Blood Match

Chapter 33: Making History Together

As everyone moved to the front of the hall, Leo sent a thought to Liam.

Are you ready to make some history?

Liam looked over at him, smiling, as he sent a silent reply.

I'll follow your lead.

Leo walked to the front, observing the waitstaff who were passing out blooded wine to the vampire guests and champagne to the human guests. Once he saw everyone had a glass, he waited until he had their attention.

His voice, rich and smooth like aged wine, filled the hall.

"I had intended to make this a lighthearted toast," he began, lips curving in an almost wry smile. "A bit of irony, given that we stand on the eve of the longest night. And yet... I find that I cannot."

His eyes swept the assembly, fingers tightening ever so slightly around the goblet.

"Each of you has traveled far, answering my summons on short notice, and for that, I am grateful. It has been some time since I have opened my doors in this way, that I have even celebrated Yule, and I do not take it lightly that you have come."

He paused, gaze lowering briefly, as though considering how much to reveal. Then, with a deep breath, he pressed on.

"For decades, I have kept myself apart. I have watched as vampires became a part of society in a more full way, as covens played their endless games. And I chose solitude. Not out of fear, nor even disdain, but apathy. I allowed myself to drift into the background, to become something of a specter in our world. I convinced myself that my time was best spent in the quiet corners of existence, unburdened by the expectations placed upon me."

His thumb traced the rim of his goblet. Almost imperceptibly, his expression softened as he turned his head just enough to look at Liam.

"Two months ago, I believed that would be my eternity. That I would fade into the backdrop of history. That I would watch the world turn but never take part in its shaping." A faint chuckle escaped him, a private thing. "And then, I met a man."

Leo extended his hand. Liam walked forward and took it, and looking into his eyes, Leo continued.

Some of the vampires exchanged glances. Leo shifted, posture straightening, his voice taking on a quiet intensity.

"Liam has stirred something in me that I thought long dead. Not only love... but purpose. He has reminded me that there is still so much left undone. So much that Don Fernando would have wished for me to accomplish."

At the mention of Don Fernando there was a ripple of murmurs, which quickly died away as Leo's gaze swept the room. He exhaled slowly, and when he spoke again, there was no hesitation—no trace of the man who once sought obscurity.

"And so, I will do what I should have done long ago." His eyes burned with renewed fire. "I will take my place. I will become who I was meant to be. I am the chosen heir of Don Fernando De La Cruz and Lady Genevieve De La Fontaine, and I will not hide in obscurity any longer."

A hush fell over the gathering. The words had been spoken, and there was no taking them back.

Leo lifted his goblet higher, his gaze sweeping over the stunned faces before him.

"To Yule, and to the new era that follows."

The silence stretched for a breath longer, and then—one by one—goblets were raised in solemn acknowledgment. The toast had been made. The declaration spoken. The game had changed. Everyone in the room knew it.

Leo stood with Liam, speaking quietly when Joseph and Kara approached.

"Damn, pop, you definitely know how to make people stand up and take notice," Joseph said. "Your words shocked a few people, but those who are our friends had looks of approval. Was this what you had planned to say all along?"

"At first, no it wasn't," Leo admitted. "But as I stood there waiting for everyone's attention, I thought back to my father's letter—how he wrote that Liam had brought me out of the darkness and into the light. I knew then I could never go back to the gray twilight of a shadowed existence. I was meant for more." He looked at Liam, standing by his side. "We were meant for more."

I love you, too.

Leo smiled as he heard the thought float into his consciousness.

I'm afraid I’ve put you in the center of the whirlwind, my little lamb, he sent back silently.

Whatever comes, we face it together! came the determined reply.

Nikolai swirled the goblet of blooded wine in his hand, the dark liquid catching the dim candlelight, before taking a measured sip. A smirk played on his lips as he regarded his companions.

"So, what do you think, comrades?" he asked, voice rich with amusement.

Aditya, ever composed, methodically arranged a few slices of raw deer meat on his plate from the lavish buffet. "I am pleasantly surprised," he admitted. "I had begun to lose hope that Leo would ever break free of the despair that swallowed him whole after the loss of his sire and Lady Genevieve."

"Yes, it seems that Leo has found a worthy Yin to his Yang. But I am not certain that all received the news with joy," Min-Seo said. Her eyes drifted to where Harrison Sinclair stood in close conversation with Don Antonio and Elenora.

Friedrich, always one to enjoy the spectacle of shifting alliances, intercepted a passing waiter and plucked a delicate glass dish of chilled blood gelée from the tray. He dipped a spoon into it delicately. "It does seem that some were less than pleased with Leo's decision to return to the center of power," he noted with a smirk. "I, for one, am eager to see his next move—and how the Crown of Fire intends to support him."

"Alexi has always been private, but he was Don Fernando's Master at Arms for four hundred years and absolutely devoted to the Divinas. He will stand with Leo, whatever the cost—and the Crown will be right there with him," Nikolai said, dropping his glass on the tray of another passing waiter.

A few feet away, Gideon's fingers curled into a fist at his side, his jaw tightening. He bared his teeth slightly, a quiet growl escaping him. "Alexi and the Crown... so the rumors are true. The Crown of Fire coven still exists," he muttered, running his tongue over one elongated fang. "So we're in for even more surprises this Yule, aren't we?"

Marlowe, standing beside him, barely tilted her head. Her voice, though low, carried the weight of warning. "We knew this would be a power play from the moment this Yule celebration was announced," she murmured. "Don't make your disgruntlement so bloody obvious."

Gideon exhaled sharply through his nose, eyes narrowing as he watched Leo from across the hall. "And why shouldn't I? If he threatens our work—"

"He won't, dear brother. You forget he has not claimed his blood match, and without that he cannot ascend," Marlowe hissed. "Now smile and drink your wine."

"Yes, it is quite an interesting blend, isn't it?" Harrison noted as he slid up next to the Pierce siblings. "One would think it best enjoyed watching the moon."

Marlowe knew his clues all too well. He wanted to speak privately, as soon as they were able.

"If only to admire the stars as well," she agreed.

Mercy, happily picking at a plate of fruit and cheese while standing next to Tristan, asked, "Who's up next? Joey said you two had promised to sing."

Edward and Diana sipped their champagne, trying to contain their amusement as they watched Mercy teasing both Logan and Leo.

"Oh, I guess I'll go first and leave the last spot for his lordship, eh?" Logan said, throwing a look back at Leo as he walked over to the band.

"Oh hey bud, looks like it's my turn to give 'er since Cubby threw down the gauntlet with that tune of his. So here we go, you beauties—Blood and Roots."

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Blood and Roots

Verse 1
Underneath the ancient oak I stand,
with blood that flows from heart to hand;
roots, they twist in silent plea—
Nature's eternal symphony.

Refrain
Blood and roots, they intertwine,
essence of life by grand design;
feel the bliss so pure and free
in the arms of eternity.

Verse 2
Mountains whisper tales untold,
river's secrets, brave and bold;
through the wind I hear the call—
Nature's voice, it binds us all.

Refrain

Verse 3
In the stars and in the sea,
we find our roots, our destiny;
life's a journey, pure and grand,
guided by Earth's tender hand.