LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 8: bloodlines
The dim glow of the fireplace cast flickering shadows against the walls of the study, creating an atmosphere thick with secrets and tension. Serena stood with her arms crossed, her expression impassive, but beneath the surface, her mind raced.
Atlas took his time pouring a drink, the faint clink of glass against crystal breaking the silence. He swirled the dark liquid before looking up at Serena with a knowing smile. "You really don't know, do you?"
Serena eyes narrowed. "Know what? If you have something to say, say it. I don't have the patience for riddles."
Atlas chuckled, taking a slow sip before setting the glass down. "That the man you call your father isn't your father at all."
Serena stiffened, but her face remained unreadable. "You're lying."
Atlas leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. "Am I? Think about it, little siren. Have you ever truly felt a connection to him? He treats you like a pawn, not a daughter. Because that's all you are to him. A means to an end."
Serena scoffed, crossing her arms tighter. "And you expect me to believe you out of the goodness of your heart? Please, Atlas, let's not insult each other's intelligence."
Atlas exhaled a quiet laugh. "Oh, I have no illusions of being good. I have my own reasons for telling you this. But the truth remains: your real father was someone else. And I suspect you already feel it in your bones."
Serena remained silent, unwilling to let any reaction slip.
Atlas swirled his drink once more. "Your real father was a man of great power, feared by both humans and the supernatural. And he possessed something that could shift the balance of everything." His gaze sharpened. "A ruby diamond ring."
Sirena's pulse quickened, though she gave no outward sign. "And what of it?"
Atlas leaned forward. "That ring isn't just a trinket. It holds a power that few understand. Your fake father has been searching for it for years, but he has no idea where it is. And I suspect… that you do."
Sirena tilted her head, a slow, knowing smile playing at her lips. "You're quite bold to assume I'd tell you even if I did."
Atlas chuckled. "Smart girl. But you'll find that some secrets are better uncovered before others do. Your *father*—or rather, the man pretending to be—will stop at nothing to claim it. And when he realizes that you are the key to unlocking its power, he won't hesitate to use you."
Sirena let out a soft laugh, but there was no warmth in it. "Let him try. He'll find I'm not so easy to control."
Atlas studied her for a moment, then stood, adjusting his cuffs. "I look forward to seeing how this plays out. Just remember—knowledge is power, but power is only useful if you live long enough to wield it. Tread carefully, little siren. The real players in this game aren't as patient as I am."
As he moved toward the door, he paused. "One last thing—your real father, the one who left you that ring? He didn't just disappear. He was murdered. And I'd bet my life your so-called father had a hand in it."
The room fell into silence as the door clicked shut behind him.
Sirena exhaled slowly, her fingers curling into fists. Her mind reeled, but her resolve remained unshaken.
*If he thinks I'm a pawn, he's in for a rude awakening.*
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The car ride back was thick with tension, each second stretching uncomfortably. Damian gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched. He had seen the way Atlas looked at her, the way she listened to him. It infuriated him, though he couldn't understand why.
"You didn't have to entertain him that long," Damian finally muttered, eyes fixed on the road.
Sirena smirked, barely glancing at him. "Oh? And here I thought you didn't care what I did."
Damian's grip tightened. "I don't. But he's dangerous. You should know that."
Serena turned to him, her voice teasing. "Oh, so now you're worried about me? That's new."
His jaw twitched. "I don't trust him."
Sirena chuckled softly, returning her gaze to the window. "Good. Neither do I."
The ruby ring on her finger remained dark, looking like any ordinary stone. But Serena knew better. She had once believed it was her mother's, but now, everything she thought she knew had been thrown into question.
The first time she had transformed into her full siren form, the ring had changed color. And her so-called father had no idea.
A humorless smirk tugged at her lips. That man thinks he can control me. Pretend I'm his naive daughter. He has no idea who he's dealing with.
She had her own reasons for playing along. But soon enough, the game would change. And when it did, she would be the one holding all the cards.