Chapter 5: The Mate He Could Never Bring Back

Justin remained on his knees long after everyone had left the chamber.

He couldn't tear his eyes away from Gracie's face.

The woman who had once filled his castle with warmth now lay completely still.

His fingers trembled as he touched her cheek.

"You're not supposed to be this cold..."

He remembered every time she had complained that vampires were too cold to hug.

Back then, he had laughed and pulled her closer.

Now he would give anything to feel her warmth again.

A sudden wave of blood magic surged through the room.

The ancient symbols carved into the sanctuary walls began to glow.

Everyone froze.

The old healer stared at the ritual chamber in disbelief.

"My Lord... something is wrong with the blessing."

Justin slowly looked up.

"What are you talking about?"

The healer pointed toward Isolde's sanctuary.

"The Progenitor's blessing should have purified the bloodline."

"But instead, the curse is spreading."

Justin's expression changed.

"That isn't possible."

A deafening crack suddenly echoed through the castle.

The protective barrier surrounding Isolde's child shattered.

The golden halo disappeared.

Isolde screamed.

"Justin! Something is wrong with my child!"

Justin rushed into the sanctuary.

Isolde was clutching the newborn against her chest, tears streaming down her face.

"His veins are turning black!"

Justin stared at the child in horror.

The pureblood blessing had failed.

The ancient prophecy had been wrong.

Or perhaps everyone had misunderstood it.

The old healer entered behind him, carrying a blood-stained scroll.

His face was pale.

"My Lord, I found something in the forbidden archives."

Justin snatched the scroll from his hands.

The ancient writing described the Progenitor's blessing in detail.

His eyes widened as he reached the final passage.

"The first hybrid child born of wolf and vampire blood..."

His voice broke.

The healer finished the sentence for him.

"...is the true vessel capable of breaking the Blood Curse."

Justin's entire body went rigid.

His gaze slowly shifted toward the doorway.

Toward the room where Gracie's body still lay.

The child he had sacrificed.

The child he had believed was an obstacle.

The child who had actually been the answer to the curse.

"No..."

Justin dropped the scroll.

For the first time in centuries, the Vampire Lord looked completely terrified.

"Bring Gracie back."

The healer stared at him in disbelief.

"My Lord... she's dead."

"Then find a way!" Justin roared.

"Use every spell, every potion, every forbidden ritual!"

The healer lowered his eyes.

"There is only one possibility."

Justin grabbed him by the shoulders.

"What possibility?"

"The Bloodspring can sometimes restore a soul that has not yet crossed the Veil."

"But the price is enormous."

Justin didn't hesitate.

"Take me there."

The healer shook his head.

"It won't be you who pays the price, my Lord."

Justin's face went pale.

"Then who?"

The healer looked toward Isolde and the cursed child in her arms.

"The one whose blood caused this entire tragedy."

Behind them, Isolde's eyes widened.

For the first time, fear replaced the weakness in her expression.

Because she finally understood.

If Gracie returned...

Everything she had stolen could be taken away.