Bloodbound: The Alliance
Chapter 119 - 121

Chapter 119: Chapter 121

I stagger out of the reception hall of the memorial service. I know death, and I’m acquainted with all its stages including denial and yet disbelief that wilts the edges of my sanity. So abrupt, so out of nowhere, but that is the being of death—a speed from nothing. What was most alarming was that their own father, Colton, was absent for the entire duration. Dad left early to visit his estate. Apparently, he’s not letting anyone inside—not even his own relatives. But he did grant Governor Du Pont access.

I think that despite the enmity that exists between them. His pity permits him to set it all aside if not for concern, then understanding. It’s one thing to be at war and the casualties are your own blood.

A hand claims the heart of my back. A gesture of cold comfort from Silas as I step away to let his hand fall numbly. Frustration tightens his features as he draws closer, glancing meaningfully at the masses gathered to mourn the crowned scions of the Vacheron empire.

"Look around," he whispers harshly. "Two brothers are dead and that could’ve easily been us—still could be. Life is too fragile for grudges. We need each other. And you know that."

I hold his stare. The fracturing behind his eyes, remorse bleeding through his tightly wound fervour. Luciano emerges a few steps behind him, mirroring the same silent distress.

"Let me know when dad turns up."

An arctic farewell as I continue down the concrete steps. I’ve been staying at Kelsey’s house even though she’s still away at her mom’s place. Due to come home this very weekend. My father has made it clear that it’s a short-lived solution and has only allowed my relocation to spare me time alone.

I owe you that much, he said.

Once I’m in the backseat of the car. My driver pulls out smoothly and I let my thoughts tumble into madness. Snowballing with every second and I’m powerless to the accumulation. It’s all too much. Vance and Landen’s death was an execution, plain and simple—what isn’t is cause and effect. There was a time that the absence of Vance in my life eroded my contentment like an inexpugnable stain on my favourite shirt. For them, I don’t grieve as others do. My anguish is not pain but penance. I don’t feel guilty. I feel responsible and the feeling of yet more sundered souls, a phalanx of my phantoms bound to my own. It is the core reason why I forsook my greatest love.

Unlike all the customized Bentleys, Rolls Royces that I have been traveling in with soundproof and opaque dividers. This luxury vehicle, like any other, has an opening between the front and the rear cabin. I only realize I’m crying when I spot the wet splotches on my lap. Instincts puppet my movement as I pull out my phone, calling a number and waiting as it rings with my temple resting against the window. The coldness of the glass seeps into my sweltering forehead, and that touch of coolness is enough for me to savour it, closing my eyes.

"Avara?"

I open my eyes at the sound of Kelsey’s voice. "Hey."

"I’ve been following online... how are you feeling?"

I search my innards for a flicker of life, a glimmer of clarity. "Nothing," I conclude. "I feel nothing... and yet everything." Dropping my voice to a cover whisper, I say, "I feel like it’s—"

"It’s not your fault. None of it. Avara, all this was set in motion long before you, including variables beyond your control. This would’ve broken anyone else, hardened everyone else, but not you. Which is why I know you’ll forgive your brothers."

I free an explosive sigh. "They sent you to lecture me?"

"They did mention that you guys were... going through a rough patch."

"Rough patch?" I struggle to keep my voice low. "Do you even know what they did—to me?"

"Luciano gave me the clip notes," she says dismissively. "Despite what they have done, there are victims just as much as you. Look, I’m not saying they’re boy scouts, but like you, they’re products of your upbringing, children of your father. You have all done what you have all been groomed to do just on different levels. Obey."

My eyes cut to the scenery. There are a lot of routes to Kelsey’s house and we’re currently driving in the direction of none of them. I’ve been so engrossed, unable to see anything beyond me but the upheaval that haunts every thought.

"Kels, I’m going to have to call you back."

"I was planning to confront you about this when I got back. So there’s no use in—"

I drop the call, pinning my attention to the driver. "I’m sorry to disturb you, but can I ask where you’re going? You’ve missed three key turns off, and one of them would have gotten us to our location in half the time."

The driver doesn’t respond and panic rears up like vomit.

I try the door immediately—locked. And the windows on the other side are completely blacked out. And the windows are reinforced, I know this because when I smash my phone against the glass. Not even a crack. That doesn’t stop me from pounding the surface with the butt of my phone like a mindless maniac. If my blows won’t break the glass—my screams nearly do. So ear-piercing that the car veers off the road, everything coming to a jarring stop so he can twist around to fix his eyes on me with a merciless look that screws into my insides.

"Stop that," he warns, his voice dangerously low. "Or I’ll come back there and make you shut up."

"Who do you work for?" I say too fast for the trembles to target my words. "Because it’s clearly not my father."

***

Botan POV

"Are you sure it’s presentable?"

"Sitting polished on a pedestal."

I feel his eyes tracking my movements.

"Stop pacing," Akio mutters.

"She should have been here by now," I say, slowing to a stop. "If anything went wrong, we’ve heard nothing of it."

"Maybe the memorial service went overtime," Akio suggests, then meets my gaze to deliver a sly smirk. "Or perhaps she’s grieving her fiance or—fiances," he emphasizes.

I flinch at him, and he darts back with his hands playfully raised. Just then, the garage door churns open. Dread snares my breaths. Once the door is up, the car pulls in with a grumble before everything falls silent. Akio adopts a professional expression as he trades nods with the driver. He meanders around to stop at the backseat door. Akio glances back at me and I approve with a bow of my head. I thought there would be a struggle, a fight, a scream—a plea. He opens the door and Avara flings herself at him—frightened. And yet I have to swallow the sting of jealousy as Akio makes it clear to me that he’s not holding her by lifting his hands well above his shoulders. She clings to him, not out of familiarity but out of fear. Even from this distance, I can feel how visceral it is. Her head whipping around, eyes darting from place to place like horrors come for her in every direction. And then her eyes fall on me and my nerves come alight.

The driver climbs out of the car, closing the doors to stand with his hands clasped in front of him. Akio takes her gently and guides her to me, but when they reach just past the hood of the car. Avara begins to squirm, refusing to take even one more step towards me. When Akio tries to force her, I signal for him to stop, so he keeps her in place.

I venture closer, and she shrinks into Akio, the twinge of pain growing worse.

"I missed you," I blurt like a fool.

She chaffs at my words, shunning my gaze as if dreading the ruin that might unfold should our eyes dare to embrace once more.

"So you kidnap me—and have your men threaten me if I don’t comply."

Akio’s eyes explode open. Rage erupts in me as the driver unclasps his eyes hesitantly. Akio, sensing what I will do, holds Avara even closer to him and drags her beyond me, holding onto the back of her head to keep her face tucked into his chest. I whip out my gun with a silencer to fire two shots at his forehead—blood bursting from the back in a spray of red mist before he drops. Avara’s curt scream slices through the air as the guards posted at the nondescript door move to handle the scene.

Akio only lets go of her when we’re in the elevator.