The subtle hum of magic weaving through me pulls me awake. A weak dawn light filters through the gap in the curtains, illuminating tiny dust particles floating near my bed. The spot where the cut closed on my forearm itches. I sit up and touch the scar – it feels like cold metal. The Serafino locket, hidden under my shirt, beats in time with my pulse.
But there's another pulse in my chest, a second layer over my own. Mateo.
I place my hand on my chestbone. The pendant there vibrates faintly against my skin. It's clear: his life is connected to mine.
I grab my jacket and leave the small safe house Valentina provided. The courtyard is empty, damp with morning mist. I walk to the edge of the terrace, hoping the cool air will clear my thoughts.
A breeze lifts my hair, and my vision blurs. I see a quick image of silver – Mateo's coat as he walked into the Pit last night. Then warmth washes over me, his pulse booming through mine like a loud horn. I gasp.
I shut my eyes, concentrating on my breathing.
This connection isn't just a faint echo; it's a real bond. With every heartbeat, I feel a matching pulse in his chest. I could be anywhere and still sense him.
I push open the door. Valentina and Gio are sitting at a worn table, watching me.
Valentina points to a steaming pot. "Coffee."
I pour a cup and bring it to my lips, letting the bitter taste ground me. Gio studies me closely. "How does the locket feel?"
I hold the cup with both hands. "Heavy." I exhale slowly. "I can feel him."
He frowns. "Do you know what he's feeling?"
My skin tingles. I close my eyes, focusing on the pulse. It's steady – a cold, firm resolve mixed with tension. Like he's getting ready for a battle.
I open my eyes to meet theirs. "He's preparing for something."
Valentina's face tightens. "He'll come for you soon."
I nod. "I need him to." I lift my chin. "He's the only one who can help me figure this out."
Gio stands up, finishing his coffee. "I'll arrange transport. You rest – keep an eye on the bond."
I watch him leave, then turn to Valentina. "What did Mateo say when I took the locket?"
Her eyes wander. "Nothing. He just watched you holding it." She taps the table. "Then he left. No goodbye."
My chest feels tight. I expected anger, punishment, threats. Instead… silence. Calm, impossible to read.
I hold the coffee, warming my hands. I need to know more. I walk to the back door and slip into the alley. Dawn's light fades into gray.
I raise a hand to my chest and close my eyes. I reach for him.
A shiver runs across my skin – like a splash of cold water. I take a shaky breath. His pulse quickens, then slows. I picture his hands gripping the podium in the vault, knuckles white.
My thoughts drift to the previous night in the gallery: the whispered tale of souls sealed by blood, his soft admission that only a bond like this could free either of us. His matching pendant on the pedestal. The sacrifice they wanted.
I open my eyes. My fingers touch the scar on my wrist. The cut throbs. The locket is pulsing.
I need answers, and I need him. Tonight, we meet again.
That evening, the estate gates open for a private party – a distraction, they say, to celebrate Serafino unity. I stand in the outer courtyard, dressed in black pants and a simple shirt. No gloves tonight. The locket is hidden beneath my shirt, the pendant burning against my chest.
Valentina meets me at the gate. Her gown is beautiful, but her eyes are hard. "Ready?"
I nod. "Let's go."
We enter the grand ballroom. Crystal chandeliers reflect on the marble floors. Serafino leaders are mixing with neutral families. Music rises – violins and drums – like the heartbeat of the city itself.
I move through the crowd, searching faces. Every pulse beats through me – excitement, fear, greed. And beneath it all, his calm, steady rhythm.
A hush falls over the room. The doors at the far end open. Mateo walks in, wearing a perfect suit, his coat over his arm. He pauses, scanning the room. His eyes find me.
My heart skips a beat. His pulse surges in response – stronger, more urgent. I push through the guests until I stand in front of him.
He nods slightly. "Ivy."
I lift my chin. "Mateo."
There's no friendly greeting, just that same cold calm. But beneath it, a question: *Are you okay?*
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "I need to talk."
He studies me for a moment, then leads me to a balcony overlooking the courtyard. We slip through the crowd.
Outside, the night air is cool. Lanterns glow on the terrace. He leans against the stone railing, arms crossed.
I step closer. My pulse is pounding in my ears. I raise a hand to the pendant at his neck. "I can feel you."
He watches my fingers hover. "And I, you." His voice is quiet, filled with restrained emotion.
We stand in silence, connected by a blood magic neither of us completely understands. The music drifts up from below, a reminder of the world we can't escape.
I break the silence. "Tell me what you felt when we…bound ourselves."
He turns, looking at the distant city lights. "Shock. Power. Regret."
My heart clenches. "Regret?"
He runs a hand through his hair. "I thought binding myself would control the ritual. But when you drank the oath… I realized I'd trapped you too."
I place my palm on his chest. His warmth seeps through the fabric. "I'm not trapped."
He meets my eyes. "Look at me and say that."
I search his face, the Ice Heir, the unwilling protector. "I'm not trapped," I repeat.
He lets out a slow breath. "Then what are we?"
I swallow. "Partners," I say, my voice steady. "Bound by blood, yes – but partners. We survive together."
He studies me. Then, unexpectedly, he smiles – a hint of something softer. "Partners."
We stand side by side, the first signs of trust between us. The pendant's pulse slows, settling into a steady rhythm we share.
Behind us, the ballroom lights flicker. The music swells. I press my forehead against his shoulder. "Thank you – for this."
He rests his cheek against mine. "Thank you – for trusting me."
In the soft light of the final moments of the night, I realize the bloodbond isn't just a chain. It's a chance – an alliance neither of us wanted, but one that might just save both our worlds.