Burden of Blood

***Marcella***

I watched Kaelen angrily pace the room, his phone pressed tightly to his ear. His rapid Italian filled the air—sharp, staccato words I couldn’t understand. I didn’t need to. His clenched fists, the way his jaw worked as he ground his teeth, and the thunderous tone of his voice made it clear: whatever this conversation was about, it wasn’t good.

When the call ended, Kaelen ripped the