I watched with a mixture of concern and curiosity as Belinda convulsed on the ground, her body seemingly unable to handle the power contained within my blood. Remiel, Damon, and the rest of the pack stood back, unsure of what to do as they witnessed the blood witch's intense reaction. I didn't want her to die; after all, I needed her help to locate and rescue Christi. But I also couldn't afford to wait and see if she would recover on her own. If she died, our chances of finding Christi would diminish significantly.

Without hesitation, I knelt down next to Belinda and placed my hands on her trembling shoulders. The surge of energy I had felt before, that unparalleled power within me, began to flow once again. But this time, instead of holding back, I let it flow freely, focusing it on Belinda in an attempt to stabilize her. I channeled the essence of my blood within her, using my power to blend with hers and guide it to a state of equilibrium.

Minutes passed, and Belinda's writhing gradually subsided. Her screams softened to gasps for breath as the intense reaction subsided. The steam surrounding her dissipated, leaving her looking weak and exhausted. I withdrew my hands from her shoulders, letting her body settle as she lay on the ground, still breathing heavily.

"Is she going to be okay?" Damon asked, concern evident in his voice.

"She should be fine," I replied, though I wasn't entirely sure. "My blood is potent, and it seems like she's not accustomed to handling such power. But hopefully, she'll recover with some rest."

Belinda opened her eyes and looked up at me, her expression a mix of awe and gratitude. "You... You truly are a creature of immense power. I've never experienced anything like that before." She now looked like an 18 year old girl. Her previously unruly frazzled gray hair was now a vibrant brown and all her wrinkles were gone, replaced with youthful beauty she most likely never had when she was actually 18.

I gave her a small smile. "Believe me, I haven't met many blood witches who could handle my blood. But you seem strong, and that's why I chose you to help us."

Her eyes widened. "You chose me? Why?"

"I... I had a feeling you could handle it," I replied, keeping my real reasons hidden. I didn't want to reveal that I didn't know much about her and that I had simply taken a chance on her abilities. For all I knew my blood may have burned her magic right out of her body.

Remiel, who had been observing the situation quietly, spoke up. "I can sense the bond between you and Christi. It's incredibly strong, almost like a mother-daughter connection."

"That's because it is," I said, my voice softening. "Christi is like a daughter to me. I won't let anything happen to her."

"Then let's get moving," Damon urged. "Belinda, are you well enough to proceed?"

Belinda nodded, though she looked drained. "Yes, I will do my best." She got to her feet and finally noticed the physical changes caused by my blood. Astonished, she looked at her smooth skin on her hands and stretched to her full height for what was probably the first time in a couple decades. “How did your blood make me so much younger? Usually potent blood just slows my aging. I have never had it completely reversed before.”

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“I am at least 10,000 years old. I can only age if I purposely suppress my power completely and even then as soon as I stop suppressing it even a little my age reverts back to what it is now.” I said. “Now what do you need to perform this ritual? Her mothers body is inside if you need familial blood which is what I assume you will use?”

Nodding Belinda said “Yes familial blood and I can use another drop of your blood in the ritual to supercharge it. While my magic should be able to push through whatever blocks they have, especially with the massive boost you just gave me, having your blood in there too will make it like a battering ram that will blow through anything they have. That single drop of blood probably made me the most powerful Blood Witch on the planet.”

Deciding not to waste any more time I ran inside grabbed a vial of my Angels blood and filled a vial of mine and then ran back out handing them to Belinda. The whole process took less than 10 seconds.

Belinda, already starting to look rejuvenated with her youthful appearance, looked at me with newfound determination in her eyes. She held a vial in each hand—one containing my potent blood and the other the blood of Christi's mother, Angelina.

"Are you sure about this?" I asked, concerned about the consequences of combining our blood in the ritual.

Belinda nodded. "Yes, Lady Mara. Your blood is powerful, and I can sense its unique properties. But to locate Christi accurately, I need the connection her mother's blood provides. It will allow me to create a stronger bond between us, increasing the effectiveness of the ritual."

I trusted Belinda's expertise, so I nodded in agreement. "Alright, proceed with the ritual."

With that, Belinda began the intricate process. She chanted ancient incantations and drew mystical symbols on the floor with a mixture of our blood. As she worked her magic, the area seemed to come alive with a faint glow of crimson and gold.

I could feel the energy of the ritual building, like a surge of power rippling through the air. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. My blood had always been potent, but when combined with Angelina's, it took on a whole new level of intensity.

Belinda closed her eyes, fully immersing herself in the ritual. She channeled the essence of our blood, forging a connection that transcended time and space. I could sense the bond growing stronger, reaching out to find Christi wherever she was.

The minutes felt like hours as we waited in anticipation. The pack, Damon, and Remiel watched with curiosity and awe, knowing that something significant was happening.

Then, Belinda's eyes snapped open, glowing with a mysterious intensity. "I see her," she whispered. "I see Christi."

I felt a surge of hope within me. "Where is she?"

Belinda closed her eyes again, focusing on the vision she had glimpsed. "She's in a hidden underground facility, deep in the heart of the city. It's heavily guarded, but I can sense her presence there."

"We have to go now," I said, urgency in my voice. "Lead the way."

Belinda nodded, her youthful face determined. "I'll guide you to her location. But be prepared, Lady Mara. The facility is heavily fortified, and rescuing Christi won't be easy."

"We'll do whatever it takes," Damon said, his voice echoing the sentiment of the pack.

Remiel also stepped forward. "I will accompany you. Christi is important to Mara, and she is also important in her own right. We must ensure her safety." I was going to have to start thinking of him as Ren sooner or later but that was a problem for another time.