Page 2 of Of Blackened Blood (The Blackened Blade #3)

Adriena walks over to the altar wall in the room, a space for the oldest and most revered weapons in our clan.

Her lips part as softly spoken elven words fall like lyrics from them.

The protective shield placed over our ancestors’ weapons slowly withdraws itself, with golden wisps forming and flowing around each piece.

It softly caresses them, gently waking them from their slumber before softly fading into the light of the room.

Adriena reaches forward, taking one of the oldest and most precious blades into her grasp,Avian, the Valor Clan’s elven longsword. She twists it between her fingers before turning around, a smile on her lips as she makes her way toward me.

“Mother and the elders want answers to these whispers and the shadows moving closer, their concern is growing by the day.” Her brows furrow.

“The changes happening in the supernatural community lately have been bothering me as well. I feel them shaping the world we know ... and not for the better.” She stops in front of me.

“The clans of old have withered, Gal. And those now left only have eyes placed on the power in their grasp and clawing outward into the world for more.”

She shakes her head as a sigh leaves her lips.

“Our searching and sources pointed toward the academy and the Council for the answers we seek. But I tell you now, brother ...” Adriena takes a step closer, gripping the sword tightly between her hands.

“That nothing means more to me— and our clan —than your safety.” She lifts my hand and places the longsword within it.

“Take Avian with you when you return. It will keep you well protected during your mission and time there.”

My eyes widen as she continues. “No other can touch its blade or wield its strength if they do not bear the blood or bonds of Valor.”

I glance down at the gold and silver blade, its metal older and stronger than any other elven swords we possess.

It is a sword to be owned and wielded solely by the heir, her possession to do what she will .

.. and she has given it to me to protect me.

My heart swells with my sister’s gesture and care.

Golden wisps begin to slide down the blade, ancient elven marks forming in its wake, a sign of acceptance from Avian and its ancient magic.

I grasp the sword in my hand, the urge to spar taking over as I feel a strange strength enter me with my tightened grasp on its hilt.

A small chuckle leaves Adriena’s lips, her hand falling onto my shoulder.

“It seems to have renewed your vigour, brother.” She gives me a light pat. “Good. May it keep you safe on your mission until you return to us. And hopefully that won’t be too long.”

I place my hand over hers as a slight look of worry takes over her gaze.

“The year will end in a few short months; I’ll find as much information in that time as the Gods will allow.” I give her hand a small squeeze. “I’ll find the answers we’ve been looking for if they are there.”

She gives me a small nod before a voice calls her name from outside.

Baratheon, one of Adriena’s partners, calls her again as he makes his way into the room. His large frame stops in its tracks as he enters, glancing between us before his mouth parts.

His dark brows furrow, a look that would seem intimidating to most with his large stature. But I have known my brother-in- law longer than others and can see the worry and hesitation in his hazel eyes.

“Erison needs your help, my love.” Baratheon may be the tallest and broadest of my sister’s partners, but he was also the softest inside.

A small smirk tilts her lips. “What trouble has he gotten himself into now?”

A brief shadow of a smile tilts Baratheon’s lips as Adriena makes her way toward him. His rigid expression instantly softens with her approach before she leans up toward him and places a soft kiss upon his lips.

A content sigh leaves her as she pulls back and gestures toward the door. “Lead the way.”

His smile grows slightly before he extends his arm to escort her, and they make their way outside together.

Baratheon glances back briefly, giving me a small nod before he leaves.

All three of Adriena’s partners had completed the bond ritual during the Elven Winter Solstice. Baratheon, Erison, and Landell had officially become Valor members and given their thanks to the Gods for the union, becoming permanent residents in our home.

I watch on as they leave, seeing the genuine love and happiness in Adriena’s and Baratheon’s eyes at simply being near one another.

It’s a bond I have always wished for: a partner and equal companions, to protect and spend the rest of our lives together.

I turn and make my way to my room, situated to the east wing of the mansion. Grasping Avian between my fingers, I make my way up the wooden ornate winding staircase and down the white-gold and soft-green painted corridor to my room.

I enter and place Avian with my belongings that I’ve already packed and placed beside my bed and turn to glance around my room.

There are only a couple of more days left until I return to the academy.

I would have to focus fully and follow the mission given to me by the elders. And this time, I will find the answers my clan has been looking for.