She Took My Place I Cut His Clan

My blood-mate, Lord Lucien, found out.

I gave the “Moonlight Blood” treaty, the one I bled to secure with the werewolf packs, to his new pet, Celeste.

He thought it was the result of his decade of cold neglect. A sign I had finally shattered.

So, he offered to take me to the centennial Crimson Feast in Venice.

But when Celeste heard, she flew into a jealous rage and threatened to leave his clan.

Lucien, who catered to her every whim, panicked.

He spent three days and nights soothing her ego, even giving her his prized Elder Blood.

Then he left me behind again, using a border skirmish with our rivals as an excuse. He gave her my invitation—the only one.

Later, he explained himself, lounging on his sarcophagus with a careless air.

"Love is a luxury we can't always afford, Octavia. The clan's survival is everything. I am their Lord. I have responsibilities."

"You are my blood-mate, Octavia," he said. "You'll support me. Won't you?"

A thrall presented a magic mirror. In it, Celeste pressed her pale cheek against Lucien’s shoulder.

They embraced under the moonlight, their lips meeting as they exchanged blood.

I said nothing. I just nodded.

Lucien thought I had finally learned my place. A satisfied smirk curled his lips as he promised to buy my silence with a trinket from his private collection when he returned.

But he didn't know.

I had already cut ties with the clan. And he had already signed the dissolution papers with his own blood.

There was no "us" anymore.

Two days after Lucien and his little lover left for their Venetian holiday, I finalized the transfer of my work at the Evernight Industries core lab and submitted my resignation to the board.

Less than ten minutes later, a magical brand burned on my wrist. A “permission” from Lucien.

He clearly thought I was throwing a tantrum.

He expected me to crawl back, just like all the other times.

The other vampire researchers in the lab were practically gloating.

They thought I was finally running away, unable to stand watching Celeste be showered with affection.

"Looks like someone's finally facing reality," a young researcher snickered. "Lord Lucien is clearly much happier with Lady Celeste."

"I heard she even got the 'Moonlight Blood' supply treaty."

"Octavia used to guard that project like it was her own life."

I ignored their jealous stares, a cold smile playing on my lips as I gathered my files.

"You're right," I said, my voice like the calm surface of a frozen lake. "The Cain Conglomerate just sent me an offer. Chief Alchemist. Double the top-tier blood supply and my own independent research fund. Thank you all for your... concern over the years."

Their laughter died in their throats.

The Cain Conglomerate were our clan's sworn enemies and one of the wealthiest factions in all of North America.

No one dared to speak.

The moment I teleported out of Evernight's gates, the bond seared my skin