An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“y’see,” Theodore began. “The critters I keep need to feed on my blood to forge a bond. Over time, it forms a connection. Once that connection’s solid, I’ll know it in a heartbeat,” he explained. Eleanor raised a curious eyebrow.” Sounds pretty otherworldly.”

“It’s occult, something a high-society girl like you might not grasp,” he said with an air of secrecy.

“But what if it doesn’t work?” she prodded.

“Hmm?” Theodore furrowed his brow.

Was she trying to test his patience? “Don’t worry, Eleanor, you don’t need to worry about that,” Ezra chimed in, flashing a reassuring smile.

“Sir Crane’s mastery of the occult is legendary. There’s no room for failure.”

“But I’m talking about the ‘what if,”” Eleanor insisted.

“Hmph! There’s no room for ‘what ifs’! “Theodore’s expression grew cold. ” Unless that kid has the skin of steel and a spirit beyond, disaster is certain.”

stuff. I just want to know, will there be a sign if it fails?”

patience? He had

upset, Sir Crane. Eleanor’s simply curious,” Ezra interjected, looking slightly sheepish. After all, Eleanor was a sheltered, rich woman. She

declared, “Even if it failed, I’d blame my inadequacies. If

What kind of backfire?” Eleanor continued her

nauseousness, three days of weakness at worst,”

newfound understanding. If it failed, there would indeed

now?” Theodore’s face contorted into a displeased expression. “Don’t get the wrong idea, Sir Crane. I was simply

“Wait a moment…”

his expression suddenly froze. “I can sense it now.

and Ezra immediately snapped to attention, their eyes fixed on him, eagerly awaiting the

eyes,