The silence between them stretched.
Trafalgar was the one who broke it.
"And how does this work?" he asked.
Selendra tilted her head slightly, crimson eyes studying him with renewed interest. There was no triumph in her expression.
"It's a skill inherent to our bloodline," she explained evenly. "One shared by all true vampires, though rarely used so… formally. A Blood Contract is created through mana and sealed with blood. Both parties define the terms. Every clause is absolute."
She folded her hands on the table as if discussing a business arrangement rather than something lethal.
"If either party violates the agreement," Selendra continued, "their heart stops. Immediately. No delay or appeal. The secret dies with them."
Trafalgar's gaze sharpened.
"So," he said slowly, "you wouldn't be able to say anything about my Status. To anyone."
Selendra nodded without hesitation. "Correct. If that is written, then even speaking a fragment of it would kill me."
