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?” She kept

intentionally trying his patience? He had already made it clear

curious,” Ezra interjected, looking slightly sheepish. After all, Eleanor was a

slammed it back on the table. He declared, “Even if it

backfire?” Eleanor continued

weakness at worst,” Theodore replied, his

see.” She nodded with newfound understanding. If

satisfied now?” Theodore’s face contorted into a displeased expression. “Don’t get the wrong idea,

“Wait a moment…”

as he was about to say something else, his expression suddenly froze. “I can sense it now. The poison is stirring. It must be

snapped to attention, their

Theodore closed his eyes, carefully