BLOOD OATH OF THE OBSIDIAN KING

Chapter two: Bloodline

Then—

“Because you are not ordinary,” he said.

The answer was unexpected.

“You carry something rare,” he continued. “Something my world requires.”

Her stomach twisted.

“What world?”

For the first time, Drakon smiled fully.

And it was the most terrifying thing she had ever seen.

“The one your father tried to keep you from.”

A chill swept through her.

“What does that mean?”

“You will learn,” he said. “After the wedding.”

Lyra shook her head frantically.

“No—no, this is madness—Thalassa, don’t—”

But Thalassa already knew.

There was no escape.

No hidden path.

No miracle waiting to save them.

Only a choice.

Her life…

Or Lyra’s.

She turned to her sister, cupping her face gently.

“It’s going to be alright,” she said softly.

A lie.

A necessary one.

“Don’t do this,” Lyra whispered, tears spilling over. “Please don’t—”

“I have to.”

Then she turned back to him.

To the man who had destroyed her life.

To the man who now held what remained of it in his hands.

“I’ll do it,” Thalassa said.

The words felt like ash in her mouth.

“I’ll marry you.”

Drakon held her gaze.

Searching.

Assessing.

Then, slowly, he nodded.

“Wise,” he said.

She didn’t feel wise.

She felt like she had just stepped into a cage and locked the door behind her.

“Prepare yourself,” he added. “The ceremony is at dawn.”

“So soon?”

“You belong to me now,” he said simply. “There is no need to delay.”

Belong.

The word ignited something sharp in her chest.

But she swallowed it.

For Lyra.

“For her safety,” Thalassa said, her voice steady despite everything. “I want your word.”

Drakon stepped closer.

Close enough that she could feel the heat of him.

Close enough that she could see the faint scar running along his jaw.

“Nothing touches her,” he said quietly. “So long as you honor your place.”

“And if I don’t?”

His gaze darkened.

“Then everything burns.”

A chill ran through her.

But she didn’t look away.

“Then we understand each other,” she said.

For a moment—just a moment—something unreadable flickered in his eyes.

Not softness.

Never that.

But something… deeper.

Then it was gone.

He turned, signaling his men.

The soldiers began to move, already taking control of what little remained of her home.

Of her life.

Drakon paused at the gate.

Without looking back, he said:

“Sleep well, Thalassa.”

A beat.

“Tomorrow, you become mine.”