the seventh time a blood servant waiter came over with a polite smile to ask if I was ready
00:14to order.
00:14My phone finally lit up with an iMessage from Daniel.
00:18Something urgent came up with the elders council.
00:21Go ahead and order yourself a glass of blood plasma, Don.
00:25Don wait for me.
00:27A second later, I scrolled straight into a new Instagram post from his first love, Camila Bennett, a pureblood elite.
00:35In the photo Daniel was seated at a table, casually flipping through the menu.
00:40He was even handing a fine silk blood napkin to someone just outside the frame.
00:46His attention clearly elsewhere.
00:48Been asleep in the old world for so long.
00:50Someone was worried I'd come back to New York and starve because I could read the menu.
00:54So he's treating me to a proper feast.
00:57Anything for you.
00:58Just like that, the entire evening lost its flavor.
01:01I handed the menu written entirely in archaic latin I couldn't even begin to decipher.
01:06Back to the blood servant waiter.
01:08I'll have one of everything from your signature blood reserve selection.
01:11By the time I finished feeding and had the rest packed up to take back to my underground manor in
01:16Manhattan,
01:17my phone was flooded with missed calls, dozens of them, all from Daniel.
01:24I didn't respond, a relationship that keeps surviving on promises of next time.
01:29Was that really something worth waiting for?
01:31Especially for someone like me?
01:33A member of the vampire kind with time stretching endlessly ahead?
01:39A few days later, I went out for the night with a friend and ended up running into Daniel at
01:44a night lounge.
01:45We had barely been seated when a pair of icy hands suddenly grabbed my arm.
01:49Lydia, you ignore my texts and then show up here in the middle of the night to drink?
01:53Before I could respond, my friend shook his hand off and shot a cold look at the woman behind him.
01:58Ah, so you can hang out alone with another female vampire, but we can't come out and relax.
02:04Daniel pinched the bridge of his pale nose.
02:06Don't start.
02:07Camilla brought her entourage out for drinks.
02:10I was worried they'd end up drinking low quality blood and getting into trouble,
02:13so I came along to keep an eye on things, and I did text you.
02:16You're the one who never replied.
02:18There was a trace of frustration in his voice.
02:21Only then did I notice the messages he had sent after that.
02:24A mix of updates and attempts to smooth things over.
02:27I was genuinely surprised.
02:29Daniel had never been the type to keep me informed.
02:31Back when I once asked how many nights he'd be away on a trip to the Elder's Council in Washington,
02:36D.C.,
02:36he had shut me down immediately.
02:38Lydia Ross, every vampire needs their own space.
02:40Do you have to track me like a radar?
02:42It had taken repeated apologies before he let it go,
02:45warning me not to interfere with his schedule again.
02:47Locked my screen and answered casually,
02:50Sorry, didn't check my phone.
02:52Daniel looked caught off guard.
02:53Right then, Camilla stepped forward.
02:55Daniel, if Lydia's uncomfortable, you should go back with her.
02:58I'll be fine getting back on my own.
03:00I clinked my glass of blood wine with my friends without even looking up.
03:04I'm not.
03:05Do whatever you want.
03:06Daniel frowned, scanning me from head to toe.
03:09Lydia, be reasonable.
03:11Go home first.
03:12If you want to unwind, I'll pick up your favorite blood pudding.
03:15After I take Camilla back to her resting place at the hotel,
03:18we can eat together all you want.
03:19Daniel had a serious aversion to anything unclean.
03:23He never allowed strongly scented, half-blood food inside his barrier.
03:27After moving in with him, I had given up both blood pudding and woof vein mix.
03:32Assuming he was just in a hurry to get Camilla settled, I nodded dismissively.
03:36Got it.
03:37You should go.
03:38He seemed surprised at how easily I agreed.
03:41Good.
03:41Wait for me at the castle hotel.
03:43Like a reward, he reached out and ruffled my hair.
03:46He left in such a rush that he didn't even notice me subtly pulling away.
03:50By the time I got back, dawn was approaching.
03:52The moment I pushed the door open, I ran straight into Daniel,
03:56who looked like he had been about to go out and look for me.
03:59The instant he saw me, his expression turned cold.
04:02Lydia, do you even know what time it is?
04:04The sun's about to come up.
04:05You've lived this long, and you're still acting like one of those newly turned,
04:09storming out, and staying away all night.
04:11I was so exhausted, I could fall straight into torpor the second I closed my eyes.
04:16I didn't have the energy to deal with him.
04:18I tried to walk past him toward the coffin in the bedroom.
04:21He stepped in front of me, blocking my way.
04:24Stop getting jealous over nothing.
04:25If there were really something between me and Camilla,
04:28do you think it would be your place?
04:30Then he pulled out a small blue box from the pocket of his tailored coat.
04:34A Tiffany box.
04:35Here, your birthday gift, and don't act this childish again.
04:39I was too tired to argue.
04:41Without even looking, I took the box and headed for the bedroom.
04:45Fun!
04:46Thanks!
04:46I tossed the little blue box, still holding a magical charm inside,
04:51onto the vanity without a second thought.
04:53Whatever, I slipped into the coffin and shut my eyes.
04:56Before I could even process who had slammed the front door so hard,
05:00the sound echoing through the manor,
05:01I had already fallen completely into sleep.
05:04The next night, as I sat scrolling through Instagram,
05:07with a cup of pure blood brew in hand,
05:09I finally realized what had happened.
05:11Daniel had slammed the door, and left, the night before.
05:15Camilla had already posted again,
05:17wish this moment could last forever.
05:19The photo showed her and Daniel,
05:21standing side by side atop a castle in upstate New York,
05:24their backs to the camera as they looked up at a blood moon.
05:27I tapped like out of habit, then let out a quiet sigh.
05:30Not good for them, I guess.
05:32Romantic for the two of them.
05:34My door was the one that suffered for it.
05:36After a few quick sips of a custom blood plasma mix,
05:39I headed to the vampire consorta team offices.
05:42When the executive council manager heard I was finally willing to accept a transfer,
05:46she looked both surprised and relieved.
05:49The last time I had turned down a position in the Seattle Territory branch,
05:52because I did not want a long-distance relationship with Daniel,
05:55she had genuinely felt it was a waste.
05:58Glad you finally came around.
06:00With teleportation gates this advanced,
06:03visiting each other is just a few hours through a night transit array.
06:06You know what they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder.
06:10I smiled politely at her teasing, before adding,
06:13calm and matter of fact,
06:15I am planning to dissolve our blood bond.
06:17By the time I finished the paperwork,
06:19it was midnight, our usual break.
06:22A few co-workers I was close with,
06:24immediately insisted,
06:25on taking me out,
06:26for a farewell blood feast.
06:28Laughing,
06:29I followed them into the elevator.
06:30At the moment we stepped out of the revolving doors,
06:33Daniel appeared out of nowhere,
06:35and pressed a bouquet of black roses,
06:37still damp with night dew,
06:38into my hands.
06:39Peace offering.
06:40My co-workers instantly erupted.
06:42Wow,
06:43what did you do to make Lydia mad?
06:45You are down here waiting with flowers.
06:47Too late,
06:48Daniel.
06:48Lydia's midnight slot is booked.
06:50She is ours tonight.
06:52Sorry everyone,
06:54Lydia and I need to take care of something.
06:55I will make it up to you next week.
06:57Daniel laughed,
06:58as he pulled me gently toward his UV protected SUV.
07:02Thinking something urgent had happened back at the underground manor,
07:05I said goodbye to my co-workers,
07:07and slayed into the passenger seat,
07:09as he opened the door for me.
07:11The first thing I did,
07:12was toss the bouquet of black roses,
07:14into the back seat,
07:16before fastening my seatbelt.
07:17Daniel saw it the moment he got in,
07:19his pale lips pressed into a thin line duct,
07:22at a red light.
07:23He finally asked,
07:24unable to hold it in.
07:25You do not like them?
07:27I was still replying to work handover emails on the dark web.
07:30It took me a moment to even look up.
07:32What?
07:33Then it clicked.
07:34Oh,
07:35the flowers.
07:36You forgot I am allergic to black rose pollen.
07:38Daniel froze,
07:39then winced.
07:40God,
07:41I am sorry.
07:42I will remember next time.
07:43My eyes had already dropped back to my phone.
07:46It is fine.
07:47It was not the first time.
07:48A high-ranking vampire envoy,
07:50who could fluently recite obscure ancient languages,
07:53did not forget something like that by accident.
07:55He just did not care.
07:57At least now,
07:58I did not need him to.
07:59We are here.
08:00By the time Daniel told me to get out,
08:02I had just confirmed my start date,
08:04with the Seattle Territory Supervisor.
08:06I glanced out the window,
08:08and frowned.
08:09Thought this was not our neighborhood.
08:10It was the parking lot,
08:12of an international teleportation gate terminal.
08:15Before I could ask anything,
08:17Daniel had already opened my door,
08:18and grabbed my hand.
08:20Pulling me into a run through the lobby,
08:21I blinked in surprise.
08:23In my memory,
08:24Daniel had always been composed,
08:26refined,
08:27every bit the pure blood elite.
08:29This kind of impulsive,
08:30almost boyish energy,
08:31was something I had only ever seen,
08:33in Camilla's Instagram posts.
08:35Lydia,
08:36hurry,
08:37our night Transalito RA,
08:38is about to depart.
08:40By the time we dropped into our first class seat,
08:42both of us slightly out of breath,
08:44I finally managed to ask,
08:46what is going on?
08:47Did something happen to your family,
08:49the prince in your house?
08:50Daniel's family had lived in European castles,
08:53for generations,
08:53so I had assumed something serious,
08:55had come up.
08:56He was still catching his breath,
08:57as he tucked away our night passes,
08:59and vampire passports.
09:00I know you have not used,
09:02your sabbatical year yet.
09:03You have always wanted to see,
09:05the Eiffel Tower at night in Paris,
09:07right?
09:07I finally have time off,
09:09so I am taking you on a proper trip.
09:11Just do not be mad at me anymore,
09:13okay?
09:13That was when it hit me,
09:14dot in three years together.
09:16This was the first time Daniel had ever taken me on a trip.
09:19Every single one of his previous vacations,
09:21had been spent with Camilla,
09:23or more accurately,
09:24his vacations existed for her.
09:26He would take her to the African savannah,
09:28to drink lion blood,
09:29to Iceland,
09:30to watch the Northern Lights,
09:32to Australia to see kangaroos,
09:33but when all I wanted was for him to check out a new blood bar with me in Brooklyn,
09:37he would brush me off,
09:39saying the elders council kept him too busy.
09:41I let it go.
09:42I would treat this as our last trip,
09:44before ending the blood bond,
09:46a clean break.
09:47For now,
09:47I swallowed the urge to bring it up.
09:49Wait,
09:50if we are teleporting directly,
09:52what about our luggage,
09:53the soil,
09:54our clothes?
09:54Daniel reached over,
09:55and patted my head,
09:57indulgent.
09:57Relax.
09:58I figured traffic in New York,
10:00might slow us down,
10:01and make us miss the flight.
10:02So I asked a friend,
10:03who is also heading to Paris,
10:05to take our luggage ahead,
10:06to the Castle Hotel.
10:08I nodded dot,
10:09at least I happen to be between rolls right now.
10:11Otherwise,
10:12disappearing from work like this,
10:13would have been hard to explain to the executive council.
10:15By the time we arrived at the French teleportation gate,
10:18it was already deep into the night.
10:20We had barely stepped into the lobby of the Castle Hotel,
10:23when Daniel's phone rang,
10:24sharp and sudden,
10:25he picked up immediately.
10:27Hey,
10:28don't cry,
10:29stay where you are,
10:30avoid the moonlight,
10:31if you can,
10:31I'll be there right away.
10:33Lydia,
10:34Camilla followed us to Paris.
10:35Vampire hunters are pretty active in this district,
10:37so it's not safe.
10:38I'm worried something might happen to her.
10:40Go up to the room and get some rest.
10:42I'll be back as soon as I find her.
10:43His expression tightened with urgency.
10:45He rushed over to the valet,
10:47and practically snatched the keys to our rental car.
10:50Before I could say a word,
10:51he was already gone,
10:53speeding off into the night.
10:54He had completely forgotten,
10:55that I did not speak a word of French.
10:58Worth,
10:58my vampire passport,
10:59and all my identification,
11:01were still in his briefcase.
11:03The trip had been so sudden,
11:04I had not even set up international roaming.
11:07Unable to reach him,
11:08I tried using a translation app,
11:10to communicate with the ghoul at the front desk.
11:12Without a passport,
11:13they could not check me in.
11:14So I ended up sitting on a couch in the lobby,
11:17waiting.
11:18The long transatlantic journey,
11:20combined with the time difference,
11:21had left me drained.
11:23I needed blood.
11:24I needed torpor.
11:25Curled into the soft couch,
11:27I felt sleep pulling at me.
11:29The drive from the teleportation gate,
11:31to the hotel should have taken 30 minutes.
11:34Two full rotations of the clock,
11:36hence later,
11:37Daniel was still nowhere to be seen.
11:39I stopped wondering,
11:40what he and Camila were doing.
11:42Just as I closed my eyes again,
11:44ready to drift off,
11:45a low smooth voice spoke right beside me.
11:47Lydia.
11:48I jolted upright,
11:49instantly awake.
11:50Alexander,
11:51what are you doing here?
11:52I nearly jumped to my feet.
11:54A rush of excitement,
11:55cutting through my exhaustion.
11:57Running into someone you knew,
11:59in a foreign country,
12:00was one thing.
12:01Running into someone,
12:02who used to sit next to you,
12:03at the turning academy,
12:05with something else entirely.
12:07Alexander Carter walked over,
12:08with an easy smile.
12:10Business trip closed the territory deal,
12:11earlier than expected.
12:13His gaze swept across the empty lobby,
12:15his crimson eyes narrowing slightly.
12:17Daniel brought you here?
12:18Where is he?
12:19He did not even consider the possibility,
12:21that I had come alone.
12:22Anyone who knew me,
12:23knew my grasp of ancient languages,
12:25was practically non-existent.
12:27I grabbed his arm,
12:28and pulled him toward the front desk,
12:30waving it off.
12:31He went to pick up a friend,
12:32then,
12:32without bothering to hide my exhaustion,
12:34I added,
12:35can you help me get a room?
12:36I need to get into a coffin and sleep.
12:38I am not making it to sunrise like this.
12:41Before we parted,
12:42Alexander added,
12:43a little more serious now.
12:44The room they gave you,
12:45won't be near mine.
12:46I'm in 1312 upstairs.
12:48If you need anything,
12:49come find me.
12:50I nodded quickly.
12:52Got it.
12:52You're still as naggy,
12:54as you were back at the academy.
12:55Go get some rest.
12:57Good night.
12:57I had barely closed the lid of the coffin,
12:59when lying pounding shook the door,
13:01half asleep,
13:02I assumed it was Alexander.
13:04I stumbled out,
13:05still groggy,
13:06and fumbled with the handle.
13:08The moment the door opened,
13:10someone pulled me into a tight embrace.
13:12Lydia,
13:13are you serious right now?
13:14Some random male vampire,
13:16gets you a room,
13:17and you just go to sleep?
13:18Do you have any idea,
13:19how long I've been looking for you?
13:21That voice,
13:22snapped me fully awake.
13:23I shoved Daniel away.
13:25What else was I supposed to do?
13:27Sit in the lobby,
13:28and wait for you until sunrise,
13:30and turn to ash.
13:31His confidence faltered instantly.
13:33He opened his mouth,
13:34the shock of being pushed aside,
13:36already forgotten.
13:37I'm sorry,
13:38this is on me.
13:39Camilla,
13:40lost her night pass,
13:40at the teleportation gate.
13:42So I stayed with her to look for it.
13:44As he spoke,
13:45he reached for my hand again.
13:46Lydia,
13:47come back to our suite,
13:48with me.
13:48This room is perfect for Camilla.
13:50I stepped back,
13:51avoiding his touch.
13:53My voice flat,
13:54no thanks.
13:54I trust you.
13:56If there were really anything between the two of you,
13:58you'd already be together.
14:00It wouldn't be my place,
14:01Daniel froze.
14:02Because those were his words,
14:04the same excuse,
14:05he had used on me,
14:06over and over again.
14:08Two years ago,
14:09when Camilla came back and forgot to bring sleepwear,
14:11she wandered around in his oversized black t-shirt.
14:14Last year,
14:15when she burned herself on silver during a castle visit,
14:18she insisted on clinging to him until he carried her.
14:21And this year,
14:22she even borrowed his expensive silver daquer to trim her nails.
14:26Every time I pointed out how inappropriate their closeness was.
14:30Every time I asked for some boundaries,
14:32Daniel would brush it off with that same line.
14:35If something were really going on,
14:37it would have happened already.
14:38I yawned,
14:39my fangs briefly visible,
14:41too tired to keep arguing.
14:42Without another word,
14:44I slammed the door in his face.
14:45Then I collapsed back onto the soft bed,
14:48and let myself fall asleep again.
14:50Sometime in my sleep,
14:52I vaguely remember hearing knocking again.
14:54When I woke up the next night,
14:56and saw a note slipped under the door,
14:58along with a stack of euros,
15:00and my passport,
15:01I realized,
15:02it had not been a dream.
15:03Lydia,
15:04I took Camilla to the eldest council office to replace her pass.
15:07I'll be back as soon as we're done.
15:08Don't be stingy with the money.
15:10I'll take you on a night cruise along the same tomorrow.
15:12I tucked the cash and my passport into my bag.
15:14As I passed the trash can,
15:16I tossed the note without a second thought.
15:17After getting ready,
15:19I opened the door and ran straight into Alexander,
15:21who had just been about to knock.
15:23I lit up.
15:24Alexander,
15:24perfect timing,
15:26he smiled,
15:26calm as ever.
15:27Guess it is.
15:28Is Daniel around?
15:29I thought I saw him heading out this morning,
15:31with another female vampire,
15:32when I went downstairs,
15:33for blood plasma.
15:34He's probably not back yet.
15:36I shrugged it off,
15:37not about to let Daniel ruin what little piece I had left of this trip.
15:41Alexander casually took my bag from my shoulder.
15:43Then how about tonight,
15:44we go see the Eiffel Tower?
15:45I booked a private night cruise.
15:47Seriously?
15:48My eyes lit up instantly.
15:50Let's go.
15:50I've been dying to try the specialty blend
15:52at the underground blood bar,
15:54on the left bank.
15:55Paris was especially beautiful that night.
15:57We strolled past the Arc de Triomphe,
16:00drifted along the same river on a private boat,
16:02paused to listen to a wandering vampire musician
16:05playing the accordion by the riverbank,
16:07and finally,
16:08ended the night with dinner
16:09at an upscale night restaurant,
16:11atop the Eiffel Tower.
16:13Back at the hotel,
16:14Alexander said he would come down with his camera
16:16to transfer the photos,
16:18so I left the door unlocked.
16:20A message popped up from him on WhatsApp.
16:22Yeah, yeah.
16:23There's an issue with the pipes on the 13th floor.
16:25No hot water.
16:26Do you mind if I use your shower?
16:27No problem.
16:28Bring the camera down too.
16:30After handing me the camera,
16:31Alexander grabbed a change of clothes
16:33and stepped into the shower.
16:35I was completely absorbed in the photos,
16:37scrolling through shots after shots
16:39of the stunning night views.
16:40When someone knocked on the door,
16:42I called out automatically.
16:43Just a minute.
16:44Right then,
16:45Alexander walked out,
16:47towel in hand,
16:48drying his hair.
16:49He went over and opened the door for me.
16:51Son of a bitch.
16:52The curse snapped me out of it.
16:54I looked up just in time
16:55to see Daniel throwing a punch straight at Alexander.
16:58Daniel pointed at him,
17:00shirtless.
17:00A towel slung low around his waist,
17:03his eyes blazing red as he turned on me.
17:05Who the hell is he?
17:06I frowned,
17:07genuinely confused by the way
17:09Daniel was acting like the wrong party.
17:11In the past,
17:12when he traveled with Camilla,
17:13he had even shared his suite with her
17:15without thinking twice.
17:17And whenever I argued with him about it,
17:19he would accuse me of having a dirty mind
17:21and being narrow-minded.
17:22Ow, he was standing here,
17:24looking like the victim.
17:25When I stayed silent,
17:26he grew more agitated.
17:28Lydia, answer me.
17:29Who the hell is this guy?
17:31A flicker of irritation crossed my eyes.
17:33He's just an old friend.
17:35Why are you making such a scene?
17:36I glanced at Alexander.
17:38The spot where Daniel had hit him
17:39was already swelling,
17:41faint streaks of blood
17:42surfacing beneath the skin.
17:43My voice dropped,
17:44cold and sharp.
17:46Daniel, apologize.
17:48His eyes widened in disbelief.
17:50What?
17:50You want me to apologize to him?
17:52I looked at him, puzzled.
17:54He walked in
17:54and punched Alexander without a word.
17:56He's choosing not to make a scene
17:58out of basic courtesy.
18:00The least you can do
18:01is apologize.
18:02Daniel's eyes turned even redder.
18:04Something almost wounded
18:05flashing across his face.
18:07That was when Alexander spoke up,
18:09perfectly timed.
18:10It's fine, Lydia.
18:12If your boyfriend doesn't want to apologize,
18:14let it go.
18:14One punch isn't a big deal.
18:16Vampire kind.
18:17He'll fast.
18:18Before I could respond,
18:19Daniel snapped like a bat
18:20with its tail stepped on.
18:22Shut up.
18:22I'm talking to Lydia.
18:24Who said you could interrupt?
18:25The last bit of warmth
18:26drained from my face.
18:27I shoved Daniel back.
18:29The last bit of warmth
18:30drained from my face.
18:31I shoved Daniel back.
18:33If you can't manage to speak
18:34like a civilized pureblood elite,
18:36then there's nothing left
18:37for us to discuss tonight.
18:38I moved to slam the door shut.
18:40Daniel panicked,
18:41jamming his elbow
18:42against the heavy wood
18:43to stop it.
18:44Wait, Lydia.
18:45Lisa, that's not what I meant.
18:46Only when he stopped acting
18:48like he might explode
18:49at any second
18:49did I loosen my grip.
18:51He immediately pushed
18:52his way inside
18:53as if afraid
18:54I would shut him out again.
18:56Words rushing out
18:57in a desperate attempt
18:58to explain.
18:59Lydia, don't be mad.
19:00I was just worried.
19:01It's not that I don't trust you.
19:02It's just that
19:03this is Europe.
19:04I walked in
19:05and saw you alone
19:06in a room
19:06with a heaven necklace.
19:08Male vampire.
19:09I thought you might
19:10have been bitten.
19:11Alexander let out
19:12a quiet mocking laugh.
19:14Sorry to interrupt.
19:15So Mr. Cook does understand
19:16that leaving Lydia alone
19:18in a foreign hotel
19:19is dangerous.
19:20especially when she can't
19:21even communicate
19:22in Old French.
19:23Daniel's face
19:24went pale instantly.
19:25He reached for my hand again.
19:27Voice urgent.
19:28Lydia, yesterday
19:30really was
19:31an emergency.
19:32I've already helped Camilla
19:33get a temporary night pass
19:35from the Elder's Council office.
19:37From now on
19:38I can focus entirely
19:39on you.
19:40I swear on my blood oath
19:41I won't leave your side
19:42for the rest of this trip.
19:44He looked at me expectantly
19:45searching my face
19:47for any sign of relief
19:48or happiness.
19:49There was none.
19:50I calmly pulled my hand away.
19:52You don't have to.
19:53You should go stay with Camilla.
19:55I've already made plans
19:56for the rest of the trip
19:57with Alexander.
19:58Panic flickered
19:59across his face.
20:00How can that work?
20:01Lydia,
20:02are you still upset
20:03about me
20:04and Camilla?
20:05We're bondmates.
20:06How could I leave you
20:07to go spend time with her?
20:08I frowned slightly.
20:10How many times
20:11had he already done
20:12exactly that?
20:13The thought of ending our bond
20:14had been on my mind
20:15for a while.
20:16He would have to hear it
20:17sooner or later
20:18and I refused
20:19to let the rest of this trip
20:21be ruined by him
20:22and Camilla.
20:23After a brief pause
20:24I said it.
20:25Daniel,
20:26we're done.
20:26It hit him like a bolt
20:28of pure silver lightning.
20:29He stood there
20:30stunned
20:31struggling to process it.
20:33Lydia,
20:33you're just angry
20:34no matter how upset you are.
20:36You can't use breaking our bond
20:38to threaten me.
20:39I sighed.
20:40Saying it so abruptly
20:41was probably hard
20:42for him to accept.
20:43Fine,
20:44then I would make it clear.
20:45I glanced at Alexander.
20:47He understood immediately.
20:49I'll head upstairs
20:50and change.
20:51He said,
20:52picking up his clothes
20:52from the bathroom.
20:53I'll come back down
20:54later for the camera.
20:55He made a quick gesture
20:56like a phone.
20:57If you need anything,
20:58just send a blood raven message.
21:00I gave him
21:01a grateful smile.
21:02The moment he left,
21:03Daniel shut the door in.
21:05As if afraid
21:05of being interrupted,
21:06turned the lock
21:07several times
21:08before setting up
21:08a silencing ward.
21:09I walked over
21:10to the French sofa
21:11and gestured calmly
21:12for him to sit
21:13across from me.
21:14He hesitated,
21:15lips moving slightly,
21:17unable to form
21:17a complete sentence.
21:19As if any wrong word
21:20might set me off again.
21:21Camilla,
21:22her pause
21:22really was lost.
21:23He finally said,
21:24carefully watching my expression.
21:26When I remained
21:27completely indifferent,
21:28he grew anxious.
21:29Lydia,
21:29you have to believe me.
21:31There's nothing between us.
21:32We grew up
21:32in the same house.
21:34That's all.
21:34There's no way
21:35anything could ever happen.
21:36I nodded faintly.
21:37I truly did not care anymore.
21:39So why was he still
21:41wasting time
21:42trying to explain this?
21:43Seeing how cooed I was,
21:45his brow tightened further.
21:46Lydia,
21:47what's wrong with you?
21:48I tilted my head slightly.
21:50What do you mean?
21:51Isn't this exactly
21:52what you always wanted?
21:53I let out a quiet breath.
21:54Every time you spent
21:55the night out with Camilla,
21:57I used to act like
21:58I was guarding
21:58against a thief.
22:00I'd call you
22:00over and over again,
22:02terrified that
22:03if I looked away
22:03for even a second,
22:04you'd end up
22:05in the same coffin with her.
22:07Back then,
22:07he had gotten so angry,
22:09he blocked every way
22:09I had to contact him.
22:11When we got back to New York,
22:12he only forgave me
22:13after I promised
22:14again and again
22:15that I would stop
22:16being jealous of Camilla.
22:17And now,
22:18I had given him
22:18exactly what he wanted.
22:20Complete freedom.
22:21So why,
22:22now that he had it,
22:23was he the one
22:24complaining that
22:25I had changed?
22:26The thought suddenly
22:26struck me as almost laughable.
22:28I had wasted years
22:29of my long vampire life
22:31on a relationship like this.
22:32I had even nearly
22:33given up my chance
22:34to go to Seattle
22:35and rise within
22:36the elders' council.
22:37Lydia,
22:38you were a fool.
22:39When I looked up again,
22:40the words came easily,
22:41almost like a relief.
22:43Daniel,
22:43let's end this.
22:44I don't love you anymore.
22:45Daniel looked like
22:46he was about to cry
22:47tears of blood.
22:49Then,
22:49out of nowhere,
22:50he asked,
22:51Is this because of Alexander?
22:52I blinked,
22:53caught off guard.
22:54I genuinely did not
22:55understand what Alexander
22:56had to do with any of this.
22:58I shook my head,
22:59still feeling the weight
23:00of exhaustion.
23:01No,
23:01this has nothing
23:02to do with him.
23:03I'm ending our blood bond
23:04because you never cared
23:05about me,
23:05and I don't love you anymore.
23:07That's all.
23:08Daniel fell silent.
23:09The room sank
23:10into a suffocating stillness.
23:11Then suddenly,
23:12someone knocked on the door.
23:14He moved like he was
23:15in a daze,
23:16undoing the silencing ward
23:17and opening it.
23:18Camilla stood outside.
23:20A moment she saw him,
23:21her legs seemed to give out
23:22as she collapsed
23:23into his arms.
23:24Daniel,
23:24I've been waiting for you
23:25and Lydia in the lobby forever.
23:27I think I had too much
23:28strong blood wine at the bar.
23:30I feel a little dizzy.
23:31Daniel instantly broke
23:32into a cold sweat.
23:34He tried to push her away
23:35while stumbling over his words,
23:37rushing to explain.
23:38Lydia,
23:39don't get the wrong idea.
23:40Camilla and I are never this close.
23:42She's just drunk tonight.
23:43I looked at her,
23:44the exaggerated haze
23:45in her eyes,
23:46the way her arms clung to him
23:48like creeping vines,
23:49refusing to let go.
23:50It was obvious
23:51she was pretending,
23:52but whatever game existed
23:53between childhood companions
23:55was none of my business anymore.
23:56I was not about to insert myself
23:58into it as the ex.
23:59Okay,
24:00take your time.
24:01I'm going to sleep.
24:02At that,
24:03Daniel tried harder
24:04to pry her off,
24:04panic rising in his voice.
24:06Wait,
24:06Lydia,
24:07I'll take her back to her room
24:08and come right back.
24:09Don't go to sleep yet.
24:10I can't explain everything.
24:11The moment he said that,
24:13Camilla tightened her arms
24:14around his neck even more.
24:15She practically climbed onto him,
24:17her long legs
24:18locking around his waist.
24:19I had always believed
24:21in letting people
24:21have what they wanted.
24:23So as Daniel staggered out the door,
24:25tangled up with her,
24:26I shut it firmly behind them.
24:27There's nothing left to explain.
24:29Take care of Camilla.
24:30He tried to turn back,
24:31probably to knock again,
24:33but Camilla clung to him
24:34so tightly,
24:35he had no choice
24:36but to carry her
24:36toward the elevators,
24:38murmuring to calm her down.
24:39I had just sat down
24:40when something hit me.
24:41I shot to my feet
24:42and rushed out.
24:43Moving so fast
24:44I was almost a blur.
24:46Wait,
24:46I'm coming with you.
24:47Daniel turned around,
24:48his face lighting up
24:49with sudden hope.
24:50Lydia,
24:51are you worried about me?
24:52Before he could finish,
24:53I cut him off.
24:54My luggage,
24:55the soil and everything
24:56is still in your suite.
24:57The moment I got my suitcase back,
25:00I made a clean escape.
25:01While Daniel was still
25:02tangled up with Camilla,
25:03I took the opportunity
25:04to disappear.
25:05To avoid being bombarded
25:07later through bad messages,
25:09I went straight to the front desk
25:10and switched to a room
25:11on a different floor.
25:13That night,
25:14just as expected,
25:15I was left in peace.
25:16When I woke after sunset
25:17the next evening,
25:18I saw that Daniel
25:19had flooded my WhatsApp
25:20with messages.
25:21Lydia,
25:22are you asleep?
25:23I've settled Camilla
25:24into another coffin room.
25:25Don't worry,
25:26she's in a separate room.
25:27Can you open the door
25:28so we can talk?
25:29Are you already in torpor?
25:30If you are,
25:31we can talk tomorrow night.
25:32There has to be
25:33some serious misunderstanding
25:34between us.
25:36Please give me a chance
25:37to explain.
25:38I swear on the progenitor,
25:39I will never cross
25:40any boundaries
25:41with Camilla again.
25:42There were dozens more,
25:44along with several
25:45missed voice calls.
25:46I did not bother
25:47reading the rest.
25:48I blocked him.
25:49I still had to go back
25:50to New York
25:51to pack up my things
25:52from the underground manor
25:53we shared,
25:53so it was not time
25:55to delete everything completely,
25:56but this was enough for now.
25:58After confirming a time
25:59to meet Alexander,
26:01I started peeking out
26:02what to wear.
26:02I settled on a Gothic-inspired
26:05French gown
26:05for the night.
26:06By the time I arrived
26:07at the night restaurant,
26:08Alexander had already ordered
26:10a classic French blood feast.
26:12He pulled out a chair
26:13for me like a perfect gentleman.
26:15Once I sat down,
26:16he served me a bowl
26:17of silver-filtered
26:18unicorn blood bisque.
26:20Try this.
26:20I think you'll like it.
26:22Before I could thank him,
26:23a tall shadow
26:24fell over the table.
26:25Daniel,
26:25he appeared like a ghost,
26:27pulled out a chair,
26:28and sat down without asking.
26:29Then he shoved the bowl aside
26:31with a sharp motion.
26:32Trying this hard
26:33to impress her?
26:34That's suspicious.
26:35Don't you know
26:35Lydia hates blood
26:36mixed with silver?
26:37Just like I do?
26:38Alexander paused,
26:39then looked at me
26:40with a hint of guilt.
26:41Really?
26:42Sorry, Lydia.
26:43I thought your taste
26:44hadn't changed
26:44since the turning academy.
26:46The turning academy?
26:47At those words,
26:48Daniel's face turned
26:49an ugly shade of green.
26:50We had only met
26:51after joining
26:52the elders' council.
26:53The version of me
26:54from the academy
26:55was something
26:56he had never known.
26:57I shook my head
26:58at Alexander
26:58and calmly pulled
27:00the bowl back
27:00in front of me.
27:01No,
27:02he remembered wrong.
27:03I've always liked
27:03silver-filtered blends.
27:05The truth was simple.
27:06Daniel was severely allergic
27:07to even trace amounts
27:09of silver.
27:09He also hated
27:10the metallic aftertaste.
27:12Once the blood cooled,
27:13so after we moved
27:14in together,
27:15I had given it up
27:15for his sake.
27:16Daniel's already pale face
27:18looked even worse.
27:19Only after I finished
27:20the soup at my own pace
27:22did he manage
27:22to steady himself
27:23enough to speak again.
27:25So,
27:25what's your plan
27:26for the rest of the night?
27:27Did you get tickets
27:28to the underground Louvor?
27:29I know quite a few
27:30vampires here.
27:30If you need access
27:31to a VIP shadow corridor.
27:33I set down my linen napkin,
27:35thanks,
27:35but Alexander already
27:36had a blood servant
27:37secured tickets in advance.
27:39Then I turned to Alexander.
27:40Are you done?
27:41If you are,
27:42let's head out.
27:42I'm good.
27:43Let's go.
27:43He stood up immediately,
27:45perfectly in sync with me.
27:46Daniel seemed
27:47completely thrown off.
27:48Then,
27:49I'll come with you.
27:50He said quickly.
27:51If you need help
27:52with the old French,
27:53I can.
27:54I picked up my bag.
27:55That won't be necessary.
27:56Alexander has lived
27:57in Europe for centuries.
27:58His old French is fluent.
28:00You should stay with Camilla.
28:01Daniel looked lost.
28:02My refusal had clearly shaken him
28:04more than anything else tonight.
28:05Seeing us ready to leave,
28:07he scrambled for something to say.
28:08How are you getting there?
28:10I can drive you.
28:11I rented a UV protected car.
28:13I already booked a private night driver
28:15through an app last night.
28:17My patience was gone.
28:18No.
28:18He fell quiet,
28:20finally backing off,
28:21but he could not resist
28:22one last attempt.
28:23If you don't need me,
28:24then I'll go meet
28:25a pure blood friend in Paris
28:26with Camilla tonight.
28:28He stared at me,
28:29searching my face
28:29for any sign of jealousy.
28:31There was none.
28:32I kept walking,
28:33heels clicking against the floor.
28:34Your plans are your business.
28:36You don't need to report them to me.
28:37Daniel went silent,
28:39deflated like a bat
28:40with the air knocked out of it.
28:41I let out a long breath.
28:43Finally,
28:43I could enjoy the romance
28:44of Paris at night without him.
28:46I thought Daniel had finally
28:47gotten the message
28:48and decided to leave me alone.
28:50But when we returned
28:51to the hotel just before dawn,
28:53Alexander received an urgent call
28:54about territory business.
28:56He stayed outside
28:57in the shadows of the entrance
28:58to handle it
28:59and told me to go upstairs and rest.
29:01The moment I stepped
29:02into the grand lobby,
29:04Daniel appeared again,
29:05as if he had been waiting
29:06there for hours,
29:07sticking to me like glue.
29:09Lydia,
29:10you are still mad at me,
29:11aren't you?
29:12The question caught me
29:13completely off guard.
29:15Mad about what?
29:16You blocked my number.
29:17I stared at him,
29:19genuinely incredulous
29:20at the hopeful look
29:21in his deep crimson eyes.
29:22You can't seriously think
29:24I blocked you
29:24because you spent
29:25the entire night
29:25running around with Camilla.
29:27To my disbelief,
29:28he actually nodded.
29:29I almost wondered
29:30if he had left his brain
29:31back in New York.
29:33Seriously?
29:33I blocked you
29:34because you spammed me
29:35with messages all night.
29:37It was annoying.
29:38We've already ended
29:39our blood bond.
29:40Whatever you and Camilla do next,
29:42form a blood alliance
29:43or get married.
29:44It has nothing to do with me.
29:46I won't interfere
29:47and I definitely won't interrupt
29:49your little world together.
29:50So please,
29:51act like a centuries-old
29:52adult vampire
29:53and leave me alone.
29:54Let me enjoy my vacation.
29:56Stop saying things like that
29:58just to push me away.
30:00Fortunately,
30:01his performance
30:01was cut short
30:02by Camilla Colley.
30:04Daniel hesitated,
30:05glancing down at the screen
30:06because his finger
30:07hovered over the answer button
30:08then paused
30:09at the last second.
30:10A perfect chance to escape.
30:12I was more than happy to help.
30:13I reached out
30:14and tapped
30:14except for him.
30:16The call connected immediately
30:17and Camilla's soft,
30:18pitiful voice
30:19filled the speaker.
30:20Daniel,
30:21can you come pick me up?
30:22It's almost sunrise
30:23and I can't get an Uber.
30:24Chloe had an emergency
30:26with her coffin
30:27and already left.
30:28I'm out here alone.
30:29I don't know
30:29any other vampires here.
30:31I'm really scared.
30:32Daniel hesitated,
30:33which was rare.
30:34Find Shengwei safe
30:35and out of the light first.
30:37Maybe a cafe
30:37or a basement.
30:38I'll call a friend here
30:39and have them come get you.
30:40I raised an eyebrow.
30:42Surprise!
30:42What was this?
30:43Since when did Daniel
30:44not drop everything for her?
30:46In the past,
30:47he would already be
30:48flooring the accelerator,
30:49racing through the night
30:50like some kind of dark night
30:51to rescue her.
30:52Clearly,
30:52Camilla had not expected
30:54to be refused either.
30:55There was a brief pause
30:56on the other end
30:57before she spoke again,
30:58her tone shifting
30:59into that familiar,
31:00carefully crafted vulnerability.
31:01But I don't really know
31:02your friends
31:03and it's almost dawn.
31:04They're probably going back
31:05to their coffins soon.
31:06I don't want to trouble anyone
31:08or cause you problems.
31:09I watched,
31:10fascinated,
31:11as Daniel's expression
31:12shifted between conflict
31:13and hesitation,
31:14so even her tried
31:15and true ex
31:15did not always work.
31:17Still,
31:17I had no intention
31:18of sticking around
31:19to see how this played out.
31:20The sooner I got away from him,
31:22the better.
31:22I turned on my heel
31:23and headed straight
31:24for the elevators.
31:25Well,
31:26if you've got a damsel
31:27to rescue,
31:27you should get going.
31:28I'm exhausted.
31:29I'm heading back to sleep
31:30and don't knock on my door again.
31:32Goodbye.
31:32Actually,
31:33better yet,
31:33let's not see each other again.
31:35Lydia.
31:35There was a flicker
31:36of hurt in his eyes.
31:38I ignored him completely.
31:40The moment I stepped
31:41into the elevator,
31:41I started jabbing
31:42the close button
31:43without hesitation.
31:44Over the next few nights,
31:46Alexander and I decided
31:47we'd had enough
31:48of the noise
31:49and switched
31:49to a more discreet
31:50castle hotel.
31:51A vacation
31:52without an X
31:53buzzing in my ear
31:54like a mosquito
31:55was exactly what I needed.
31:57But come Monday,
31:58I was due to report
31:59to the Seattle Division
32:00of the Vampire Consortium.
32:01If I didn't get back
32:02to my New York apartment
32:03and pack soon,
32:04I'd be cutting it
32:05way too close.
32:06I picked a time
32:07when Daniel would normally
32:08be at the Elder's Council building
32:10and return to our
32:11underground manor
32:12in Manhattan.
32:13The moment I pushed
32:14the door open though,
32:15I found him spalled
32:16stiffly across the dark
32:17velvet couch,
32:18still in a wrinkled
32:19black silk shirt,
32:20dead asleep.
32:21The creak of the door
32:22snapped him awake.
32:23He sat up abruptly
32:24and our eyes locked.
32:26I forced an awkward smile,
32:27letting the edge
32:28of a fang show.
32:29I'm just here
32:30to grab the rest
32:31of my things.
32:32I'll be out
32:33as soon as I'm done.
32:34Daniel didn't answer
32:35right away.
32:36He just stared at me
32:37with a look that was
32:38equal parts hollow
32:39and complicated.
32:40After a long pause,
32:41he finally spoke,
32:43his voice hoarse.
32:43You accepted
32:44the reassignment
32:45from the Elder's Council.
32:47You're moving to Seattle
32:48next week.
32:49That caught me off guard.
32:50How did he know that much?
32:52As if reading my mind,
32:53he lowered his gaze.
32:54After you blocked me,
32:56I tried everything.
32:57Blood magic.
32:58Every contact method I had.
33:00Nothing worked.
33:01I waited here
33:01for days after I got back.
33:03You never came home.
33:04I even went to
33:05your company building
33:06and asked around.
33:07That's how I found out
33:09you were being transferred
33:10to the West Coast.
33:11I didn't respond.
33:12There wasn't anything
33:13I wanted to say.
33:14The silence stretched
33:15until it felt suffocating.
33:17Finally,
33:18he spoke again,
33:19almost pleading.
33:20Lydia,
33:21can we sit down and talk?
33:22It was time to end
33:23this properly.
33:24I took a seat across from him.
33:25Fine.
33:26Say what you need to say.
33:27Daniel met my eyes,
33:28more serious
33:29than I had ever seen him.
33:30I swear,
33:31I'll cut off
33:31all private contact
33:32with Camilla.
33:33From now on,
33:34every night,
33:35we'll be yours.
33:36We can form a blood bond again.
33:37Start over, please.
33:38I felt nothing.
33:40No anger.
33:41No sadness.
33:41Just a faint sense
33:42of absurdity,
33:43he gave a bitter smile
33:44and continued,
33:46dissecting himself
33:46piece by piece.
33:48I know you've always hated
33:49how close I was to her.
33:50I've thought about it
33:51these past few days.
33:52You're my bound mate.
33:53Your feelings
33:54should have come first.
33:55I crossed lines
33:55I shouldn't have.
33:56I swear it won't happen again.
33:58Whatever problems
33:58Camilla has,
33:59she can deal with them herself.
34:01I shouldn't have
34:01taken your love for granted.
34:02I shouldn't have assumed
34:03you'd never leave.
34:04I was arrogant,
34:05careless.
34:06I acted like a complete idiot,
34:07but I know I was wrong.
34:08Just give me one last chance.
34:10We can go back to how things were
34:11when we were newly turned,
34:13please.
34:13So that was it.
34:14He had always known
34:15exactly what he was doing.
34:17He had always been capable
34:18of drawing a line with her.
34:19He just never wanted
34:20to do it for me.
34:21I let out a soft laugh.
34:23There's really no need.
34:24I stopped caring a long time ago
34:26whether you and Camilla
34:27were sharing a bloodbath
34:28or keeping things
34:29strictly platonic.
34:30Then I added,
34:31almost casually,
34:32and don't worry,
34:33I don't hate you.
34:34If the two of you
34:35end up together someday,
34:36I'll even send
34:37a congratulations card.
34:39Daniel shot to his feet.
34:40You think I'm lying?
34:41You don't believe me?
34:42His voice rose sharply.
34:43I'll prove it to you right now.
34:45Right in front of me.
34:46He activated
34:46ascending circle
34:47and connected to Camilla.
34:49The circle flickered twice
34:50before her voice
34:51came through,
34:52light and teasing.
34:53Wow, Daniel,
34:54it's only been a few nights.
34:56Miss me already?
34:57Normally,
34:58that kind of flirtation
34:59would have drawn
35:00an indulgent smile from him.
35:01This time,
35:02his expression hardened.
35:03Camilla,
35:04listen carefully.
35:05I'm saying this clearly.
35:06I already have Lydia
35:07as my partner.
35:08From now on,
35:09we keep our distance.
35:10Unless it's an emergency,
35:11that'll get you burned
35:12to ash in sunlight.
35:13Don't contact me again.
35:15A sharp intake of breaths
35:16crackled through the circle.
35:18Daniel,
35:18it's not April Fool's.
35:19What kind of joke is this?
35:21Her voice trembled,
35:22rising with disbelief.
35:23What happened?
35:24We were perfectly happy in Paris.
35:26We promised,
35:27back when we were embraced,
35:28that we'd spend eternity together.
35:30And now you're throwing
35:31that away for some woman.
35:33Then her tone shifted,
35:34brittle,
35:35and defensive.
35:36Oh,
35:36I get it.
35:37Lydia's throwing another one
35:38of her little fits,
35:39isn't she?
35:39I told you from the start,
35:41someone that petty
35:42and low tear
35:42doesn't deserve you.
35:44Enough.
35:44Shut up.
35:45Daniel cut her off
35:46with a furious snap.
35:47Lydia is my partner.
35:48You will show her respect.
35:50And I'm not joking.
35:51We're done.
35:52Don't contact me again.
35:53The communication charm.
35:55His device began vibrating nonstop.
35:57Amilla was calling over and over.
35:58Without hesitation,
35:59he crushed the phone itself
36:01in his hand,
36:02magic shattering it
36:03into useless fragments.
36:04Then he turned to me,
36:05his expression almost desperate.
36:07Please.
36:08See, Lydia,
36:09I've made it clear.
36:10I'll make it up to you.
36:11I'll devote myself to you completely.
36:13I looked at him quietly,
36:14this suddenly unfamiliar man,
36:16and felt nothing but exhaustion.
36:18Daniel,
36:18I said softly,
36:19it's too late.
36:20I don't love.
36:21Don't.
36:21He cut me off,
36:22panic flashing across his face.
36:24Please don't say it.
36:25It's not too late.
36:26We can rebuild the blood bond.
36:28Then,
36:29as if making a final,
36:30irreversible decision,
36:31he clenched his fists.
36:32I'll resign from the Elder's Council.
36:34I'll go to Seattle with you.
36:36We can start over.
36:37I had to admit,
36:38for a split second,
36:39that shook me,
36:40a pure blood diplomat who lived for power,
36:42willing to throw it all away from me.
36:43But the moment I thought back on the past three years,
36:46every quiet humiliation,
36:48every compromise that had cost me pieces of myself,
36:50clarity hit like ice water laced with silver.
36:53Stop,
36:54I said calmly.
36:55Don't romanticize this.
36:56Let's end it here.
36:57Leave each other with at least a little dignity.
37:00That's the best ending we're going to get.
37:02I didn't stay any longer than I had to.
37:04I grabbed a few essentials,
37:06and walked out of that suffocating manor for good.
37:08The rest of my belongings,
37:10including my coffin and equipment,
37:11I had packed and shipped through a professional blood servant moving company,
37:15via the shadow corridor,
37:16straight to Seattle.
37:17After that,
37:18I stayed in a discreet,
37:19boarded hotel in the city,
37:21where my new company was based,
37:22avoiding Daniel entirely.
37:24Three nights before my official start date,
37:27I finally signed a long-term basement lease,
37:29with a well-connected local landlord in Seattle.
37:32With a bit of time to spare,
37:33I flew back to New York,
37:35to retrieve the last few important scrolls I had left behind.
37:38Somehow,
37:39Daniel got hold of a new contact method,
37:41and reached me.
37:42His messages were desperate,
37:43begging me to wait,
37:45saying he was wrapping up his final handovers,
37:47and would fly to see me one last time.
37:49I didn't reply,
37:50not even a period.
37:51Before passing through security at the teleportation gate,
37:54I pulled the SIM card out of my iPhone,
37:56and tossed it straight into a trash bin in the terminal.
37:59Right then,
38:00connected to the gate's free Wi-Fi,
38:02WhatsApp lit up with a new message.
38:03Lydia,
38:04are you at the night corridor,
38:05of the Seattle-Tacoma,
38:07International Teleportation Gate?
38:08It was from Alexander.
38:10Also,
38:11was he here too?
38:12I looked up,
38:12scanning the crowded arrivals area.
38:14Stay where you are.
38:15I can smell you.
38:16I'll find you.
38:17I typed back quickly.
38:18Okay.
38:19I stepped aside behind a pillar,
38:21pulling my suitcase filled with soil,
38:22out of the way of the rushing night travelers.
38:25Lydia.
38:26A light tap landed on my shoulder.
38:27I turned,
38:28and there he was,
38:29Alexander Carter,
38:31dressed in a shark,
38:32vintage-inspired suit,
38:33a Ramoa suitcase in hand,
38:35just like mine.
38:35I couldn't help but smile.
38:37Wow.
38:38What are the odds?
38:39Yeah.
38:39He said with a grin.
38:40Pretty incredible.
38:41What brings you all the way to Seattle?
38:43Business?
38:43Territory negotiations?
38:44He shook his head,
38:46those striking ruby eyes catching the light.
38:48No.
38:48I'm here to officially join my new division.
38:51Then,
38:51with unexpected formality,
38:53he extended his pale, cool hand.
38:55Miss Lydia Ross,
38:56looks like we'll be working in the same warded office.
38:59I'll be counting on you.
38:59Something clicked in my mind.
39:01I remembered someone from the executive council,
39:03mentioning that headquarters had spent a fortune,
39:06recruiting an elite pureblood,
39:08from a European house.
39:09Someone who would be starting in Seattle,
39:11at the same time as me.
39:12I smiled,
39:13understanding at last,
39:14and took his hand.
39:16Nice to meet you,
39:17Mr. Alexander Carter.
39:18Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other,
39:20for a very long time.
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