Bloodline Rose (13)

Her speculation was confirmed when, not far away, on an altar bathed in the brightest moonlight, Cassie saw Karada slowly lying down. The altar had patterns almost identical to the coffin's, with intricate magical runes seemingly formed through magic rather than human hands. Cassie's blood served as the medium for the spell, meandering along the patterns' indigo lines and transforming the blue into crystal-clear red.

Nelson couldn't help but exclaim, "Your Majesty, your blood is truly beautiful." This was the most exquisite rose among the vampires. Karada desired her body, and naturally, he wouldn't give it to her. Such a beautiful shell should be well-preserved, sealed in an ice coffin adorned with petals.

Cassie remained silent. She had established a powerful resonance with the butterfly, feeling the wings fluttering slightly around her neck. Now, she needed to figure out whether Nelson knew that her powers were gradually returning—whether it was due to her body rejecting the suppressed magic or if Nelson intentionally allowed it.

Time passed slowly. Cassie sensed her body moving towards two extremes. As her blood dwindled, the cut hand became increasingly cold and numb, losing sensation. On the other hand, the butterfly on her neck continuously gathered moonlight, replenishing the diminishing strength. Almost half of her body had regained its strength.

It felt like a confrontation between ice and fire, pulling her consciousness into the abyss on one side and awakening her with scorching heat on the other. This sensation was far from pleasant. She could only close her eyes, regulate her breathing to maintain composure, and prevent Nelson from detecting any clues.

Was she destined to die here? Without obtaining Xavier's heart, the mission would be considered a failure. The system had mentioned that if the mission failed, the contract would terminate, leading to her demise.

Cassie gritted her teeth. The fingertips of her other hand moved slightly. The butterfly on her neck fluttered its wings, seemingly responding to her.

"Prince Xavier?" She heard Nelson's surprised voice. "You've come quite early."

Surprised but not astonished, he wasn't afraid of Xavier. Nelson's audacious actions, openly sending an invitation and making Cassie disappear, demonstrated his lack of fear towards Xavier. She struggled to shift her neck, following Nelson's gaze. It turned out to be a glass conservatory. Under the arched glass gate adorned with rose vines, a tall figure appeared.

Xavier looked at him indifferently, still wearing a casual smile, but his blood-red pupils exuded a murderous intent. He said, "You seem quite confident."

Nelson laughed, "No, of course, I wouldn't dare to challenge Your Highness directly. You can kill me and take back your treasure. However, once the formation begins, if it ends, both parties will die."

Killing a vampire was challenging, as they possessed eternal life. But it was also simple—remove their heart. As soon as these words were spoken, Karada screamed, "Nelson, you deceived me!" However, she quickly realized that she, too, was firmly trapped on the altar, unable to move, in a situation similar to Cassie's.

"Why would I deceive you?" Nelson chuckled. "After the ritual, you'll become the queen."

Xavier raised an eyebrow, "I remember this formation has been lost for a long time. Surprising that you discovered it." His smile suddenly stopped. He saw Cassie's wrist being cut, and fresh blood continuously emerging.

Undeniably, Nelson was bold. The girl he hesitated to touch, he now directly cut her wrist! Nelson just laughed. However, with any formation, if there was a way to implement it, there must be a way to break it. And Xavier knew the way.

So, he spoke up, "I'll exchange her." Nelson looked at him with interest, "Hmm?"

"A puppet queen, what's the point?" Xavier's tone was calm. "Wouldn't you prefer my body?" Nelson's thoughts were too easy to guess. The eight noble families fought for one purpose.

Indeed, Nelson's smile deepened, "Xavier, do you like that queen so much? Willing to die for her?" Xavier remained silent, just quietly locking eyes with him. In a few breaths, Nelson sighed, "Well, well, you indeed understand my thoughts better. Come over."

He wasn't afraid of Xavier taking action against him. If he could willingly exchange Cassie, it was enough to see Cassie's importance to him—Xavier wouldn't take risks for Cassie.

Xavier also smiled gently, moving forward with grace and poise. Even the wind that stirred as he walked was calm and unhurried. He stepped into the azure halo surrounding Cassie. The moonlight highlighted his side profile, revealing soft and captivating features. Cassie looked up at him.

Bending down, Xavier tenderly lifted her, and the azure radiance transformed into a massive barrier, gradually contracting and enveloping the two figures. The radiance then converged into beams of light, transferring from Cassie's wrist, where her blood flowed, to Xavier's heart.

"Apologies," Nelson widened his smile, "I'm afraid I can't let go of your precious one. Her shell is too beautiful to release." His tone was triumphant, tilting his head slightly, as if he could already see his bright and glorious future, his face filled with the pride of a victor. "Your Highness, can you forgive my small act of repentance?"

Xavier stood with his back to Nelson, hidden beneath the encompassing azure radiance. Unable to witness their actions, Nelson sensed Xavier lifting his hand, seemingly caressing Cassie's head with affection. Unseen by Nelson, Cassie grasped Xavier's other hand and placed it on her own neck. The butterfly wings in the palm of Xavier's hand quivered slightly.

Countless moonbeams gathered, the radiant halo growing larger and merging with the glow emanating from Cassie's wrist. The butterfly on the necklace trembled its wings, unexpectedly breaking free from the constraints of the pendant, fluttering unsteadily into the air.

With each movement, star-like fragments of light traced beautiful arcs in the sky, swiftly concealed by the barrier Nelson had left behind.

Xavier spoke, "You're overthinking it." Nelson's eyes widened. He witnessed the seemingly inconspicuous yet powerful butterfly. The fragments of light multiplied, growing larger, forcibly severing the connection with the formation.

Xavier and Cassie vanished.