"You're feeling nervous, aren't you?" my nanny's voice broke through the tension, soft yet firm, like a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Something like that," I replied, my heart pounding in my chest, each beat echoing my anxiety. "Believe in yourself. Your godfather has plans for you, and we're here to support you. Just do your best," she encouraged, her warm eyes shining with unwavering faith.
As we ascended the grand staircase, Fiona paused, her gaze sweeping over the throng of people gathered below, their faces a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. A nervous smile danced on her lips as she approached the woman in white, who sat regally, gesturing for her to take a seat. The woman handed Fiona a delicate cup filled with a dark, crimson liquid that seemed to shimmer ominously in the dim light.
"Blood!" Fiona exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief and anger. "What is this, Dad?"
"There are four occasions when we drink the seasonal blood: once as a baby, again at eighteen..."
"I just did that last week! What is this?" Fiona's voice trembled, a storm of emotions swirling within her.
"This is blood from the Blood Moon. It signifies your engagement, my dear," the woman in white replied, her fingers gently brushing Fiona's hair back, a gesture meant to soothe.
"Engagement! Why should I marry? Is this why Stelharm kept it a secret from me? I could have escaped!" she muttered, panic rising in her chest like a tidal wave.
"You are the heiress to the throne. As a Queen, you need a husband. This union will strengthen our rule over Silvermoon and Bloodmoon, elevating our power," Mr. Canelo insisted, his voice steady and authoritative, cutting through the chaos.
"Exactly," the woman in white echoed, her tone a blend of comfort and command. "Drink it. We've exchanged contracts."
With a heavy heart, Fiona raised the cup to her lips, the metallic scent of the blood filling her senses. She gulped down the contents, the liquid warm and thick, sliding down her throat like a dark promise. At first, nothing happened, but then a wave of darkness washed over her, her body convulsing as her veins turned a sickly green, a grotesque transformation that left her skin pale and lifeless.
"Take her upstairs," Mr. Canelo commanded, his voice resonating in the hushed silence that followed.
"As I said, Silvermoon produces the best," Mr. Canelo added, his voice dripping with pride. "I'm quite surprised she was able to contain our blood; some of the wolves in our community even died from that. She is the only female who has been able to subside our limpid blood and, most of all, a vampire."
His words hung in the air, heavy with implications. It was a revelation that sent shockwaves through the room. The significance of Fiona's ability was profound, marking her as a rare and powerful being. The tension in the atmosphere thickened, as everyone processed the weight of what this meant for their lineage and the future of their community.
Fiona felt a mix of fear and determination surge within her. She was not just a pawn in their game; she was a force to be reckoned with. The blood coursing through her veins was not merely a symbol of her heritage but a testament to her strength and resilience.
As the realization settled in, Fiona understood that her journey was just beginning. She would have to navigate the complexities of her identity, the expectations placed upon her, and the dark secrets that surrounded her family. The stakes were higher than she had ever imagined, and she was now at the center of it all.