Chapter 33 The Blood Contract

• The air in the room grew thick as Viola's revelation hung between them. Belle's teacup froze halfway to her lips, her golden eyes darting between Viola and Valentina. "Wait, hold on—a Blood Regalia? What the hell is that?"
• Viola set her cup down with deliberate calm. "A Regalia forged from blood essence," she explained, her voice as dry as the magic tome she'd studied. "Not just any blood, but vampire blood—specifically, from one of the last two True Vampires." Her dull eyes flicked to Valentina. "Though I suppose we can't call you a vampire anymore, can we? Not after you sacrificed your bloodlust for power."
• Valentina's playful demeanor evaporated like morning mist. Her beautiful crimson nails dug into the armrests as she leaned forward. "Enough theatrics. How do I obtain this Blood Regalia?" The hunger in her voice was palpable, centuries of desire laid bare.