LOGINShare
16: Train Together
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Vladimir stared at Zheira’s serene features. He traced the few freckles at the upper region of her cheeks. A small smile curved his lips. Now he understood why she didn’t want eye contact. She could read memory. If she hones it to its maximum, it could be her greatest asset. All she needed was to learn to control it, so she wouldn’t be in pain when using it. He then came to realize that by saving her life, he had bestowed a gift like no other.
When she stirred, he pretended to be asleep in her arms. It didn’t take long before he felt a gentle knock on the head. He took it as a cue to look up. He faked a yawn before asking her if there’s a problem.
Zheira shook her head and smiled. “T-Thank you.” She cupped his cheeks with her shaking hands. Her soft palms sent sparks to his body.
“For what?” He diverted his gaze from her as his ears reddened, his irises moving uncomfortably.
“For saving me from the fire, for taking me away from the nurses, and
Related chapters
Bloodbound Secret 17: Renewed
For the next four weeks, Zheira exceeded her physical limit. Every morning, Vladimir would wake her up, and whenever she denies his calls, he would then splash her with cold water. Having no choice, she would follow him toward the field where she was supposed to train. Shivering slightly with the early morning’s wind, she did what was told, which sometimes include jogging, curl-ups, jumping jacks, and rolling around the mud.By the start of October, her body had turned dramatically into a punching bag. Purplish bruises rest around her tanned hips and shoulder—the intense sunlight did nothing whatsoever to tarnish Vladimir’s desire in making Zheira’s life a living hell, at least that’s how she saw it.The scorching sun peered below the field, illuminating the dazzling golden leaves on the trees lining up in the corner. As a tall figure sprinted through it, the leaves would start to fall. Like some kind of rain that danced on the rooftop, it bounced on the gr
Bloodbound Secret 18: A Fever to Remember
Zheira tied her faded golden hair in a messy bun, noting a lot of dead strands. Her eyes then landed on the two small horns at the top of her head. It had a lot of scratches, but compared to her cheeks and shoulders, it looked well-kept.Touching the white cloth covering the flesh of her right cheek, she imagined the creepy pinkish something underneath it. After her shoulder had been sliced, she thought she’s given high immunity to pain now. Though she couldn’t deny the throbbing of her body, she could easily pretend it to be something of no importance.A small smile curved her lips. Change seemed to be the only constant thing in her life. She grew an inch or two. Last time, she barely reached the height of the mirror, but now she’s towering over it. Her legs and biceps have grown muscles, too. It’s not that big, though.She sighed before going to the kitchen. It’s quite unlike anything she had seen. The wooden floor was neatly polished, the cabin
Bloodbound Secret 19: A Message
For the next few days, Zheira rarely met Vladimir. She couldn’t help overthinking that he wanted to keep his distance. She didn’t know what game he’s playing, or why he’s doing such a thing, but she had an inkling idea it was, somehow, connected to her being sick two days ago.When she woke up that day, she felt her gratitude toward him rocketed to its highest peak. However, she became worried about the way he was sweating. His lie was so obvious as well. Just like the old times, she would never understand him unless he explained his side.“I mean, if he didn’t like treating me, he could just say so. It’s not as if I’ll force him to do such a thing,” she said when she saw yet another letter on the table, flatted under the tray of food. It had always been I’m off to fill my soul. As if she believed it. All she could think of was that he’s doing his best to ignore her.She looked left and right. “I know you’re here, okay? Let’s stop playing hide and seek. I nev
Bloodbound Secret 20: The King
Volioirae was a busy town square. It was packed with vampires—wearing black cloak—who loved walking under the warmth of the scorching sun. Though surrounded by wide and tall mountains, a lot of tall towers still manage to occupy some of its space.At the main center, lay a tall fountain where a naked statue of a vampire was crouching. It looked alive with its dark-tinted eyes. From its hands, dark water serenely flowed to a large basin where it shifted from dark to a lighter shade of red, drowning a statue of silly men.Zheira, Vladimir, and Louise made their way to the crowd, comforted by the stretching silence. Their footsteps were barely audible due to the noises from the hoarding crowd, and yet, red eyes narrowed at them, scrutinizing every part of their body. Some of them even felt thirsty at the smell of Zheira’s blood, but what made her brows furrowed was the way they glared at Vladimir, as though he’s some kind of garbage that dared to stain their front law
Bloodbound Secret 21: The Dream
After the son and father staring contest, three vampires wearing red cloaks entered. Their knees hit the ground as they bowed. They were all concealing their faces with their hood. It’s clear they’re men, though. Their muscles were bulking on their cloaks.“Escort the young prince to his quarters, and find a room for his dear Zheira.” The king waved his hand, and the three vampires led Zheira outside.Vladimir glared at his father for the last time before walking out of the room.“I know how to walk, thank you!” snapped Vladimir when one vampire tried dragging him like what they’re doing to Zheira. Inclining his head, he crossed his arms. “Put your filthy hands away from that girl.”“The king’s order—” the vampire holding her tried to counter, but Vladimir gave him a steamy glare.“Don’t force me to cut that hand, you lowly Elite. I can ensure your misery with nothing but a flick of my thumb. So when I say you put your hands away
Bloodbound Secret 22: Her Parents
Zheira’s eyes widened. “W-what are you talking about? You said I’ll m-meet them after you see my improvement.”Vladimir looked down. “I’m sorry!”“I don’t understand, Vladimir.” She shook her head. “Did you lie all along?” Her brows knotted as angry lines mottled her cheeks.“I’m sorry!” he whispered yet again. It was the only word that made absolute sense.She wiped the tears trailing past her cheeks. “I hate you!” Heat rushed to her head. She wanted to explode. “I trusted you, but you used my parents to tie me with your words. I thought you’re different. You’re nothing but a lying scumbag!”With the nerves of her head pulsating, she ran away from him. If there’s something she hates, it’s when she’s being lied to. Those words of fabrication were nothing but bait to lure the fools. Sadly, she’s stupid enough to let herself be a victim.Her footsteps were heavy, accompanying the weight in her heart. A scurrying behind her made her
Bloodbound Secret 23: Attraction
It had been about three days after Vladimir’s eyes first laid on Zayne. Ever since, he could not take her features out of his head. He could even imagine himself sleeping with her. He erased those thoughts by trying to steer his mind to his goal of knowing how he could become a human; however, it only made his blood boil. Intentional or not, his father had, somehow, managed to keep them from being alone together.Even on his birthday two days ago, he was heavily guarded. The visitors could not take their attention away from him, and it made him anxious. A part of him wanted to see Zayne for the sole purpose of acquiring knowledge, but at the deepest part of his mind lurked the thought of knowing her. It didn’t feel right for him. Every time he could take a glimpse of her smiling face, he couldn’t help longing to be the reason for that happiness.There’s a whisper in the back of his mind, telling him to hold her hand and do reckless things with her.“
Bloodbound Secret 24: Zayne
Vladimir’s hands were resting on the table; his chin was lying on it as he allowed Zayne’s voice to fill his ears.“The ritual of transfusion is an ancient rite that must be taken with precautions. If mistakenly done, the vampire’s soul would be extracted from its body.”“What did you do in this ritual?”“Simple. You just have to sacrifice yourself while the moon is full.”He straightened. “You mean, that’s it?”“Not quite.” She smiled a little. “You need to be capable of enduring pain. It can be over an hour, a day, or even a year. It depends to how you’ll win it over.”“How about you? How long have you endured it?”“Ten miserable years.”His brows furrowed. “You mean to say, you felt nothing but pain for a decade?”“That is correct.” She looked at her husband, who was serving Vladimir a cup of blood. “George took care of me while I writhe in pain, though. He was my strength. If it wasn’t for him, I would’ve died the
Latest chapter
Bloodbound Secret Special Chapter 2: His Decision
Horrors lied within the darkness building in the forest. The trees were so tall and had thick branches that however big the moon was, its rays were still unable to penetrate its scope, seemingly embarrassing its adequacy to illuminate the night.Beyond the pitch-black space, a soft swish put an end to the overwhelming silence. Though the noise it orchestrated were nothing but a slow whisper, the creatures lying dormant in its stead heard it clearly, feeling the threat looming as the swish grew louder. Before it could draw nearer, the creatures ran off, unidentified due to the intense blackness hugging the curves of the forest.At last the trees revered the heavens and allowed the moonlight to grace its sanctuary, at least in its depth. The guardians of the forest, whoever they may be, seemed to have been under an agreement to shape its center as a round sphere, the kind of which was free from plants and trees. Only rocks were able to sleep in the part celebrated with t
Bloodbound Secret Special Chapter 1: Vulnerability
Vladimir has been bordered by a distinct characteristic, setting him apart from any vampire. Where most of them stayed the way they were the first time he laid eyes on them, he preceded to a growth quite alike to the mortals. Others even perceived him as an inferior entity, for he’s got a beating heart. This and the fact that he showed all the signs of weakness and vulnerability made others look down on him, which reduced him into taking shelter in the darkest corner of the castle: his room.“You are weak! Stand up!”Those were the only words he could hear from his father who took it upon himself to show his subjects of his heir’s strength. However, there was little to no improvement at all, making the others snigger as they watch the twelve-year-old Vladimir fumbled over his feet.Always at the seventh in the morning, everyone was to form a circle in the Town Square to watch the prince trained. Although Vladimir told his father a million times he’d rather train al
Bloodbound Secret Epilogue: Return
A portion of the sun peeked through the big mountains, gracing rich yellow rays down the busy Town Square. Vampires wearing gray cloaks passed from houses to houses, whispering rumors about the king’s death. One of them even said he caught an incurable disease from the mortal realm, and they would soon be infected with it. From there, another vampire would spread the information, possibly adding some spice in the story until the truth had been buried by a wild variation of lies.Some common vampires stopped when the large bell rang for the third time this week. Some were irritated. The gong-like noise it produced was too much for their sensitive ears, but it did pique their interest.It had been two weeks after the blood moon, and ever since, the castle doors had been locked. They thought it was a bit of a joke. A rebel had been crowned a day before the blood moon, then a filthy mortal—rumored to be his fiancé—attacked the newly-renowned king.There was
Bloodbound Secret 42: Legends Never Die
The red beam of the moon was starting to fade, but the tension below was relentless. Their battle was yet to reach its inevitable conclusion, and Lauxister felt uncomfortable about it. He’d been reckless this time. It wasn’t his intention to intervene with Xavier’s affair, but he couldn’t just ignore Eleanor’s plea. He’s indebted to her creator; this was supposed to be his way of paying him.It was clear he forgot to take into account what Xavier could do. He’d been of comfort knowing Eleanor and Louise—Xavier’s greatest allies—were willing to go against him. Now he thought otherwise.As Xavier made his way to Zheira, he couldn’t help thinking that this would be the last time he would open his eyes. It’s not because he’s afraid of Xavier; it’s because of that half-blood who could control their memories. Her gift was phenomenal. She’s supposed to be a mortal, but she’s even more powerful than all the vampire’s combined forces.Xavier stopped in front of Zheira
Bloodbound Secret 41: Awakened
The moon was emitting red gleam down the forest, lighting the two parties glaring at each other. Eleanor and Vladimir were still tied with the red-like strings while Xavier stood beside them. Some of the Elite Guards were pointing their spears toward Louise’s company who’s also crouching, ready to strike any moment.The ones who seemed to be out of place were the lots that were tied to the tall stones. They’re still staring at the moon, desiring to touch it. Meanwhile, Zheira’s body was still shining. She’s releasing a creepy vibe, caressing everyone near the premises.Xavier whispered, “I’ll give you a chance to save your lowly lives. Turn and leave this forest at once, and no one will get hurt.” His fist twitched when Lauxister, his archenemy, and lowly brother, laughed.“I didn’t know you’re funny, Xavier. We could have get along well if only you did not manipulate father’s mind. I was supposed to be his heir. I was there with him while you trot alon
Bloodbound Secret 40: Fight to the Death
Zheira gasped as a flesh-searing pain crashed through her soul. She opened her eyes for a fraction and saw the creepy smile curving Xavier’s lips. Her hand shot straight to his cheeks, but the impact was so weak he would have never noticed it if he didn’t see her do it.Xavier narrowed his eyes, pressing the knife deeper into her skin. Zheira coughed and blood drooled out of her mouth. She let her tears streamed down her cheeks when her breath hitched. Her oxygen supply was starting to run out, so was her blood.Soon, she’d face the end she should have greeted a long time ago.Vladimir trashed, screaming for Zheira to hold on. His world turned upside down the moment he heard her heart beats erratically before it stopped moving. He screamed at the top of his lungs. It felt as though a pin forced itself inside his body, slicing every inch of him.“What a sad ending!” Xavier simpered.As if it wasn’t enough, he pulled the knife and sliced it in
Bloodbound Secret 39: Immortality
The moon, together with the stars, was shining brightly beyond the horizon. It gave a light reflecting down to a small diamond hovering in the air. A blue line-like beam burst out of it, connecting toward the surrounding boulders of rocks. Each rock has a human hostage and one vampire. Their waists were tied by a silver chain, steaming off some smoke as it touched their bare skin.Standing outside the surrounding boulders were the Elite Guards, wearing gray capes and holding a sharp spear in their right hands. Eleanor walked past them, staring with furrowed brows at a man whose skin was shining under the moonlight, horns scratched wildly. She breathed deeply before diverting her gaze toward the hostages.“Are you positive they’re well-chained?” she asked the Elite near her.The Elite narrowed his eyes. “Affirmative. Their chains are laced with poisons. If they get wounded with their desperation to escape, the poison will seep through their skin and melt what’s left
Bloodbound Secret 38: His Plan
Zheira was awoken by a big bucket of water. Its coldness penetrated her skin, sending an unwanted shiver down to her spine.A cold, rough hand touched her chin. “Look where your recklessness got you.” The voice was so cold and emotionless.“What? What a-am I—what am I doing—here?” Zheira could barely move her jaw.Her muscles were throbbing and her veins were constricting. If she did not try lifting her hands, she wouldn’t notice the chain linking around her chest.Xavier’s high, cruel laugh rang in the air. “Oh, it’s nothing, m`dear! It was just one of the potions I’ve mixed. See, the mortal’s so-called anesthesia doesn’t affect us vampires, so I need to find a way, right? And anyway, it’s for your own good. At least, you won’t feel anything when you die.”“I… I will—kill—”“Save your breath, child! You are not in the position to threaten me. Your life is in my hand. If you want me to spare you, you shut your damn mouth!” He crouched
Bloodbound Secret 37: Thwarted
Vladimir massaged his temple as he leaned against the soft backrest of his throne. “What did you say?” Eleanor closed her eyes for a fraction. “She escape—forgive us, your majesty! I—We lost track of her whereabouts in Germany.” “You mean to tell me, a girl slower than all of you, has escaped?” His voice was as sharp as the ends of a knife, and as though afraid to be pierced, the Elite Guards’ knees hit the ground, pleading relentlessly. “Useless!” He smashed his fist at the metal armrest; it released a deep, gong-like tune. If the Elites were given a choice, they would rather be eaten by the ground rather than facing the king’s wrath. “Forgive us, your majesty!” The Elite Guards bowed altogether. “We are worthy of your punishment!” A splash of icy blue, water-like line crawled in Vladimir’s golden irises, just as his body radiated with raging water. He towered over the crouching Elite. “Then so be it.” Before any of them cou
