2025-04-30 22:53:00
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Blood Thirst: God of War The beginning
The morning sun filtered through the heavy curtains of the Hammond estate, casting a soft glow over the grand dining table. The scent of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee hung in the air, mixing with the earthy aroma of the surrounding woods. Miley sat at the head of the table, her father at one end, and Julius beside her, his presence as silent and imposing as ever.Miley’s father, the patriarch of the Hammond family, began speaking in his deep, commanding voice, as he often did during family meals. His tone was calm, but there was an edge of something ancient in his words. "Our bloodline, Miley," he said, lifting his gaze to meet her eyes, "has always been intertwined with power. The Hammonds have long played a part in battles, strategy, and politics. Our family’s influence stretches back to the beginning of this land."Miley shifted in her seat, feeling the weight of the legacy she had tried to escape for so long. She glanced at Julius, who sat quietly beside her, his eyes dar
Blood Thirst: God of War What we need
The Hammond estate was abuzz with activity, the once tranquil grounds now transformed into a hive of preparations. Miley stood near the edge of the courtyard, watching as her family moved with practiced precision. Her aunts, cousins, and even the few family retainers all worked together, arranging flowers, hanging tapestries, and preparing for what Miley could only describe as an overblown charade. Despite the bustle of activity around her, she could not shake the growing sense of discomfort.The traditional wedding ceremony that her family had insisted upon was moving forward, no matter how much she wanted to avoid it. The contract marriage she had entered into with Julius was not a real marriage in the eyes of her family—at least, not yet. But to them, this was a way of “solidifying” what they believed to be an inevitable bond between them.Miley stood, arms crossed, quietly watching the family work. It felt like an intrusion on something sacred, but what could she do? Her grandmot
Blood Thirst: God of War Kiss
The ceremony began in the soft glow of late afternoon sunlight, its golden hue filtering through the high windows of the family’s chapel. Miley stood at the center of the room, surrounded by her family, her heart a knot of nerves and tension. She was dressed in vibrant traditional clothes…silk and linen layered in rich hues of red and gold, with intricate embroidery and delicate beadwork that made her look more like a bride than she had ever been willing to admit. The weight of the fabrics, the centuries-old tradition woven into each thread, felt like a shackle she couldn’t break free from.Her gaze briefly flicked to Julius, standing beside her. His dark suit contrasted sharply with her vibrant outfit, but he looked no less out of place. His face was stoic as ever, his hands folded in front of him with the calm assurance that only Julius could carry. Yet, there was something in the way he glanced at her, something subtle in his posture that told her he wasn’t as unaffected as he
Blood Thirst: God of War Marriage rituals
The morning mist had barely lifted when the courtyard filled with the buzz of excitement. Banners fluttered in the breeze, colorful fabric strung between trees, and the earthy scent of pine and old stone lingered in the air. Miley stood stiffly on the edge of the field, arms crossed, trying not to look too uncomfortable. But the truth was she felt like she had been dropped into some ancient village fair with her family beaming as if this were the highlight of the century.“They always did this for newlyweds,” her aunt explained with a chuckle. “A series of games to see if the couple is strong enough…together.”Miley forced a tight smile, shifting awkwardly as the first event was announced: archery.Julius, as always, stood tall and composed beside her. His gaze swept over the bow and arrows with the detached interest of a soldier evaluating unfamiliar equipment. When the bow was handed to Miley first, she hesitated. She’d never fired a bow in her life. Her fingers fumbled around the
Blood Thirst: God of War Shifting lines
The estate lay quiet under the weight of night. Shadows stretched long across the stone pathways, and the wind rustled the trees with a whisper too soft to disturb sleep. But Miley could not sleep.She slipped out of the guest room with bare feet and a shawl draped over her shoulders, her steps light against the cool floor. The weight of the ceremony, the games, and the persistent web of lies clung to her chest, making it hard to breathe. She needed air. She needed space.Outside, the moon cast a pale glow over the estate. The silence was comforting, almost sacred. She moved along the gravel path, avoiding the creaky spots, past the old shed and into the open garden. The scent of earth and distant pine filled her lungs.Behind her, unseen but very much present, Julius followed.He had not meant to. But when he noticed her door open, the flicker of movement against the shadows, something in him stirred. So he slipped into the dark and kept his distance, following without a word. She w
Blood Thirst: God of War Trust and Alliance
The final ritual was set against the fading glow of dusk. Lanterns flickered to life around the ancestral altar, their light softening the sharp edges of stone and wood. The family gathered in a tight circle, reverent, hushed. At the center stood Miley and Julius.In her hands, Miley held a pair of rings—simple, gold, and heavy with expectation. Her palms were slightly damp, her heart unsteady. She glanced at Julius. He stood tall beside her, still dressed in the traditional ceremonial garb, the fabric pulling taut over his broad shoulders. His face gave nothing away.“The exchange of rings,” announced her grandfather, “is the seal. Not just of love, but of trust and alliance.”Miley hesitated only a second before lifting Julius’s hand. His fingers were warm and still. She slid the ring onto his finger, her touch trembling slightly. He did not move.Then he reached for her hand, and something in his eyes flickered. Not warmth, not coldness—but something suspended in between. Slowly, d
Blood Thirst: God of War Safe with him
The morning after the ceremony dawned quiet, golden light spilling across the hills and filtering through the gauzy curtains of the east wing. The estate, still echoing with the afterglow of celebration, felt like it had exhaled—its energy softer now, more hushed.Miley sat on the back steps with a cup of tea, her feet bare, her thoughts tangled. The ring on her finger caught the sunlight, flashing in ways she tried to ignore.Julius appeared without fanfare, carrying a wooden tray balanced with two bowls of oats, a sliced apple, and a tiny glass jar of honey. He did not speak, just lowered the tray beside her and sat down. His shirt sleeves were rolled to the elbow, and a faint smear of oil streaked one hand.“You made this?” she asked, tilting her head.“I reheated it,” he replied, unfazed. “did not want you skipping breakfast.”Her lips twitched at his matter-of-fact tone. They ate in a companionable silence, birds chirping in the distance, wind stirring the wildflowers along the s
Blood Thirst: God of War Winning hearts
The sun had barely risen above the treetops when Miley led Julius beyond the village’s edge, past the weeping willows and the moss-covered stones, to a grove where ancient roots twisted like stories beneath the earth. At its heart stood the sacred tree—taller than any building in the village, its bark deep and gnarled, its branches heavy with a thousand fluttering threads in every shade of red and gold.Julius tilted his head as they approached. “What is this?”Miley’s voice softened. “It’s where villagers come to make wishes. Each thread represents a hope, a prayer… maybe a regret.”She reached into her satchel and pulled out a crimson thread, fingers trembling slightly as she tied it to a low-hanging branch. Her lips moved in silence, eyes closed for a long second.Julius watched her, expression unreadable. “What did you wish for?”She did not meet his gaze. “You are not supposed to tell.”He did not press her, though he lingered longer than necessary, as if searching the tree for m
Latest Chapter
Silent promise
The morning sun peeked through low-hanging clouds, casting a pale silver glow over the countryside. Mist clung to the edges of the fields like a stubborn veil, and the air held a chill that hinted at the fading warmth of early autumn. Birds chirped half-heartedly from tree branches, their feathers puffed up against the cold.Inside the small cottage, Miley rubbed her arms as she stepped out into the yard. Her shawl…usually hanging from the peg near the door…was missing. She frowned slightly, scanning the porch. Nothing.Before she could return inside, Julius emerged from the stable, already dressed in his usual dark clothes, his stride confident and steady despite the bite in the air. A thick, handwoven wool scarf clung loosely around his neck.He noticed her at once…her hunched shoulders, the faint shiver in her fingers. Without a word, he tugged off his scarf and walked over.Miley opened her mouth to speak, but he didn’t give her the chance. With simple, practiced hands, he draped
Froze
The last of the storm dwindled into silence, leaving behind the soft patter of lingering drizzle on the cottage roof. The fire had shrunk to glowing embers, casting a fading warmth into the quiet room. The lanterns had burned low, their flames now flickering uncertainty in the glass. Outside, the night air was cold and damp, curling against the windows like a restless whisper.Inside, Miley lay beneath a thick quilt on the floor pallet near the hearth, her breathing even, her body curled on her side. She had insisted Julius stay in the room. Not for protection…though she did not say it…but for something far simpler. Neither of them had wanted to face the storm’s aftermath alone.Julius had agreed without a word. He had taken his place behind her, not touching at first, leaving a respectful space between them. But as the minutes passed and the fire dimmed, he heard her breathe out a soft, involuntary shiver. The quilt rustled as she pulled it tighter around herself.He moved closer be
Peace
By the time they reached home, the sky had split open with thunder. The bullock cart had barely pulled away when thick sheets of rain began to pour down, drumming hard against the tiled roof. The wind howled through the trees, bending branches and rattling loose shutters.Julius got out first, helping Miley down from the cart before grabbing the woven basket they’d brought back from the fair. The power flickered once inside the cottage…then died completely. Darkness fell instantly, thick and full.Miley groaned softly. “Perfect timing.”“Power lines out?” Julius asked, his voice calm even as a loud crack of thunder split the sky.She nodded, already moving toward the cabinet by the hearth. “Happens a lot during countryside storms. Don’t worry, I have got it.”He followed her into the main room, watching as she pulled out two old oil lanterns. With practiced ease, she lit them. The golden glow bathed her face in warmth, flickering over her features like candlelight on water.“I will st
Running away
Since they have come here everything that has happened was so sudden that none of them has gotten to understand what they are supposed to do next.As a spontaneous village fair had sprung up near the temple, its lanterns glowing like fireflies in the dusk. Julius had only meant to stop by for a quick reconnaissance of the surrounding area, but when Miley’s eyes lit up at the sound of folk music and the scent of roasted corn, he knew there would be no leaving early.They walked side by side beneath garlands of marigolds and strings of colored bulbs. The air buzzed with the chatter of locals and the rhythmic beat of dhols. Children darted around them with sweet-stained fingers, and vendors called out their best prices in cheerful tones. Miley smiled at everything…the handcrafted trinkets, the flutes made of bamboo, the garlands of fresh jasmine…and Julius found himself watching her more than the fair.At one of the game stalls, she paused. The ring toss. Plastic rings, an array of pri
Ring
Miley descended the staircase, stifling a yawn as the early morning light filtered through the windows. The house was still quiet, save for the soft hum of the breeze outside. She had expected to find the usual calm of the morning, but as her eyes adjusted, she froze in surprise. Julius was sitting at the kitchen table, a steaming cup of tea in front of him, looking completely at ease in the otherwise still house. His presence, so unexpectedly calm, contrasted sharply with his usual reserved nature. Miley blinked, unsure if she was still half asleep.“Julius,” Grandma called, a twinkle in her eyes. “Come help me with lunch. You can be the one to knead the dough.”Julius, clearly unprepared for the task, glanced at Miley, who raised an eyebrow and shrugged, the corners of her mouth twitching with suppressed laughter. He sighed, his usual stoic expression unshifting. “Alright.”He rolled up his sleeves and approached the kitchen counter. The flour, though, seemed to have a mind of its
Winning hearts
The sun had barely risen above the treetops when Miley led Julius beyond the village’s edge, past the weeping willows and the moss-covered stones, to a grove where ancient roots twisted like stories beneath the earth. At its heart stood the sacred tree—taller than any building in the village, its bark deep and gnarled, its branches heavy with a thousand fluttering threads in every shade of red and gold.Julius tilted his head as they approached. “What is this?”Miley’s voice softened. “It’s where villagers come to make wishes. Each thread represents a hope, a prayer… maybe a regret.”She reached into her satchel and pulled out a crimson thread, fingers trembling slightly as she tied it to a low-hanging branch. Her lips moved in silence, eyes closed for a long second.Julius watched her, expression unreadable. “What did you wish for?”She did not meet his gaze. “You are not supposed to tell.”He did not press her, though he lingered longer than necessary, as if searching the tree for m
Safe with him
The morning after the ceremony dawned quiet, golden light spilling across the hills and filtering through the gauzy curtains of the east wing. The estate, still echoing with the afterglow of celebration, felt like it had exhaled—its energy softer now, more hushed.Miley sat on the back steps with a cup of tea, her feet bare, her thoughts tangled. The ring on her finger caught the sunlight, flashing in ways she tried to ignore.Julius appeared without fanfare, carrying a wooden tray balanced with two bowls of oats, a sliced apple, and a tiny glass jar of honey. He did not speak, just lowered the tray beside her and sat down. His shirt sleeves were rolled to the elbow, and a faint smear of oil streaked one hand.“You made this?” she asked, tilting her head.“I reheated it,” he replied, unfazed. “did not want you skipping breakfast.”Her lips twitched at his matter-of-fact tone. They ate in a companionable silence, birds chirping in the distance, wind stirring the wildflowers along the s
Trust and Alliance
The final ritual was set against the fading glow of dusk. Lanterns flickered to life around the ancestral altar, their light softening the sharp edges of stone and wood. The family gathered in a tight circle, reverent, hushed. At the center stood Miley and Julius.In her hands, Miley held a pair of rings—simple, gold, and heavy with expectation. Her palms were slightly damp, her heart unsteady. She glanced at Julius. He stood tall beside her, still dressed in the traditional ceremonial garb, the fabric pulling taut over his broad shoulders. His face gave nothing away.“The exchange of rings,” announced her grandfather, “is the seal. Not just of love, but of trust and alliance.”Miley hesitated only a second before lifting Julius’s hand. His fingers were warm and still. She slid the ring onto his finger, her touch trembling slightly. He did not move.Then he reached for her hand, and something in his eyes flickered. Not warmth, not coldness—but something suspended in between. Slowly, d
Shifting lines
The estate lay quiet under the weight of night. Shadows stretched long across the stone pathways, and the wind rustled the trees with a whisper too soft to disturb sleep. But Miley could not sleep.She slipped out of the guest room with bare feet and a shawl draped over her shoulders, her steps light against the cool floor. The weight of the ceremony, the games, and the persistent web of lies clung to her chest, making it hard to breathe. She needed air. She needed space.Outside, the moon cast a pale glow over the estate. The silence was comforting, almost sacred. She moved along the gravel path, avoiding the creaky spots, past the old shed and into the open garden. The scent of earth and distant pine filled her lungs.Behind her, unseen but very much present, Julius followed.He had not meant to. But when he noticed her door open, the flicker of movement against the shadows, something in him stirred. So he slipped into the dark and kept his distance, following without a word. She w
