He Cheated, Now the Blood Pact Activates

Ignoring the ache in my chest, I remained silent in the shadows and kept watching.

Augustine emerged from the bathroom with only a towel around his waist, water droplets tracing paths down his chiseled chest.

"Ready to be mine forever, my love?" he asked, his voice low and sensual as he approached Lucy.

She nodded shyly and untied the strings of her bra. "I've been ready for so long, Augustine. I want to be yours forever."

They came together, and Augustine’s fangs sank into her neck.

Blood trickled down her pale skin, but she didn't cry out in pain. She let out a soft moan of pleasure.

The ritual of The Embrace was performed with the most primal act of union.

Augustine drank her blood while they writhed together, their bodies entwined.

They even moved to the floor-to-ceiling window, letting the pedestrians below catch shadowed glimpses of their intimate dance.

Lucy seemed to revel in the thrill of being watched, pressing herself against the glass to expose more of her body.

"Look, Augustine, they're all watching us," she purred. "They must be so jealous that I have the love of a vampire Prince."

Augustine chuckled darkly, his movements becoming more feral. "Let them watch."

I calmly recorded every second of it. Then I sent the video to Clara with a short message:

"Play this at the banquet."

Clara’s reply was swift: "Understood."

Next, I sent a message to the elders of the Nightshade Clan.

"In seven days, I am returning home."

The High Elder, Damien, sensed something was wrong immediately. "Did Augustine betray you?"

"Yes."

"Damn him!" Damien’s reply was a furious curse. "I always said you couldn't trust a Slinter! Haley, you know the Nightshade Clan will always be your home."

The other elders sent messages of comfort, their words filled with disgust for Augustine and sympathy for me.

In the hotel room, the two were still lost in their sordid ritual.

I had seen enough. I slipped out of the hotel unnoticed.

Late that night, Augustine finally returned to the castle.

He reeked of Lucy’s perfume and the unmistakable scent of sex. He hadn't even bothered to hide the bite mark on his neck—a mark Lucy had left in the throes of passion.

He thought I was asleep, that I wouldn't notice such details.

He wrapped his arms around me tightly, whispering with false emotion, "Haley, I love you so much."

His hand stroked my hair. "Promise me you'll never leave me, alright? I can't lose you. I absolutely can't."

As he spoke, I could clearly smell the other woman on him.

Hypocrite.

The next day, Augustine left again, this time with the excuse of a clan council meeting.

"It will probably run late. I might not be back until late tonight," he said, kissing my forehead. "Get some rest. Don't wait up for me."

I nodded, watching him go.

Five minutes later, I was following him again.

Augustine didn't go to the council chambers. He drove to an old church on the outskirts of the city.

Lucy was already there, dressed in a pure white gown.

"Augustine!" She threw herself at him, pouting like a little girl. "I thought you weren't coming."

"How could I not?" He stroked her head fondly. "Now tell me, why did you want me to meet you at a church?"

Lucy bit her lip, putting on a wounded expression. "I know I'm just your lover. I can't compare to Haley. But…"

She paused, tears welling in her eyes. "Can't I have a ceremony of my own? Even if it's just for show, just something to make me feel like I have a place in your heart."

She clutched his hand tightly. "I won't compete with Haley for anything. I just want a ceremony to prove my love for you. Is that too much to ask?"

Augustine was silent for a long time, conflict warring in his eyes.

Finally, he sighed. "Alright. If it will make you happy."

Lucy's tears vanished, replaced by a radiant smile. She stood on her toes and kissed him. "I knew you cared about me the most!"

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my best friend, Lila.

"Babe, where are you?"

I didn't hide anything. I told her everything that had happened.

Seconds later, she called, her voice seething with rage. "What? That bitch dared to humiliate you like that? Where are you? I'm coming over right now to gut her with a silver dagger!"

"Calm down, Lila," I stopped her. "It's not time yet. I have a much better plan."

Inside the church, everything was ready.

A priest stood at the altar. Augustine and Lucy stood before him, hand in hand.

Lucy was wearing a white wedding gown and a veil, looking every bit the bride.

The priest began the rites. "Do you, in the presence of God, wish to pledge your eternal vows?"

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

Augustine gazed at Lucy, his voice soft and heartbreakingly tender. "Lucy, will you spend eternity with me?"