Blood Match

Chapter 55: Lineage and Legacy

Gideon sat on the cold stone floor, silver chains around his wrists and ankles. The cell was dark; he supposed he was in the manor house’s basement. The air stank of mold and staleness, as if this room had been shut up for decades—perhaps even centuries.

How did it all go wrong? But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, he realized it didn’t matter. Marlowe was gone. She had been the center of his universe. Without her, nothing mattered. Eternity was meaningless.

Soon it would be over. If there was an afterlife, he would see Marlowe again. He could almost look forward to ending his existence—if it meant he could be with her.

“Alexi, how is the Corona De Fuego mine to lead? I’m mortal,” Liam said, holding Alexi’s eyes.

“Yes, Liam. You are mortal—the most important mortal in all our world. You are the Crown of Fire. Genevieve foretold your coming centuries ago, and the Corona De Fuego was created to stand behind you.”

Liam needed to think. He squeezed Leo’s hand and then got up. Movement allowed him to focus the energy already running wild within him—it was as if he needed to give it shape before it consumed him.

He crossed the room to the grand fireplace. Above it hung a large Venetian mirror, its glass faintly wavering in the glow of the flames. The etched border caught his eye—delicate blooms amid tongues of fire. The workmanship was exquisite, the kind of artistry that could only have been born of devotion. Instinctively, he knew the flowers were campion.

Then something shifted. The etched blossoms burst into life, red flames and white petals glowing brilliantly in the firelight. Liam caught his breath. The reflection changed.

He no longer saw himself. Standing in the mirror were Don Fernando and Genevieve—exactly where he stood now. They looked at one another and smiled, a gesture so full of love that it made Liam’s heart ache. Then, as if aware of his presence, they turned toward him.

He heard the voice before he saw Fernando’s lips move.

“Liam, we have waited a long time for you. Now you are here—the light that will draw my son out of darkness. You are worthy, and he is worthy of you. Be strong, be blessed, be happy, and restore what has been lost.”

Fernando turned to Genevieve and nodded.

“My child,” she said softly, “blood of my blood. You are a Nightsoul, the first to grace the manor since I stepped into eternity. You are the fulfillment of the Goddess’s will, and I rejoice at your coming. Accept the Corona de Fuego—it was meant for you. Lead with mercy and with fire; they will follow. Remember, you both carry our love.”

Then they were gone, fading like breath upon glass, and Liam was left staring at his own reflection once more. He wiped at a tear, the world suddenly too still, too bright. He turned, meaning to speak—but a flash of light caught his eye.

Alexander stood there in front of him. Beautiful. Ethereal. He seemed half made of light, half of memory.

Liam’s breath hitched. “How—?” The word barely formed, soft and unbelieving.

Leo looked up, but before he could speak, Maria caught his eye and shook her head.

Alexander smiled gently. “Hello, my love. I thought you might need a little push, so I came.” He raised a hand, pressing his palm to Liam’s cheek. Though Liam could see straight through him, he felt the faint warmth of the touch. Tears welled again, spilling freely.

“Why?” Liam whispered.

“Because this is where you were always meant to be.” Alexander’s tone was calm, filled with quiet joy. “I’m grateful I had the chance to share life and love with you for a little while, but I always knew you weren’t mine alone. Leo was your destiny, and I’m happy to see you happy again. Love each other—fiercely, unreservedly, with all that you are. I’ll always love you. I only came to see you become what I always knew you were: fire incarnate. Blaze brightly, my love.”

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Liam’s forehead. Then he turned and walked away, his form dissolving as he crossed the threshold.

Liam stood frozen for a long moment, then returned to the couch. He sank down beside Leo and buried his face against his chest, his body trembling with quiet sobs. Leo said nothing; he simply held him.

Leo looked over at Maria, and she nodded—ushering everyone out except Tristan, who remained at Leo’s feet, his head resting on Liam’s knee, simply sharing presence. She glanced back once as she left. Keba trotted in, circled once, then lay down at Liam’s feet, his great head settling on Tristan’s lap.

As everyone left, Maria caught up with Alexi in the hall.

“Be patient,” she said, slipping her hand through his arm. “They’ve been through a lot—and you just dropped a five-hundred-year-old coven in their laps. Not exactly subtle.”

Alexi’s mouth curved into a faint smile. “Subtlety has never been our strength.”

Maria arched a brow. “Maybe it’s time it became one.”