Chapter 53: Mildred, The Bloodkin Maid
The flames swelled brighter, so blindingly bright that no one could see Mildred or the bat within the inferno. It only lasted for a few heartbeats, then the blaze began to dim, flickering lower and lower until the final ember floated up like a dying firefly... and was snuffed out by the breeze.
A hush settled. Everyone stood with slack jaws, their eyes glued to the scene before them. Vi blinked twice, unable to trust what she was seeing. A hot breath escaped Kaelor’s slightly parted lips, the sound almost a sigh, of awe or disbelief, it was hard to tell.
Where Mildred once stood was someone entirely new.
No... something.
She looked like an enchantress sculpted from pale moonlight. Her skin was porcelain-smooth, her silky black hair darker than before, like wet ink streaming down her shoulders, settling just above her chest. Her facial structure had sharpened subtly, the soft curves of age erased. Her ears had widened slightly, tapering to a sharp, knife life tip.
Kaelor’s gaze was drawn to the black wings rising from her back. They unfurled slowly, stretching and folding, as if she were testing out her newly birthed limbs. She touched one with trembling fingers, blinking rapidly. Her lips parted, then closed, words lost in her throat.
The most shocking change of all? She looked like she’d stepped backward in time, no longer the middle aged maid they’d known, but a young woman again. Perhaps in her twenties.
A soft chime echoed in Kaelor’s mind:
[You have created a Lowblood Bloodkin. A race capable of flight, gifted with heightened senses, especially at night. They age slowly, bear a thirst for blood, and tend to dislike the sun. While powerful, they often submit to higher-caste Bloodkin. Beware: their loyalty is drawn to the blood of their kin above all.]
Kaelor’s grin faltered slightly at that final note. ’Higher caste?’ So there was more above this form. Still, his thoughts burned with anticipation. If Mildred could become this... what could he become?