Episode 16:Blood in the Ballroom
495 Words
Episode 16: Blood in the Ballroom
The invitation came folded inside a crimson bat.
When it unraveled midair and sang an opera note, Kai knew the Vampire Court was calling.
“Let me guess,” Nox said. “Underground, full of drama, and probably has a murder buffet.”
Lira cracked her knuckles. “They won’t hurt him. I’ll tear off their necks.”
“...Lira,” Kai said gently. “They are necks.”
The Bloodbound's territory was hidden inside The Crimson Ballroom, a floating cathedral tethered above Nightmoor by chains of blood-magic. It shimmered with moonlight and menace.
They were greeted by a trio of vampiric ushers, all wearing ruffled collars and fake smiles.
“Welcome, Mirrorborn,” one whispered. “And... the wolf.”
The ballroom doors opened to music that sounded like teeth grinding against glass.
Inside, vampires waltzed beneath chandeliers made of enchanted bone.
At the far end sat Dame Virelle, Matriarch of the Crimson Line, throne draped in silks—and veins.
“Kai Velden,” she said, sipping from a goblet that pulsed. “The boy with many enemies and one heart too soft.”
Kai stepped forward. “I’m here to form a Pact. The world’s falling apart. The Council is hunting all of us. We need unity.”
The crowd hissed like a hive.
“Unity?” Virelle smiled. “We drink unity for breakfast.”
Lira growled. “He’s not here to beg.”
“Of course not,” said Virelle. “He’s here to dance.”
The floor shifted.
Suddenly, Kai stood on a dueling platform. Opposite him was Prince Orien, Virelle’s son, centuries old and dressed like a blood-drenched opera singer.
“If you wish our allegiance,” said Orien, “you must survive the Waltz of Teeth.”
The waltz began.
The ballroom spun.
Music warped.
And Kai had to fight—not with strength, but grace. With instinct. With everything he’d learned about people, fear, and fire.
Orien moved like smoke.
Kai moved like defiance.
He blocked attacks with burning air, deflected blade-fangs with phantom echoes of mirror magic.
Finally—Kai disarmed him with a burst of raw will.
The ballroom froze.
Then—applause.
Virelle stood.
“A Mirrorborn with rhythm. How rare.”
She stepped down from the throne, eyes studying Kai like he was a vintage wine she hadn’t decided to kill yet.
> “You have our Pact, child. But beware—vampires do not bleed for free. You owe me a favor. One I will call upon.”
Kai nodded, sweat trickling down his neck. “Deal.”
Later, on the ballroom roof, Kai sat beside Lira, looking down at Nightmoor.
“That’s three Pacts now,” he said. “Fire. Grave. Blood.”
Lira leaned on his shoulder. “You’re getting stronger.”
Kai looked at her.
“Not without you.”
And somewhere deep below the city…
The Council’s Hunter sharpened her blades.
- Writer
