12. Caine

12

CAINE

I watch as Flint slips the note under Violet's door, his face a mask of concern. The air around him is heavy with the scent of his worry, tinged with something else. Something deeper. I've known Flint for years, but I've never seen him like this. It's as if Violet's arrival has awakened something in him, a protective instinct that goes beyond mere friendship or attraction.

As he straightens up, his eyes meet mine. There's a challenge in his gaze, a possessiveness that is dark and possibly a little bit dangerous. I raise an eyebrow but say nothing. Now isn't the time for territorial pissing contests, not when Violet needs all the help she can get to be rid of that arsehole sire of hers from her system.

"Well, that was interesting."

"If I ever get my hands on that bastard, he will wish he'd never been turned," he growls .

I don't say anything. He had his chance and did nothing, which tells me a few things. This Nathaniel creep is extremely powerful, and not just in the strength sense. There is something else about him that warrants a deep investigation.

My gaze catches movement down the hallway, and I grimace as I see who it is. Briar and her little friends, whispering and giggling.

Thorne's right. I've been putting off having a conversation with her because it is meaningless to me, but with Violet in the picture, I don't want anything to come back and bite her or me on the arse. I won't for one second have Violet think there is or was anything between me and Briar. Unfortunately, I know Briar. She will spin it to make it sound like there is. She is petty and vindictive.

"There's something I need to take care of," I say.

Thorne gives me a knowing look. "Briar?"

I nod, not bothering to explain further. They both know the situation, have witnessed Briar's relentless pursuit of me since we started at MistHallow. It's time to put an end to it once and for all.

I stalk up to her, beyond pissed off that she has put me in this position. The air around her is crisp with frost magick, a constant display of her power and status. She looks up as I approach, a predatory smile spreading across her face. Her arctic eyes light up with triumph, as if my presence alone is a victory.

"Caine," she purrs. Her voice is sickeningly sweet, dripping with false affection. "I was hoping you'd come find me."

I resist the urge to freeze the pretty little smile off her face. "We need to talk," I say flatly, my voice devoid of emotion. "Alone."

Her smile widens as she follows me down the hallway away from prying ears. "Finally ready to admit your feelings for me?" she asks, her voice low and seductive. She reaches out to touch my arm, but I lift my cane and push her hand away.

"No, Briar. I'm here to tell you, once and for all, that nothing is ever going to happen between us."

Her smile falters, replaced by a look of confusion that quickly morphs into anger. "What do you mean? We're perfect for each other. Two ice magick users, both from prominent families..."

"Stop," I interrupt, my voice as sharp as an icicle. "I've never given you any reason to believe I was interested. I've told you before that I don't want a relationship with you. I'm telling you again now, and this is the last time I'll say it. Leave me alone, Briar. There is nothing between us, there never was and there never will be. Am I making myself clear?"

Her eyes narrow, jealousy flaring in their icy depths. "This is about that new girl, isn't it?" she hisses, her composure cracking. "That little vampire slut. What, you think she will keep you interested for longer than a minute? She's a novelty, that's all."

The temperature around us plummets as my anger rises. Ice spreads across the floor, creeping up the walls. The other students lingering in the hallway back away, sensing the dangerous shift in the atmosphere. "Don't you ever speak about her like that again," I growl, my voice low and dangerous. "You know nothing about her or what she's been through."

Briar takes a step back, fear finally showing in her eyes. The realisation that she's pushed too far is written all over her face. "You can't be serious," she says, her voice shaking slightly. "You're choosing her over me?"

"There was never a choice to be made," I reply coldly.

With that, I turn and walk away, leaving Briar standing there, her face full of shock and fury. The ice I've created melts away as I move, leaving puddles on the floor.

As I make my way to my room, my thoughts turn to Violet. To the way she looked at me when I kissed her, the look of surprise and something else in her eyes. To the strength I see in her, even as she struggles with her new reality. The memory of her lips on mine sends a shiver over me that has nothing to do with my ice magick.

I know it's too soon. She's been through too much, is still healing from the trauma of her turning and captivity. But I can't deny the pull I feel towards her. The desire to protect her, to help her find her strength, to see her smile. It's a feeling unlike anything I've experienced before, and I want to explore it further.

I reach my room and slam the door shut behind me, my anger still simmering. The encounter with Briar has left a bad taste in my mouth. I've never understood her obsession with me, her belief that we're destined to be together simply because we both wield ice magick.

My thoughts drift back to Violet. The brief moment we shared when I kissed her to get that fucker Liam away from her, replays in my mind. The softness of her lips, the surprise in her eyes, the way she seemed to melt into me for just a second before pulling away. It was different from any kiss I've experienced before. There was a spark, an undeniable connection that I can't ignore, and I know I have to do it again and more.

I move to the window, looking out over the misty grounds of MistHallow. The sun is rising, casting shadows across the courtyard. In the distance, I can see the edge of the forest, dark and mysterious. Somewhere out there, Violet's sire is lurking, possibly planning to reclaim her. The thought makes my blood boil. I tap the eagle head of the cane on the window, narrowing my eyes. "Try it, arsehole. Try to find her because you will find me instead, and that won't be to your liking."

I turn away from the window, making a decision. I need information on vampires and, how this bond might affect Violet, and how Nathaniel can manipulate it and her. I stride out of my room and head towards the library. If there's any information to be found about ancient vampires and their methods, it'll be there. As I walk, I notice the other students giving me a wide berth, no doubt still wary after my confrontation with Briar. Good.

The library is quiet at this hour, most students heading off to bed. I nod to the librarian, who barely looks up as I pass and head up the stairs to the top floor, where the information on vampires is kept. The darkened atmosphere gives off a creepy vibe, but it doesn't affect me. Pausing to get my bearings, I start in the section where there are numerous volumes on turning and sire/charge relationships.

Pulling out a book titled You and Your New Charge , I grimace at it with distaste. I hate to think of her having this connection to someone who only wants to hurt her or use her. I sit down in a comfy armchair, propping my cane against the arm and flip open the book.

The information I find is disturbing, to say the least. Tales of vampire sires using their blood to control their progeny, of bonds so strong they can drive a vampire mad with need.

I lean back in the chair, pinching the bridge of my nose as I process what I've read. The sire bond is even more powerful and insidious than I'd feared. Not only does it create a physical dependency, but it can also be used to manipulate emotions and even thoughts. No wonder Violet is struggling so much.

My eyes fall on a particularly troubling passage :

In cases of forced turning, the sire bond can be especially potent. The trauma of the turning, combined with the vampire's heightened emotions, can create a Stockholm syndrome-like effect. The newly turned vampire may feel conflicted, simultaneously hating their sire while also craving their presence and approval.

I slam the book shut, disgust and anger punching me in the gut. Is this what Violet is going through? This internal war between her mind and her body? The thought of her suffering like this, torn between her rational thoughts and these forced instincts, makes me want to slam my fist into something. Preferably Nathaniel's face until it comes out of the back of his head.

We need to find a way to break this bond, or at least weaken it. But how? Most of the literature suggests that time and distance are the only cures, but Violet doesn't have that luxury. Not with Nathaniel still out there, more than likely searching for her.

I stand up, grabbing my cane and tucking the book under my arm. As I turn to leave, my eyes catch on another volume tucked away on a high shelf. Ancient Vampire Rituals and Bonds , the spine reads. Intrigued, I reach up and pull it down.

The book is old, its leather cover cracked and faded. As I flip through the yellowed pages, my eyes widen. This isn't just any book on vampire lore—it's a grimoire, filled with spells and rituals. Some of them are benign, meant to strengthen bonds between willing vampires. Others are darker, designed to enslave and control.

One particular ritual catches my eye. "The Severance," I read aloud. A complex, dangerous spell designed to sever the bond between a sire and their charge. It's risky—if performed even slightly incorrectly, it could kill both vampires involved. But if successful, it could free Violet from Nathaniel's influence completely.

I slam the book shut, my mind ticking over. This could be the answer she's looking for, but it's not a decision that is mine to make. The risks are enormous, and Violet's already been through so much. However, not telling her of this find is deceitful, and for once in my hellish life, I don't want to be that way.

I tuck both books under my arm and make my way out of the library. The halls are quiet now, most students having retired to their rooms. I'm drawn to Violet's room, which is not too far from mine. I hesitate. Should I tell her now? Or wait until she's had more time to rest and process everything?

Before I can decide, the door opens. Violet's gaze meets mine, and for a moment, we just stare at each other.