Page 44 of Bitten Vampire (The Bitten Chronicles #2)
Chapter Forty-Three
A hush tightens, then trembles.
The Grand Master inclines his head, eyes glittering. “I thank the Council for its wise judgement.”
He has played us and the Vampirical Council masterfully. He gets away with everything. But at least we get away alive.
“The Grand Master has noticed his intent to abdicate pursuant to Accord 401.1 and 401.4. Grand Master, do you withdraw?”
“I do not. My heir’s ascension stands, if the Council permits.”
“We, the Vampirical Council, accept your abdication and the heir’s investiture. Let the Silence record: by your motion and with our assent, this is honour, not penalty, recorded under Accord 401.4.”
The ceremonial staff slams against marble; power thrums through bone and stone.
“Hear the Silence,” the Herald booms, “and mark the record: Valdarr Blóevakt, Master of Clan Blóevakt, Raven of the North, is henceforth Grand Master—first among fang and law, steward of the Accord.”
A heavy wave of magic rolls the tiers. The bone-white ranks rise as one, then drop to one knee, heads bowed to the new Grand Master.
Silence holds. Every gaze lifts to Valdarr.
“Council. Herald. I accept.”
The Herald waits; everyone seems to expect more—perhaps a speech. Just before the silence turns awkward, he dips his head. “Grand Master.”
James steps forward, bearing a stack of thick, cream-coloured parchment edged in gold and pricking with enchantment.
“By leave of the Council,” Valdarr says, “we file the following registrations: pursuant to Accord 910.7, Mating Bonds and Claim Marks, the mate-bond between Valdarr Blóevakt and Winifred Crowsdale; pursuant to Accord 502.3, Non-conforming Daylight Physiology, day-walker designation.”
The Grand Master nods and smiles; everything is going to plan.
“And pursuant to Accord 910.2 and Accord 903.1, Oracle Designation and Handling, registry of gifts—Oracle.”
Silence takes the Hall. A councillor or two forgets to blink.
The Herald clears his throat. “The Council receives and enters the filings. Day-walker and oracle statuses shall be provisionally recorded pending Ministry countersignature under Accord 903.1 and 502.3. Clan Blóevakt, you are most… fortunate.”
An aide bows, lifts the parchment from James, and bears it toward the lectern.
“Stop! ”
The Grand Master’s roar splits the chamber like a thunderclap. Every figure freezes.
Everyone freezes—everyone but Valdarr.
While I watched the Herald, he never once took his eyes off his father. Mine was the mistake; his wasn’t. Valdarr’s father is livid.
“An oracle?” he snarls. “Why was I not told? She is mine . I brought her into this life, I should benefit from her gifts.”
The Herald turns, blue robes whispering.
“Former Grand Master, the record reflects a duly filed mate-bond under Accord 910.7 and provisional Oracle designation under Accord 903.1. Further, Accord 112.6 Prohibition on Prior Claim against a Bonded Mate—extinguishes any antecedent assertion. You have no standing. By your abdication under Accord 401.4, you retain no claim and no recourse.”
“I have a claim!” The old monster’s voice cracks like a whip.
“Former Grand Master,” the Herald warns, staff lifting, “Accord 12.9, Sanctity of Court. Stand down.”
His fingers flick—a familiar, deadly gesture.
Oh no.