The chains burned against Lucien Drake's skin.
Silver. Blessed. Etched with ancient glyphs meant to shatter a werewolf's will.
He snarled, thrashing in vain as cold stone met his back. The crypt reeked of rot and old power, like death had taken root in the air itself. Crimson torches flickered against the cracked walls, casting shadows that twisted like spirits in agony.
"Don't take it personally, brother," came the cold voice of Kellen, his half-brother and Alpha-in-waiting. "You were born strong. Too strong. The elders feared what you'd become."
Lucien spat blood. "So you chain me up like a dog and bring me to this… place?"
"This place," Kellen smirked, "is where traitors are buried. But for you, we needed something special. This crypt belonged to the Crimson Court… vampires long extinct. Their magic will rip your soul apart."
A wicked grin curled across Kellen's face. "And maybe… I'll comfort your mate once you're gone."
Lucien roared, his muscles bulging against the restraints, but the silver flared, searing his flesh. His breath hitched. His vision swam.
Kellen stepped back and threw something at Lucien's feet. A shard of obsidian. It pulsed with red light. The moment it touched the blood-soaked ground, the entire crypt trembled.
BOOM.
A wave of dark energy burst outward. Dust fell from the ceiling. The chains snapped—no, melted—in an instant. Lucien collapsed forward, coughing, groaning.
His heartbeat slowed… then thundered back, wrong, too strong, inhuman.
> [CRIMSON SYSTEM BOOTING...]
[Bloodline Anomaly Detected.]
[Vampiric Core Syncing with Lycan Vessel… 37%... 64%... 100%.]
You have awakened the Forbidden Hybrid Bloodline.
You are now: Vamp-Lycan Tier 1.
New Title: The Bloodbound.
System Mission: Feast. Breed. Rule.
Lucien gasped as power surged through his veins like lava. His nails blackened into claws. His fangs burst through his gums. His vision sharpened until he could see the sweat trickling down Kellen's pale face.
"What… what did you—"
Lucien moved before he finished the sentence. One heartbeat, he was on the floor.
The next, his hand was wrapped around Kellen's throat.
"You should've killed me when you had the chance." Lucien's voice came out deeper, layered with a primal growl.
He slammed Kellen against the stone wall, cracking it like paper.
"No, no, this isn't—"
Lucien sank his fangs into Kellen's throat.
Warm blood exploded into his mouth, sweet, potent, filling him with unimaginable pleasure. Strength bloomed in his limbs. The System purred.
> [Essence Absorbed: Beta Lycan.]
[New Trait: Accelerated Regeneration Unlocked.]
Lucien dropped the corpse. Blood dripped from his lips. His chest heaved.
God, it felt good.
A moan echoed behind him.
He turned.
A figure stepped out of the shadows. A woman—tall, pale, with crimson eyes and a wicked smile that could kill.
Her curves were poured into tight black leathers, her cleavage barely contained by the corset that shimmered with runes. She walked like a queen of the underworld, each step a promise of violence… and seduction.
"A hybrid," she said, licking her lips. "Delicious. I felt your awakening. You reek of raw, filthy power."
Lucien's eyes narrowed. "And who the hell are you?"
She tilted her head. "A stray assassin sent to ensure your death… but now I think I want something else."
Lucien's claws flexed. "Try anything, and I'll tear your heart out."
She chuckled. "So aggressive. So dominant." She circled him slowly, her gloved hand dragging across his bare, bloodied chest. "I like that."
He flinched, but didn't stop her. Something about her scent—like blood, roses, and danger—was dizzying.
"You're barely transformed, and already you're radiating such raw heat." She traced his abs with a nail. "Tell me… how do you feel?"
His breath hitched as her hand dropped lower. The System flickered in his mind.
> [Thrall Bond Opportunity Detected.]
Target: Vampire Assassin – Tier 3]
Condition: Dominance through carnal conquest or psychic override.
Lucien grinned, stepping forward, backing her into a wall. "You want a taste of me, vampire?"
Her grin widened. "Prove you deserve me."
He crushed his lips against hers.
The kiss was fire and fangs. She gasped, but didn't resist. Her nails dug into his shoulders, her thighs brushing his hips. His hand found her throat, pinning her gently—dominantly.
The crypt spun.
His system surged.
> [Initiating Thrall Bond...]
[Desire Spike: +70%]
[Seduction Progress: 88%]
He broke the kiss, his voice a husky growl. "Say it."
She looked up at him, eyes glowing. "I belong to you, my Bloodbound King."
> [Bond Complete.]
[New Thrall Gained: Lilith – Crimson Assassin.]
[New Skill: Bloodstep – Instant movement within 10m.]
Warning: Enemy reinforcements detected.
A howl echoed from above. Then another.
And another.
Lucien looked up as dust rained down from the crypt ceiling. Heavy footsteps. Growls.
Lilith smirked. "Looks like the rest of your dear clan came to finish the job."
Lucien's eyes glowed red. "Let them come."
> [System Buff Active: First Blood Unleashed – All Stats x2 for 10 Minutes.]
The crypt doors burst open.
Six werewolves in full beast form stormed in.
Lucien stepped forward, shirtless, blood-slicked, his fangs gleaming, his Thrall at his side.
The Alpha's voice bellowed: "Lucien Drake! By the law of the pack, you are to be executed!"
Lucien cracked his neck.
"You already tried."
He raised his clawed hand. Shadows curled at his feet. His body blurred forward.