Blood Match
Chapter 34: Echoes Of Emotions
As the last note of the song rang out, silence held the room. No one dared to break the sacredness of the moment they had just witnessed. Liam’s cheeks were wet with tears, and Leo’s eyes glistened as well.
Then came the applause—growing, swelling—until the spell Logan had woven released them fully.
Aditya crossed the floor and extended his hand. “Never in my long life have I heard a song that so eloquently captured who we are and our connection to the earth. You are a rare one, my young friend.”
Logan lowered his eyes, looking embarrassed. “Aw geez, thanks.”
Leo put his arm around him. “Don’t be so modest, brother. You’ve always felt our connection to the earth more deeply than most. Your song was amazing.”
Liam had managed to steady himself. “Yes, Mr. Mercer, it was beautiful.”
“It’s Logan—or Ogi. We’re family, eh?” Logan grinned and pulled Liam into a bear hug. Liam took only a second before returning it with warmth.
Liam laughed. “Okay, Ogi.”
Leo reclaimed him with a smile. “Don’t be falling for his Canadian smooth talk.” He glared good-naturedly at Logan.
You really admire him, Liam sent.
Yes. He’s the closest thing to a vampire brother I have. Logan was right—we are family.
Across the room, Don Bernardo leaned toward Don Antonio. “Sir, who is this Logan Mercer?”
“I’m surprised you don’t know. He is one of the foremost experts in ecology, conservation, and climatology. He has built a wide network of conservationists in both human and vampire society. He also holds excellent relations with all the Canadian covens and has been designated their representative. Though young compared to many here, he is impressive.”
“Don’t we have an office in British Columbia? Why would the Canadian covens rely on him?” Bernardo scoffed.
“Because he is sincere and takes care of his own. He has been infected with Leo’s brand of honor. Do less talking and more observing, and you will see how much happens beneath the surface. Leonidas De La Cruz has ties to many of the oldest, most influential covens in the world. The VHA only formed because Leonidas stepped away from the center of power. Should he return, the VHA will lose what little influence it clings to.” Don Antonio plucked a goblet of blooded wine from a passing tray.
“Then what is our next step?”
“For now, we observe and test the currents. One must know how fast the river flows in order not to be drowned by its waters.” He moved away, approaching Leo.
“Mr. De La Cruz, thank you for inviting us to this welcoming reception. It is an honor to stand in the presence of so many vampire elite.”
“We are glad you could come. The true festivities begin at sunset tomorrow. We will celebrate and honor Hecate, Queen of Darkness, and remember the choice she gave us. I do hope you will attend.” Leo held his gaze before turning back to Aditya.
Will they come? Liam asked.
Absolutely. They fear what I might do. What puzzles me is why Harrison Sinclair is with the VHA. He has little taste for politics—prefers wealth’s decadence. What do you see when you look at him?
Liam let his photographer’s eye settle on Harrison, who whispered with Marlowe across the room. A sickly green aura bloomed around him, reaching outward, wrapping her in its glow.
He is up to something. The Pierce siblings are being drawn in. We need to keep watch.
I’ll speak with Alexi.
Leo turned back to Aditya. “Honored one, how are things in India?”
Aditya accepted another goblet. “Tense. A faction of covens had advocated for VHA oversight, arguing India must keep pace with the world.”
Don Antonio perked up. “Forgive me, Ancient one, but the VHA could be of great help in India. There are resources—”
The words faltered under Aditya’s gaze. His silence was heavier than rebuke.
“Don Antonio, I was old when the hill forts were being built by the Rajput rulers. I have watched India grow and change. India has always valued freedom. Since Gandhi led us out from English colonial rule, why would we surrender that precious gift to another power?”
Aditya turned away, allowing Antonio to withdraw in frustration.
“As I was saying,” he continued, “the matter is resolved. The fledglings will remain under the elders’ supervision for the next centuries. After solitude and study of the Upanishads, we hope they will gain wisdom.”
“I’m glad they have you to guide them. India has made great strides forward, all because of your wisdom,” Leo said, raising his glass.
“Yes, honored one, each of us has benefitted from that wisdom countless times,” Min-Seo added warmly.
Aditya pressed his hands together at his heart and bowed. “Dhanyavaad. Thank you, my friends.”
Nikolai clapped Leo on the back. “Comrades Joseph and Logan have fulfilled their bargains. That leaves only you, Leonidas. Time for a song!”
Liam kissed Leo’s cheek. “Go be the lion I know you are. Let them hear you roar.”
Leo nodded and strode to the orchestra. Taking the conductor’s microphone, he smiled. “It seems my turn to sing. Joseph’s challenge will be fulfilled—and this song will serve as the official opening of our Yule celebration. Liam, come sing with me.” He stretched out his hand.
Leo, I don’t know the words!
Trust the bond. Trust the magic.
Liam drew a breath and joined him. The conductor passed another microphone.
As the melody began, haunting and mysterious, words and music bloomed in Liam’s mind. It felt as though he had always known them.
See, my love. Our bond is strong—we cannot fail.
And together they sang:
Celebrate
Verse 1
Beneath the stars, we celebrate
As daylight fades, we congregate
In sacred night, our spirits soar
Embracing all we are and more
Verse 2
The nightjar’s call, our anthem true
In darkness deep, we revel free
Unbound by day’s strict sovereignty
Our voices rise in haunting song
A chorus to which we belong
Verse 3
In shadowed woods, our spirits flew
But time, it slips through grasping hands
As dawn prepares to claim these lands
Yet ere the sun crests yonder hill
While night’s embrace enfolds us still
Verse 4
We turn our thoughts to those long gone
From ancient ones to recent past
Their memory forever lasts
We weave their names into our song
Ensuring they forever belong
Verse 5
Their spirits dance on night wind’s breath
Though day must come, we carry on
The night’s gifts with us in the dawn
For in night’s depths, we’ve come to know
The strength that darkness can bestow
Until we dance in starlight yet again
As their voices twined, they seemed one being. Emotion and energy flowed between them, then outward, washing over the hall.
Joseph, watching, noticed Tristan’s tears. Mercy, cradled in his arms, noticed too.
“What’s wrong, little brother?” Joseph asked softly.
Tristan smiled through tears. “I can feel it—Leo’s heart. It’s been broken for so long, but now, in this moment, Liam has made it whole.”
As the final notes lingered, Leo and Liam embraced, sealing the song with a kiss.
A powerful chapter.❤️