The Blood Contract-Chapter 11: Powers

The Draven estate loomed ahead like a foreboding specter in the night. Sprawling acres of manicured grounds surrounded the fortress-like mansion, its high stone walls crowned with razor wire. Guard towers dotted the perimeter, their spotlights cutting through the darkness. The estate was a statement of power, both in its grandeur and its unyielding security.

Serena sat stiffly in the backseat of the sleek black car as it slowed before the massive wrought iron gates. Lucian's car was in front, while the one that carried her followed closely behind. Apart from the memory of the ceremony and the strange weakness that had overtaken her, anger tore at her like a raging fire.

Despite her weakness, she had managed to ask when they would release Elias, and relief actually washed over her when they told her he would be released that night. But nothing prepared her for what the man said next.

"Although he will no longer be held hostage, he will be under full surveillance and will not be allowed to visit you, nor you him, until we are sure we have your full compliance."

The infuriating words she heard from the man slipped past her heart, igniting her fury. Ignoring her weakness, she lunged forward in an attempt to land a blow on his face, but she couldn't achieve her aim as two guards held her down and marched her to one of the waiting cars that was supposed to take her to Lucian's house.

She let out an audible sigh, attracting the attention of the two guards escorting her. Everything felt like a dream, so she shut her eyes for a moment, hoping to wake up to a different reality—even though she knew how impossible that was. It was the 21st century, yet she had been forcefully married off as if it were medieval times, to a total stranger, by total strangers. She had to find a way to save Elias.

The car soon came to a stop, and the guard by her right stepped out. As soon as he was outside, he gestured with his hand for her to come out.

Serena stepped out of the car, her eyes fixed on the gigantic and magnificent mansion before her. But mere seconds later, her body lost all its strength. She quickly grabbed onto the car door for support, breathing as if she had just run a marathon.

Having climbed out of his car, Lucian turned around just in time to see her grabbing onto the door. His brows furrowed slightly, and he marched toward her.

"What is going on? Are you all right?" he questioned, looking at her.

Serena nodded her head in response. "I'm fine. Just give me a minute," she forced herself to say, hoping she would feel better in no time. But with every passing second, she could feel herself losing touch with reality and her surroundings.

What exactly was wrong with her? She questioned herself. She had never been this weak in her entire life—she rarely even fell sick. She couldn't help but think that the council had found a way to make her ingest poison. But why? And why wasn't Lucian affected? The thought was perplexing.

After taking a number of deep breaths, she decided she was stable enough to walk on her own. She let go of the car door and straightened, her eyes shifting from the guard to Lucian. But she was wrong.

After taking just one step, her vision blurred, and her body swayed to the side. In no time, everything turned black.

Lucian caught her before her body could hit the ground. He lifted her up bridal style and started toward the entrance of the house.

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"Mr. Draven," the guard who was still standing outside the car door called out. "If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to—"

"Get out of my house," Lucian cut him off. Without waiting to see the guard's reaction or hear his response, he walked into the house, leaving behind Adrian, who stood like a rock, his unyielding gaze set on the guard.

Inside the mansion, Darrell and Dr. Marlowe rose to their feet when they saw Lucian walking in with Serena in his arms.

Darrell instantly ran ahead of Lucian, knowing he would need to open the door to the bedroom.

"Come with me, Dr. Marlowe," Lucian instructed, and the doctor wasted no time in following, his brows tightly knitted at Serena's condition.

A new shock hit Dr. Marlowe when he stepped into the room that had been prepared for Serena. It was the room next to Lucian's, but that wasn't the problem.

Although tastefully furnished, the room was painted an oppressive dark shade of gray, with three intimidatingly huge wall paintings of a single black rose in different parts of the room.

Dr. Marlowe turned her head sharply in Darrell's direction, recalling how the latter had told her that Lucian did not have the ability to treat women properly.

Darrell, however, didn't catch the questioning gaze, as his attention was fixed on Lucian and Serena.

Letting out a silent sigh, Dr. Marlowe shifted her attention back to them, deciding to leave the room decor issue for later.

Lucian laid Serena on the large bed as carefully as he could. When he was satisfied, he climbed down and fixed his gaze on Dr. Marlowe.

"What is going on with her?" he asked, noticing the deep frown on the doctor's face.

"I never thought it was possible, but I guess I was wrong," Dr. Marlowe muttered, her eyes trained on Serena's face.

"What are you talking about?" Lucian was becoming impatient. He needed answers, but the woman was soliloquizing.

"How do you feel, Mr. Draven?" Dr. Marlowe asked.

The question confused Lucian, but he still answered. "I feel great. Get to the point—why is she like this?"

"The council found a way to unlock her powers. That's why," Dr. Marlowe responded, ending the suspense.

But her answer only deepened the confusion in the hearts of those who heard it.

"Powers?" Lucian and Darrell asked at the same time.