GRAND LORD VLADYA
Grand Lord Vladya slumped in his study chair, his gaze fixed blankly on the weathered stone wall. He had sent a soldier to summon Merrilyn.
The soldier's report resounded in his skull. Lady Merrilyn has been in labor for hours, and thus unable to make the journey.
The next thing to do was clear. He needed to hurry to his bloodhost before the poison reached his heart, while some strength remained, and get the much-needed blood himself.
Even if it meant a sip from a goblet, just to sustain him until the healer arrived. Any other male in his position would have done it.
Not him.
His eyes fell to the ravaged flesh on his shoulder. The wound throbbed, swollen, black veins pulsing outward, tracing a macabre path toward his heart.
While hunting in the woods with his so
