Blood Match

Chapter 35: Escaping The Music

“If I had known this would be such a musical night, I’d have brought my ukulele,” Marlowe whispered to Harrison.

“Yes, it does seem a rather musical celebration. Perhaps you’d like a stroll in the gardens? I expect we have half an hour before someone else feels inspired to sing.” Harrison offered his arm, and together they slipped through the French doors into the formal gardens.

The night air was crisp, scented with white campion, honeysuckle, and evening primrose. Harrison had always loathed such blossoms — their sweetness cloyed to him — but tonight he endured it. Privacy was worth the discomfort.

As they moved farther from the house, Marlowe studied him. He clearly had something in mind, though what, she could not yet divine.

“Harrison, you didn’t bring me out here to smell the flowers. What’s on your mind?”

“What did you think of Leo’s toast?” he asked, eyes sharp, voice deceptively casual.

“I think things are changing. The balance of power shifts in uncomfortable ways.”

Marlowe was careful with her words. Harrison, however, had no time for diplomacy.

“Marlowe, you and Gideon spent a lifetime building your kingdom on that backwater patch of land called Australia.” She bristled at his dismissal but said nothing. “Did you truly think your activities went unnoticed? That an ocean would keep all eyes away?”

The change in his tone sent a chill through her. Instinct screamed this was dangerous ground. She calculated quickly, seeking a way through the currents without drowning.

“I don’t know what your friends at the VHA have—”

Harrison’s look cut her off. “Don’t play dumb. After all those weddings, one might think you’d gone senile like your elderly intendeds. The VHA is not my source, and they are the least of your worries.”

Silence stretched. Marlowe’s eyes narrowed, the smallest tell, and Harrison knew he had her.

“Alright, Harrison. You’ve got my attention. Let’s stop the foreplay. Tell me what’s on your mind.” Her mask dropped — no longer the polished socialite, but a predator.

“Good. I was wondering when the real Marlowe would come out to play.” His smile was thin. “This gathering has attracted attention from powerful individuals who will not permit a Sanguinis Divina to return to the throne. If something were to happen to Mr. Von Anderson, Leo might retreat into seclusion for centuries. You and Gideon could rule your little backwater in peace.”

“Harrison, any overt move against Leo would meet swift retribution. None would survive.” Her tone was cool, but her eyes glittered.

“I’m well aware. That is why we’re speaking here. My associates know you’ve developed certain… drugs, effective against uncooperative vampires.”

“They won’t work against a Divina. At best, they could incapacitate him briefly.”

“Long enough for a group of vampires to act?” he murmured, leaning close.

“Perhaps. But it would be dangerous, especially with elder vampires on his security team.” Marlowe longed to walk away. Every instinct told her this would end badly. Yet Harrison held her arm, pulling her near.

“We’ve been watching you and Gideon. My colleagues are impressed. They know Gideon is not the true power in Australia — you are. With your talents, and our resources, the possibilities are limitless. Remove Leonidas or eliminate Liam, and Leonidas will vanish again. All we need is access to your… toolkit.”

Marlowe held still. Fascination shivered along her spine. This could be the opportunity she had craved: freedom from both Leo’s noble superiority and the VHA’s meddling. But who were these colleagues? How much power did they wield?

“Harrison,” she purred, stepping close, “you know I can’t decide without Gideon. You wouldn’t want him upset, would you?”

“Of course not. Speak with him. I’m certain he’ll see the benefits. But our window is small, Marlowe — we must act before Yule ends.”

“Then let’s continue this conversation after tonight’s gathering, at our hotel. Gideon will want his say.” She smiled, baiting him to agreement.

“Splendid. I’ll even bring along party favors, to show my sincerity.” He offered his arm, and together they turned back toward the manor.

That concludes our Tuesday Marathon. Thank you for journeying through today’s three chapters with me. The story continues with new drops on Wednesday and Thursday, leading us ever closer to the Gala. Stay tuned — the momentum only builds from here.