Bound by Secrets

Chapter 1

Carissa's pov

(Italy, Rome. 1826)

I was walking to the castle, and on days like this during the winter, I'd prefer to walk home and take in the cool and serene environment. Surprisingly, it helps me sleep better.

Here at the castle, magic was the order of the day. Witches test running new spells and flying around. Those who were too obsessed with magic did worse and for some of us who were rather too familiar with our powers, it was just one of those things.

I was to be mated today, to a son of one of the strongest vampire packs at the time. Try as I might, I could not talk my father out of it. It felt like I was being traded off and used to end the long-lasting war between the two creatures.

"Dad, I am sure there are other ways this can be resolved if you just gather the council of witches and talk this out" I had insisted

"We have gathered, we have talked this out. This is the best option we have. You should be grateful, given an opportunity like this" He had warned

"Grateful, dad?" I queried

"Yes, grateful. Your mating would bring an end to our enmity and make way for new beginnings and who knows, just what it might bring for us, eh?" He laughed

"But I do not want the man, do my feelings not matter? Should this not be a matter of mutual consent and agreement?" I persisted

"You do not have to want the man, we witches are not allowed to have feelings. We did what is good for our kingdom, I raised you better than this. Now please, do not make me regret this. And if it's a matter of mutual agreement, the two kingdoms have agreed on a pact" he finished.

Running out, I ran to a garden of flowers and with a spell, withered them all. Another disadvantage of my powers, dad would say. They seemed to get the better of me when I am angry. I would have to destroy something or someone to calm down.

Before now, it was a terrible thing to be seen with a vampire how much more mate with them. I have always hated vampires, I mean their longevity speaks for itself, wasn't it selfish? I scoffed.

"Times really do change" I said out to myself, sighing.

"Come, it is time to get you ready" one of the maidens beckoned to me

"It is time to get the bride ready" another agreed

Not willing to jeopardize the integrity of my people, I followed them carefully.

Bride? I asked myself, I could never get used to that. I had thought I would be afforded to chance to find love on my own yet here I was, about to be mated to not just anyone but a vampire.

And what more, I hated the dress. I could never get used to those long white flowing gowns young women drooled over, hoping for when it would be their turn. What I could never understand especially was the use of crochet in our dresses.

It had always made me so uncomfortable, I could barely sit straight in any of the dresses.

"This is too tight. Please, loosen it a bit" I had begged to one of the maidens

"Sorry, my lady. But, that is how it us expected to be, I cannot change that" she replied

"Such silly traditions" I yelled

"My lady?"

"What!" I screamed

"The young master wants to see you"

"What young master?" I asked afraid of who I thought it would be

"Your mate" she answered chuckling and the others joined her

"What does he want with me?"

"That I do not know, my lady but the two kingdoms had agreed that you two should share a word or two before being mated" she answered curtly

"Tell him I will be with him shortly"

"Yes, my lady" she bowed and dismissed herself

"Alright, I have to go now" I was saying to the maidens so they would stop whatever it was they were still doing with my body

"We have to take off the dress" a maiden had replied

"Take it off? I am just going to see him for a few minutes, that is all" I objected

"A bride is not allowed to be seen by her mate before the wedding in her dress"

"Why not?" I queried

"It is tradition"

"Then, I am not seeing him"

"You have to my dear, your father is doing all he can to keep us at peace. Do not fail us when we need you" mother had said walking in.

"You are a vampire..." I started

"I didn't think that witches were

allowed to show their magic like that." He said pointing to the flowers.

How dare he! He must have seen me earlier

"I didn't mean for that to happen." I admitted

"Not in control of yourself, Carissa?"

"I'm perfectly in control. Thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me, Clyde, I have to get back to my work." I said turning to leave

"You're following me." I added when I noticed him behind me

"Well, we are walking in the same space. It's hardly strange that our paths should cross."

"You knew what I did earlier."

"I'd call that an environmental hazard."

"You were looking for me. What do you want, Clyde?" I asked

"That's a fair question. It might be safer for you witches from the other creatures if we have this union"

"Is that a threat?"

"No. It's a warning. You need to be careful."

"I will be."

"I wonder why witches are so rude" he continued and I had had enough.

Without thinking, I had used one of the strongest spells, one used to wreck total damage to a vampire, draining them of life and blood and struck him with it.

He had gone down to the floor but not first without having a feast on my neck leaving me bleeding profusely. I knew what it meant, if he was going to die, I would be dying too.

"This is not the end. We shall be reborn and I will not rest until I find and hunt you down" he promised.