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.”

know, will there be a sign if it fails?”

clearly exasperated. Was she intentionally trying his patience? He had already made

After all, Eleanor was a sheltered, rich woman. She was quite inexperienced

it back on the table. He declared, “Even if it failed, I’d blame my inadequacies. If it backfired,

of backfire?” Eleanor continued her

nauseousness, three days of weakness at worst,” Theodore replied, his

with newfound understanding. If it failed, there would indeed be

expression. “Don’t get the wrong idea, Sir

“Wait a moment…”

can sense it now. The poison is stirring. It must be

snapped to attention, their eyes fixed on him, eagerly awaiting the next

eyes, carefully sensing