Annotation

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, thelikelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale mayresult in war between light and darkness. Abandoned as an infant in Prague,naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the lastVampiresleftalive.Asahuman,sheknowsnootherhomethantheonenestleddeep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells ofenchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin.CharlottehaslivedherlifeinthedarkwithherGuardian,contenttohavinghimtoherselfandrevelinginhisattention,untilshe'srealizesshewantsmore…

OfLightandDarkness:TheVampire'sDaughterDEDICATIONPrologue:ANarrativeChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenChapterSeventeenChapterEighteenChapterNineteenChapterTwentyChapterTwenty-OneChapterTwenty-Two

ChapterTwenty-ThreeChapterTwenty-FourChapterTwenty-FiveChapterTwenty-SixChapterTwenty-SevenChapterTwenty-EightChapterTwenty-NineChapterThirtyEpilogueABOUTTHEAUTHOR

OfLightandDarkness:TheVampire'sDaughter

DEDICATIONForFrantisekMach,mymuse,myinspiration,andown

personal Valek. And for my mother, who never stoppedbelievinginmagic,andneverstoppedbelievinginme.

Prologue:ANarrativeI, beingofmind,body, anddeathwas fully aware journeyingbeyond the

bordersofmyOccultcitywasstrictlyagainstTheCodeoftheCentralEuropeanMagicRegime.Imissedthehumancitybeyondallreason—misseditenougheventobreakthelaw.TherewasnostoppingmeasIflewtomyescape.

I hurtled through the window, splintered glass flying around me as Iplummetedseveralstoriestothedark,alleyfloor.IglancedaroundtomakesureI remained unseen by passing humans. Blood soakedmy chest fromwhere anefarious wizard had stabbed me with his wretched letter opener. Thoughthankfully, I felt nopain. I could hear shouting aboveme.Guardswere beingcalled.Ihadtorun.

Toofastforanyofthemtosee,Idodgedeachone,knowingIdidnothavetimetoactonanyofmyinstincts.Iheldmybreathandkeptmypaceasthefleshwound inmycenterbegan to slowlymend itself.LawOne, arguably themostimportantlawofTheMagicCode,meantanycreatureofmagicbloodcouldnotexpose what they truly were to anymortal. I was already breaking LawOnesimply by being in the capital city, not to mention the many other laws I’dalreadyviolatedthatevening.

Noneoftheguards’thoughtswereaudibletomeanymore.IglancedbackjustintimetoseetheplatoonrunoffinadifferentdirectionthroughthedimlylitalleysofOldTown.Iwastoofast—toopowerful.Vladislovknewthiswasthecase the moment I broke into his chamber, behind what he thought to beimpenetrablepalacewalls.IchuckledasIslowed,theworldbreakingintorealtimearoundme.Itseemedsomuchslower,likeitwasstandingstill,asIran.

Praguewasunseasonablywarm thatevening,bustlingwithEastGermansandnatives thrivingagainst theorganizedchaos in thestreets.Themajorityofthe German refugees packed themselves in and around the embassy walls,makingit increasinglydifficultformetoignorethearomaofsomuchfleshinoneplace.

TheGoldenCity ofmymemory, gleaming brilliantly under the sun,wasnowamereindigoshadowunderoppressiveredandyellowflags.Theparallelsbetween the mortal world and ours were uncanny. I cursed the tower of theRegimePalaceasitdippedbackbeneaththeseaofcityspiresbehindme.

PerchingonaforsakenbenchinthemiddleofHradcany,Ilistenedtoafolkbandplayanativesongundertheglowofacrookedstreetlamp.IrecognizedthesongmadefamousbyKarelKryl. Istudiedthemall. Ismelledtheirwarmth.I

heard theirhappiness. Itwasas thoughIwaswatchingaplay,as if Iwere thereality looking inon themake-believe.Theexactsameway theywouldfeel iftheyeverhappenedtolookinonme.

Passersbythrewcoins intoa tatteredhatnear theband,andIstayedthereinto theearlyhoursof themorning.Fixated.Memoriesofmyself,as Iused tobe,surfacedinmymind.

AgroupofdrunkenRussiansstumbledoutofanearbytavern,theirsoundobnoxious and intruding against the peaceful acoustic din. The youngwomensmiledflirtatiouslyatmeastheirpursuerspulledthempast,castingthreateningglares.Ichuckled.Littledidthosemenknowwhata threatIreallycouldbe.Ishiftedthechiponmyshoulderandavertedmygaze.

Peering eagerly into the hat now filled with small change, the bandcelebrated their night’s earnings and packed their instruments away into theircases.Soontheydisappearedfromthecitysquare.Iwasaloneoncemore.

Themoonwasbeginning to retreat to theunderbellyof theearth,dawn’sarmyoflightinvadingoverthehorizon.Iwouldbedyingsoon.Itwastimetoreturn to my home— my prison. I craned my head up to look at the stars,delicatelywovenbeadingthatmappedoutourfate.Fate.Thewordusedtomakesense tome. Though now, I learned to only appreciate the idea of self. I hadbecomemyown friend over the vast years that turned on a dial likeminutes.Expendable.Lifetomewasexpendable.

Walkingoutofthetownsquare,Iheardawailing.Muffledandhidden,likenosoundIhadeverbeenfamiliarwithbefore,itwasslightenoughsoeventhekeenesthumanearwouldhavemissed it.But therewerealso thoughts.Small,simplepicturesthatseemedhumancomingfromjustbehindanearbyshrub.

Inching around the corner of the boxy greenery, I expected to find somemalignant little monster waiting for me just on the other side. My handshardened into claws.My cat’s eyes shifted around in the dark. Iwas ready toattack,tofeedifIhadto.

But I found nothing likewhat I expected. I returned back frombeast themomentIsawher,atinybodywrigglinginapileofragsthatdidnothingtokeepher warm. A mortal infant. Curious, I knelt over her and saw tear dropletsquivering on her downy cheeks.Little auburnwisps from the top of her headshudderedinthebreeze.

The child stared atmewith large, glassy eyes. I looked around to see iftherewasanyonetoclaimher,perhapsfromsomehorriblemistaketheymadebyleavingher there.Alas, the streetnowwasempty,andnooneseemed tohaverememberedthelonelylittlebeing.Isighedandmygumsbegantothrobwithafamiliarpain.Igazeddownatherandcouldfeelmypupilsspread,engulfingmy

entireeyeinblack.Shesmelledsopure.Cleanandcompletelyuncontaminated,like breathing fresh air. Her blood would taste sweet, but I feverishly shookthosedemonsfrommymind.

I slidmy long, coldhandsunderneathher and liftedher out of the crudenest of covers. The child cooed at me and looked wondrously at the worldaroundus.Littlenoisescontinuedtoslipfromhermouth.Iwatchedher,rathersurprisedatmyself.Itwasimpossible—outofeverythingwhichexistedinmyhorribleworld of nightmarish things, this impossibly tiny humanwas the firstthinginahundredyearsthatscaredme.Me,themonster.Ichuckled,despitemyfear.

She peered up at my grave-marker face and continued to make slight,curiousnoisesatme,naïvetoourdeadlydifferences.Thisinnocentlittlemortalwassoweak,vulnerable,andterrifying.

“I am not going to kill you,” I convinced myself. Glancing around thesquare, a sign indicating the Charles Bridge caughtmy eye. “Charlotte.” Thenamefithersowell.Mydecisionhadbeenmade.Walkingatasteady,humanpace, all thewhile transfixed by her, I carried her away from the bushes, nottakingmyeyesoffherforasecond.I—we—madeourwaybackhome,intothedeepwoodsofBohemia.

Iwastobealonenomore.

ChapterOneTheBohemianOccult

AtwigcrackedbehindCharlotte.Shestoppedtoseewherethesoundhadcomefrom.Herpulseleaptintoherthroatashereyessiftedaroundinthedarkfor a pursuer. The Regime had increased the security around Occult bordersrecently,andbeinghumanwasneveragoodthingwhenfacedwiththemagicortheirlaws.Hergriptightenedaroundthewristoftheothermortalwomanbesideher,oneCharlottedruggedusingaborrowedWitch’sspell.

Perspiration formed around her forehead as she stayed completely still,listening foranother signofmovement.Shehadbeen socareful,waitinguntiltheLycanthropeguardingtheOccultentrancebecamedistractedbyhissupper,some passing animal. Now, it almost felt like she should feel his shiny eyestrackingherfromwithinhishidingspotinthedenseforest.Herhandquiveredasshesliditupherchest,feelingforthelittle,silverpendantthatnormallyhungthere.

Damn. Shehad forgottenherwhistle at home.Now therewas noway tocallforValekifsheneededhim.

Thewoman groaned next to Charlotte, her head lolling to one side. Nothearinganyfurthermovementwithintheforest,Charlotte tooktheopportunitytogetoutof there.She sucked inahugebreath throughhernose, straining toquiet her frenzied heartbeat. Perhaps it had been a rabbit or a deer, she toldherselfasshecontinuedwalkingagain.

CharlottecontinuedtopullValek’sstupefieddinnerthroughtheshadowedtree-tunnel leading to the hidden Bohemian Occult city. Silvery haze off theVltava River streamed down the dirt path, kicking up with every step. Thesticky,August airmadeher clothes cling toher skin and sweat beadedon thebackofherneckasshehuffedoverher fastpace through the tunnel,everysooften glancing behind her. She struggled to keep her grip on the magicallyintoxicated woman close beside her as she swifted through the darkness, herbootscrunchinginthepackeddirt.

Theocculttownwasvibrant,busywithfiddlesplayingthemselvesonstreetcorners, and enchanted paper lanterns hanging mysteriously string-less in thedeadofnight.Lycanthropeschatteredwitheachotherinalleywaysbetweenthehotelsandinns.Fairiesstalkedintheshadows,preyingonunfortunatecatsandmice.HeartyElveswithroundbelliesandrosysmilesworkedlateintothenight,

pushing theirwooden carts filledwith baked goods andmeats. Theywaved agreetingtoCharlotteasshepassed.

Charlotte had become part of the secret of these towns guarded byWitchcraft and governed byMagic; the safe havens of things that stalked theshadowsofhumannightmares.Thoughshehadneverbeentoanyof theotherOccults,sheknewsomewerethemostbeautifulempireseverbuiltonEarth,andbyfarthegreatestsecretseverkeptfromherkind.YetoutofeverylastOccultcity that stood, shewas the one and only human to live among themonsters.Charlotte,theVampire’sfoundlingdaughter.

Charlotte grimaced as she passed tall, scandalous-looking Witchesgossiping amongst themselves around the threshold of a smoky tavern on thesquare. They clutched their colorful drinks like an accessory as they lingeredclose to each other in the dense shadows.They spoke too low for her to hearunderthesoundsof thestringquartetplayingnear thebackof thebar,butshehadnodoubttheyweretalkingabouther.

One Witch in particular eyed Charlotte passing in the dank street justoutsidethetavernentrance.Thecornersofherwine-stainedlipscurledupward.

“Hellothere!”Evangelinehailedfromhercircleofchattyfriends.TheyallturnedtheirheadstosnickerandappraiseCharlotte.Sherolledher

eyes and stopped to watch the leather-clad figure snake through the tavernthresholdtomeetherinthecenteroftheroad.

“Iseemyspellworked.”Evangelineanalyzedthedruggedmortal’sglassystare.“Ittookmeagestoconjureitup,butitwastheleastIcoulddotohelpyouhunt for Valek.” She tossed her long, chestnut hair behind one shoulder,revealingacircularscar.

Charlottestaredather,stomachtwistinginanenviousfit.SherememberedwhenEvangelinereceivedthatscar,anotherparticularlywarmnightonlyafewweeksearlier.

“Yes.” Charlotte studied the catatonic woman next to her. “Your spellworkedverywell,actually. It savedmea lotof time.Thankyou,Evangeline.”Shemutteredthelastpartunderherbreath.

She could never understand why the Witch made her skin crawl. She’dalwaysbeenkindenoughtoher.CharlottechalkedituptoEvangelinebeingsosickeninglybeautiful.Charlotte’sstomachturnedagain.

“Wheredidyoufindthis…woman?”Evangelineasked,eyeingherPraguesweatshirtandtornjeans.“Shemustbeatourist.”

“Shewasaloneoutsideanightclub. It sounded likeshewasarguingwithsomeoneonhertelephone.American,Ithink.Itwasveryeasy.Iapproachedher,pretended Iwas lost…”Charlotte trailed off. “But I really have to be getting

home now. Valek is expecting me.” Yanking at Valek’s dinner to follow, shestartedwalkingagain.

Evangelinefellintostepbesidethem.“I’llgowithyou!”theWitchchirped.“It’sbeenagessinceI’veseenValek.

Heseemssobusywithpatientslately.I’dlovetocatchupwithhim.”Charlotte dropped her gaze, her hands curling into fists at her sides.

Evangeline and Valek both looked about the same age— their mid-twenties.They had known each other for years before Charlotte was brought into thepicture. She knew that. In all of those years, Valek had never tried to pursueanythingromanticwiththeWitch,yetsomethingstillburnedinsideofCharlottewhenever Evangeline wanted to see him. The feeling twisted around like atapeworminherbowels.

“Idon’t thinkhewantsanyvisitors tonight. I’llbesure tosendhimyourregards,though.”

“Oh.”Evangelinehalted.Herfacefellforamoment,butsnappedbackintoa fake, bubbly smile. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around then,Charlotte.” TheWitchturnedandbeganwalkingbacktowardthepub.

Charlotte’s conscience kicked her in the gut and the words spilled outbeforeshecouldstopthem.“Butmaybeyoucanstopbytomorrownight.Idon’tthinkValekhasanyappointmentsscheduled.”Thetruthwas,Valekhadnothadany appointments in a long while, since Evangeline had been attacked by theLycan-guard.ThatwasthefirstnightCharlotterealizedhowserioustheRegimehadgottenabout their laws.She remembered thedeepgash inher shoulderasshescreamedandretchedonthegurneyasValeksewedherupagain.

Evangeline spunaround,her eyesbright. “Perfect! Iwill be therewhen Igetoffwork,aroundmidnight.”

“Fine.Ishouldbeouthunting,butValekwillbehome.”Charlotteforcedasmile.Shedughernailsintotheothermortal’sarmastheybeganwalkingagain.Shesworeunderherbreath.

Charlottemadeherwaydownthesmall, stonyfootpath thatbranchedoutfrom the end of the square and led in the direction of home. Partially tuckedawaybehind tallevergreens, thehouseused tobeanold,abandonedcathedralValekconvertedintohisresidencebackwhentheOcculthadfirstbeencreated,yearsago.ItsstonyfacademadeitlooklikeaminiaturecastlesittingagainstthedreamybackdropoftheBohemianforests.Allofthelightswerestilloninside,castinganinvitingglowfromthewindowsasCharlottetrudgedupthecrookedporchsteps,draggingValek’smortalmealalong.

ItwastheonlyhomeCharlottehadeverknown,andhewastheonlyfamilysheeverhad.Shealwaysdidwhateverheaskedofher,evenifthatmeantluring

herownkindtotheirfatesoValekcouldsurvive.Itwastheonlywayforhimtofeed due to the tyrannical laws of theCentralEuropeanMagicRegime.Lawsthat forced all beings ofmagic blood to staywithin the confines of the smallOccult towns, so no mortal would become aware of the existence of magic.Valekcouldonlyfeedifamortalhappenedtostumbleuponthebordersof thesecretvillage,orifCharlotteluredonein.

Charlotte parked the bewitched woman next to her on the stair. Sheshruggedoutofheroversizedpeacoatandhungitontheoakcoat-standwiththedozensofhorridfacescarvedintoitstrunk.

Valekboundedoutfromthelibrary.“Lottie!” He greeted her with a large, toothy grin and lifted her in an

enormoushug that swungheraroundoff the floor. “Iwasbeginning toworry,my Lottie. You did not take your whistle.” He pulled it from his pocket anddangleditontheendofalong,silverchaininfrontofher.

Thewhistlewastheironlymeansofcommunicationwhentheywereapart.Valek’sacuteearscouldcatchitssoundfrommilesaway.Hehaditmadeofpuresilver,sonothingsinistercouldsnatchitfromherifsheeverfoundherselfinanykindoftroublewithouthim.

“Sorry. I was in a hurry this evening. I suppose I forgot it.” Charlottegrabbed the ornatewhistle and strung it back around her neck. She smiled athim,meltingtheworriedcreasesinhisforehead.

Valek examined the otherwoman standing emotionless by the front doorandburstintolaughter.“Whodowehavehere?”

Charlotteglancedbackandhadtolaugh,too.Thewomanmighthavebeenconsideredappetizingwhenshe’dfoundheratthestartofthenight,butnowshelookedlikeshewasemergingfromacoma.

“I foundheroutsideof a tavern inPrague.”Shechuckled. “She’s amessnow.”

Valek’sbrowcreasedwithworryagain.“YouwentallthewaytoPrague?”Histoneturnedparental.“Charlotte,youareneversupposedtotravelthatfarforme.Youknowitisverydangerous.”

Charlottewinced. “Yes.ButEvangeline gaveme a few spells she’d beenworkingon.Onefortransportation,theotherforhalf-life.”

“Isee.”Valek'sexpressioneasedbackagain.“PleasesendEvangelinemythanksthen.Iamhappysheislookingoutforyou.”HekissedCharlotteontheforeheadandbeganleadingthewomanbythehandintohisoffice.

TherewereonlytwoinstanceswhenshewasnotallowedtobeinthesameroomwithValek—whenhefed,andatsunrise.Hehadestablishedthoserulesas soon as she was old enough to understand them. An Elf had been her

caretakerduringthosetimes,butnowshewasoldenoughtokeepawayonherown.

Charlottewasabouttodisappearfortheevening,toimmerseherselfinyetanotherbook,whensomethingkickedathermemory.Shecalledout,stoppinghim.“Oh!Ihopeyoudon’tmind.Evangelinementionedstoppingbytomorrownight.”

“Yes.Ofcourse,”Valeksaid.“Iseverythingallright?”“I thinkshe justwants tovisityou.”Charlottesmiled, inspiteof thesick

feelingforminginhergutagain.Valek chuckled,whichmade her frown. She imagined he understood the

way she felt about Evangeline better than even she did. The psyche of anadolescentgirlwasprobablynotadifficultthingforaworldlyVampirelikehimtofigureout.

“Are you okay with it?” He shifted an eyebrow, another bright smileplayingonhishandsomeface.

“Yes.”Shehated thefactValekcouldhearher thoughts. Inmostwayshewaslikeafather,butinothermoreannoyingways,hewasmuchlikeanolderbrother.Charlottegrumbledanddisappearedoverthelibrarythreshold.

ThelibrarywasCharlotte’sfavoritepartofthehouse,theroomwhereshespent themost time growing up. It waswhere she did all of her schoolwork,wheresheandValekputtheChristmastreeinthewinter.Sometimes,onnightswhenshefinishedhuntingforValekearly,shewentintheretosketchelaborateworksintoalarge,leatherjournal.

Findingshedidnothaveanear formusicandwas tooclumsyfordance,drawinghadbecomehermostfavoriteformofself-expression.

Often, she’d emerge from the library in the mornings, hands and armscoveredingraphite.Hermagicalworldhadbecomeonegiantmuse.Butwhenshe did not feel inspired to sketch, she found herself studying, taking it uponherselftolearnaboutthedarkfacetsofValek’slifeandvampirism.Thissortofstudying,ofcourse,beingoutsideofhernightlycurriculumValekpreferred—normal things like literature and arithmetic.Charlotte knewValek hatedwhenshebecamesoengrossedinthesebooks,butitfascinatedhertonoend.

Charlotte flickeda switch that illuminateda small, spidery lantern,whichhungfromthecenteroftheceiling.Shewascomfortedbyitsfaintglow,thewayit warmed the familiar, forest-colored walls behind large, dusty oak shelves.Breathing in thewelcomingscentofpipesmokeandpineneedles,sheenteredfurtherintotheroomtoscantheshelvesforherfavoritebook:TheAnatomyofVampires:VolumeOne.Thedamagedspinepokedoutatherfromtheverytopledge, as it always did. Stretching upward on her toes, she took the tattered

volume.Thepagesshiftedbetweenthecovers,loosebecauseshehadstudieditsomanytimes.Sheopenedittothepageshehadlastdog-eared—aparticularunit discussing feeding habits. This page focused on complications of onlyfeedingonanimals,somethingsheoftenwonderedabout.

She hadn’t always known she was different from him.When she was achild,aroundthreeorfour,shewouldgoaroundbitingValek’spatients,tryingsodesperately to be like him. Most of them only laughed at her. They lovedCharlotte.As faras theywereconcerned, shewasoneof them.But therewasoneday,sherecalled,justbeforeherfifthbirthday,whenshemadewhatstartedoutasaninnocentmistake.

A Fairy had come in to Valek's office suffering a raging headache. Itsurprised her as a young child to find Fairies were not the much lovedstereotypical little girlswithwings andpointy ears thatmortals revered inherchildhood fairytale books. In truth, humans would not have expected thebloodthirsty monsters with large insect wings, jagged incisors, and slanted,electriceyes.TheywereandrogynousandmorebloodthirstythanValekhadeverbeen,eveninhislowestmoment.

TheyoungCharlotte,rearingherself,letoutatinyroarandbittheFairyonitsclawafterithadstalkedintoValek’soffice.Thethingspunsharplyonher,itsjaggedteethbared.Ahorriblebellowrippedfromthebackofitsthroat,sludgespewingfromitsgums.Charlottescreamedandcriedinfright,scurryingawayasitchasedafterher.

TheFairy’s jawssnappedshutandopenedagainas itpursuedheraroundValek’soffice.Piecesofequipmentweretrashed,importantdocumentsflewallovertheroom,andchunksofcountertopsandwallswereinsplinters—smashedby theFae trying to get toCharlotte.Black saliva dripped from its teeth as itfinally cornered Charlotte in a space between two, thick bookshelves. Itssnappingjawsonlyinchesfromherface.

Valekappeared.Grippingitscraniumwithhislargehands,hesnappedthecreature’sneckinhalfwithacrunch.

The Fae fell to the floor, its wings thrashing in its final death throes. Itbecamedrenchedinitsownblue-blackblood,whichoozedfromitsmouthandsoakedthebottomofCharlotte’sshiny,blackMaryJanes.

She stood there screaming, watching the monster die. Valek quicklygrabbedherintohisarmsandranheruptohisbedroom,allthewhileshieldingherfromthesmellnowpermeatinghisoffice.Ithadbeentheonly timeinherlifeshehadeverbeenwelcomedintohisroom.

ValeksatCharlotteontheedgeofhisbed,hertinylegsdanglingover.Hekneltinfrontofherandwipedthetearsawayfromherface.Sheonlystaredat

him,crying,andscreamingasloudasherlittlelungspossiblycould.Hewipedthestuffawayfromhernosewithoneofhispuffysleevesandhushedhergently.

“Hush,Lottie.Don’tcry,”hewhispered.Shesniffled,butthetearscontinuedtofall.Hesetheronhislap;theruffles

ofher little, reddressuppedaroundherknees.Hebrushed thehairoutofherface and flashed the largest smile he could conjure.However, the sight of hisfangsdidlittletocalmher.

“Lottie.LittleLottie.”Hehummedgently.Charlottewaseasedthenbyhisvelvetvoiceandquieted.“Yousee?Youareallright.Itwasjustabigbug.Isquasheditforyou.”He

managedtosmileslightlylesshorrifyinglythattime.“S-squashedit?”Sherubbedathereyes.Hetookhersmallhandsinhisand

balancedheronhisknees.“Yes.Isquashedit,”hesaidvaliantly.Sheletoutatinysmile.“That’sit.Everythingisokaynow.”Charlottenoddedathim.Hekissedher foreheadandexplainedshe really

was very different from him and everyone else who lived in the Occult. Heexplained furtherhowshewas specialbecause shewasdifferent and thatwasexactlywhyhe lovedhersoverymuch.Thatwas thefirst timeCharlotteeverfullyunderstood.

Sheblinkedbackthememoryandrubbedathereyesastheygrewheavy.Shedecidedshewouldjustgotosleepearlyinsteadofstayingupintotheweehoursofthemorning.Valekhadpreoccupiedhimselffortheeveninganyway.Ithad been a while since she had been awake during the day, and she decidedtomorrowshewouldescapeforafewhoursinthesunlight.

ShetookonelastglanceatthefollowingchapterinthevolumeentitledTheDaily Death of a Vampire and put the book away on the very top shelf. Shedidn’twantValektofindoutshehadbeenstudyingitagain.Though,asshedidso, she recalled the unnerving information the previous chapter of the bookwithheld.

Everymorningatsunrise,Valek’sbodystoppedworking.Hiseyessunkendeep into their sockets, his breathing growing more and more staggered, hisjointspoppingandwhiningashislastbreathsrattledfromhim.Thedeathofanytype of personwas not something pleasant towatch, but the daily death of aVampirebeatoutmost.HeneverwantedCharlottetoseehimlikethat.Normallyshelockedherselfinherownbedroom,shutallthecurtains,andtriedtomuffleout the sound of Valek’s moaning with her pillows until she eventually fellasleep.

“Lottie.”Valek’s musical voice stopped her halfway up the staircase. She looked

down to seehimquicklywipe somethingaway fromonecornerofhismouth.Charlotte appreciated Valek always being careful to never expose her to hisfeedinghabits,thoughseeingbloodbarelybotheredheranymore.

“Goingtosleepearlytonight?”Sheshuddered,tryingtodispelthedeathlyimagesofhis“sleep”fromthe

book.“Yes.IthinkImightgoforahiketomorrow…whilethesunisout.”Hesmileduncomfortably.“Yes,well…sayhellotoitforme.”Charlotteunderstoodhisunbridledfascinationwiththesunlight—likean

unrequitedromance.When Valek turned to retreat to his office, she began once more up the

stairs.“Lottie?”Hestoppedheragain.Sheturnedbackagaintoseehehadreturnedtothesamespot,asifhehad

nevermoved.“Becarefultomorrow,please.”“I’malwayscareful.”“Istilldonotlikethefactthatyouhadtogoallthewayintothecityforme

tonight.”Hesighedandpushedbackanunrulylockofdark,brownhairwhichhadfallenintohissevereface,theresttiedneatlybackwithablackribbon.

Charlottewaitedforhimtocontinue.“I know it must disturb you on some level to have to hunt for me. I

simply…donotknowhowelsetohandleouruniquesituation.”Charlotte’s mouth fell open, but nothing came out. Valek had never

addressedhisfeelingsaboutthisbefore.Herarelyrevealedhispersonalfeelingsatall.Shedescendedafewstepstostandeye-to-eyewithhim.

“It'sokay.Idon'tmindit,really.Imuchpreferthingsthiswaythanwhatthealternativewouldbe.”Shesmiled.

“It is not a joke to me, Lottie,” he said seriously. “If anything is everbotheringyouormakesyouuncomfortable, Iexpectyou tocome tomeaboutit.”

“OfcourseIwill.WhoelsewouldIgoto?”He squeezed the bottom of her chin affectionately. They regarded each

other for the last time that evening and retreated to their own corners of thehouse.

Charlottethoughtaboutherfive-year-oldselfagainsttheFairyagainasshecrawled into her bed and pulled the covers around her shoulders. She smiledwhen she thought ofValek’s horrifying grin that day, but thememory of how

he’dbouncedheronhisknee,likeadaughter,stunginsatiably.TheFairy’slongjaggedteethweremuchscarierthanValek’sfangs.

She gripped the covers tighter around her neck and closed her eyes. Theimage of Valek wiping the blood away from his mouth flashed in her mind.Blood, from a human just like her. Frowning, she turned over and thought ofEvangeline again. Charlotte noticed Valek’s eyes brighten when she told himabouttheWitch’splanstostopbytomorrow.Herheartsankalittledeeperinherchestandsheflippedoveragain,staringattheceiling.

Charlotte recalledValek’s smile afterEvangelinehuggedhimas a “thankyou” for fixing her. If he’d been physically able to blush, he probablywouldhave.FleshwoundsnevertookValekverylongtosewup,buthegavesomuchattentiontoEvangeline’sthatnight,takingalongeramountoftimetoensurethatthe gash would scar as little as possible. Nothing would ruin Evangeline’sperfection.

TheWitchwasbeautiful,withthebrightesteyesthatalwaysseemedtopopagainst her tanned skin and dark hair —Moravian. Nothing like Charlotte’sspiraled, red curls and pallid skin. Evangeline was tall, like the modelsadvertisedonthesidesofthebuildingwallsinPrague.Ifshewerehuman,she’dprobablybeplasteredtherewiththerestofthem.

ToCharlotte’s surprise, she felt her eyeswell upwith stinging tears. Shesqueezedthebottomofherownchin,replayinginhermindValek’sactionfromjust a fewmoments ago—howparental it felt.Valekwouldnever seeher asanythingother thana child.Shecouldn’t rememberwhat thecatalystwas thatcausedherfeelingsforhimtochange,butCharlotteneededtolivewiththefact,ashisadopteddaughter,shecouldneverbeanythingelsetohim

AsingletearrolleddownthesideofCharlotte’sface.Sheneededtoguardthese embarrassing,miserable thoughts fromhimat all costs.Hewouldneverunderstandthewayshefelt.

Sheturnedonhersideagain,andletherselfdrifttosleep.

ChapterTwoStripped

Charlotte’s torturous thoughts from last night resurfaced in her mind theinstant she opened her eyes the next morning. But she couldn’t think of himanymore.Itwasdaytime.Hewasresting.Andshewasleaving.

Thedaywasmuchcoolerthanthenightbefore,theaircrisp,smellinglikeburntcinnamonandbakedredapplesasitdriftedthroughCharlotte'swindow.Itwashermostfavoritetimeofyear,andthatwaswhatshewoulddecidedlyfocusontoday.

Shegot dressed in a hurry and skipped to her vanity, carefully running abeaded comb through her tousled, dark red curls.Why couldn’t she have hairthatwasfineandstraight,likeEvangeline’s?Men’seyesalwayslingeredwhenEvangelineranherslenderfingersthroughit.

Shegraspedhercanvassatchel,swungitoverhershoulder,andskippedtothesecondstorylandingofthestaircase,butValek'sboltedbedroomcaughtthecornerofhereye. Itsornatelygothicdoorswereshut tight, lettingnopinchoflight enter between the thin crevices as it stared back at her down the longhallway.Shefrownedat it, feelingbadlyhehad tobe trapped thereduring thebeautiful,warmdaylight.Shepushedonecurlbehindherearbeforeshestartedagaindownstairs.

Quickly,shegrabbedaloafofsourdoughandjamfromtheicechestinthedark,emptykitchen,beforerushingthroughthefoyertothefrontdoor.

Onceoutside,Charlottesuckedinthecleanairandletthesunheatherskin.ValekhadwarnedheraboutherlackofvitaminDsinceshewaskeptpalebyhernocturnal life.He demanded she at least go outweekly during the daytime tostayhealthy.Itworriedhim,though,thatshewouldbeoutonherown,beyondthereachofhisprotection.

ThestreetsoftheBohemianOccultwereabandonedofallbuttheElvesanda few non-nocturnal Phasers, creatures who looked human but were able toshape-shift.CharlottehadgrownupplayingwithalotoftheElvenchildren,astheywerecloser tohumanthantheothers.Theyatenormalfood, thoughmostwere vegetarian, and they were mortal, except they aged much slower thanhumanbeings.

Neartheendofthetownsquare,nexttoanElvenchurch,acrossfromthepubtheWitcheslikedtofrequent,therewasBrouckaGeneralStore.Itwasthe

shopshewenttoeverytimeshewasoutforthedaybecauseitsoldeverythingfrom fresh meats and fruits, to specialty potions and knickknacks laced withpsychicenergy—thingsshemightneedforanightofhunting.

“Edwin?”Charlottecalledtoherfavoriteclerk,pushingthroughthenoisycurtain of stones that rained down from the front doors. Enchanted, red claybirdstwitteredaroundCharlotte'sheadasawelcomebeforedisappearingtothewoodenraftersoftheshopceiling.

“Hellothere,Charlotte!”Asmalldemonpokedhisheadoutfrombehindatall oak shelf of crystal potion bottles. “I’ll bewith you in fiveminutes.”Hewentbackwithhisragtofinishpolishing.ThepurplestainedglassofthebottlehedusteddistortedhisburlapfaceintoafunnyjugshapethatforcedCharlottetosmile.Edwinwasthestrangestcreatureshehadcomeacrossinherlifetimesofar—somethinglikealivingscarecrow,withpotato-sackskinandbuttoneyes.

“Noproblem.I’mjustgoingtobrowse.”Charlottepeeredintothecasesofrotatingquartzpyramidsandevil eyes thatblinkedbackather.On topofonecountersatlightninginabottle,jumpingaroundonthewoodensurface.

“Uh…Edwin?” she called nervously as she watched the lightning bottleskitterclosertothecounter’sedge.

Thebottleleaptover,andwascaughtatoncebytwosmallstitchedhands.“Gotit!”EdwinsmiledatCharlottethroughthickbottle-capspectacles.“I

don't knowwhy the boss evenwants this on display. I don't see how anyonewouldwanttobuyit.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “It's…interesting.” She was only recentlyacquaintedwithEdwinwhen he beganworking there, but they’d become fastfriends.

“WhatcanIdoforyoutoday?”“Iamgoingoutfortheday.Haveanythingfresh?”Shegrinned.Edwin placed both hands atop the counter and leaned in close to her,

whispering,“You'releavingtheOccultcityagain,Charlotte?”Shenodded.“Thatisabadidea.Averybadidea.”Hestartedtosputter.“Bad,bad,bad.”

Hisfiststwistedinthematerialofhiscoat,ahabitwhenEdwinsenseddanger.ButCharlotte didn’t like to let Edwin’s little episodes bother her. They rarelycametofruition.Sheonlyrolledhereyesathim.

“No…no,Idon'tthinkyoushould.Idefinitelyd-don't….”Thelightningbottleleaptoffthecountertopagain,butthistimeEdwinwas

too distracted to catch it. The glass shattered on the ground. The electricityzapped,breakingtheotherglassbottles,tearingchunksofwoodfromthewalls.Owls and bats screeched in their cages, and Charlotte and Edwin were

completelyknockedofftheirfeet.She slowly lifted herself up and dusted off, looking around to see the

spotlessstorewasnowinutterchaos.Afewoftheblackratshadevenescapedandwerescurryingforahidingspot.

Edwin gripped the edge of the countertop and pulled himself up aswell.Charlotte laughedwhen he coughed out a puff of smoke, beams of electricityzappingofftheendsofhisspiky,blackhair.

“Nooffense,butleavingtheOccultseemsalotsaferthanstayinghere,”shesaidsmugly,andputoutasmallflameflickeringatthepointofonehairspike.

“Ireallydoubtit,Charlotte.It’sonethingtoleaveatnightwhentheydon'tkeepwatchasmuch….”Edwinwipedthesootfromthematerialofhisface.

“Edwin, I'llbe fine. Ido it everynightwhen I’mhunting forValek.Andanyway, it’sbecause I amhuman their stupidmagical lawsdon’tapply tome.Remember?”

“That justmakes it all themored-dangerous.Theywill findoutyou livehere.Youarenotonlyputtingyourselfindanger,butValek,too.Canyounotseethat?”

“Who’s going to catch me, Edwin? I'm telling you, it’s fine. And I’mgoing.” Charlotte walked to the large barrels of produce and sifted throughapples. “I’ve gotten away with living here my whole life. I don’t see howanythinghaschanged.”

Edwin hobbled behind her,wringing his hands nervously in thewashrag.“N-no.I–Ir-reallythinkt-thatyoushouldj-juststay—”

Charlotte placed a hand on his shoulder. “What do I owe you for theapple?”

Edwinmumbledsomethingundecipherableandwavedhishandatherasiftosaysheowedhimnothing.Shesmiledaffectionately,placedtwohellersinhishand,kissedhischeek,andlefthisshop.

ShemadeherwayintothesuburbandistrictofthevillagewheregroupsofElven childrenwere on theirway to school. She recognized a few of her oldfriendsandwaved,instantlymissingthetimeswhentheyusedtoplaytogether.Shehadn’tthetimetobearoundthemforawhilenowwithherresponsibilitiesofhuntingforValek.Shesighed.

OneoftheElvenboyscalledoutfromasmallgroup.“Charlotte!”AidenPrice, awoodlandElfwith feathered, auburnhair andbrightgreen

eyes.She’dkepther schoolgirl crushbetweenherselfandher sketchbooksince

shewasthirteen;thesightofhimstillmadeherheartbeatalittlequicker.“Hi,Aiden!”

Herantoher,liftingherafewfeetoffthegroundinanenormoushug.Hehadbeenherverybestfrienduntilshestoppedcomingoutinthedaylight.

“How’sMomdoing?”Charlotteasked.Shealwaysadored,Meredith,whohad been her caretaker when she was too little to care for herself, and whenValekwasn’tavailable.

“She’sgreat!AndValek?”heasked,adjustingthebooksinhisarms.“He’sdoingreallywell.Busytoo,though.”Shesmiled.Shehated theawkwardpause that settledover them.Theirhoursofdeep

conversationaboutmutualhadbeenreducedtomeaninglesssmalltalk.Charlotte blushed, not knowingwhat else to say. One of the other Elves

calledAiden’sname.Sheexhaled,relieved,andalsoalittlesad.“Well,Ibetterbegettingtoschool.You’resoluckyyouhadValekgrowing

up.”Helaughed.“Noteachers.”“Right!Valekisjustasstrictasanyteacherofyours!Trustme.”Sherolled

hereyes.WhenAidenchuckledandtuckedastraycurlbehindoneofherears,sheblushedanevendeepershade.

The otherElvenboyswaiting forAiden had alreadybegun to start againwithouthim.Noticingthis,hesaid,“Well,itwasniceseeingyou,finally.”

“Youtoo,Aiden!”“Letmeknow thenext timeyoudecide tobenormal.Maybewecanget

togetheror something,”heofferedashe started towalkbackward tocatchupwithhisgroup.

“Sure!You got it.” She bit her lower lip andmade herway in the otherdirection.

The canopied pathway extending past theElven houses remained dark inspite of the bright day. Charlotte lifted her gaze to see the dense covering ofmangled vines and branches that blocked out the sunlight almost completely.Thetunnelwassovoidoflightandlife,thesoundofbirdssingingwasn’tevenpresentlikeitwouldbeinanormalforest.

Traveling thispathwayduring thedarkhours forValekwasmuchscarier.Atnight, itwas impossible tosee through theblacknessbetween the treesandbushes.IfCharlottereallywerebeingfollowedlastnight,she’dneverknowuntilwhomeveritwascaughtupwithher.Sheshivered.

TheroadsleadingbeyondtheOccultwerecompletelyabandoned.Noneofthe creatures ever dared to cross the borders anymore,whichmade her feel alittledangerous.TheinhabitantsweretooafraideventotraveltotheothersecretcitiessincethewizardVladislovhadtakenpowerandsmotheredhispeoplewithlaws.ButCharlotte had done this a thousand times before, and no oldwizardwas going to stop her now. Technically, she wasn’t among the magical, so

technicallyshedidn’thavetoabidebymagicallaw.Atleast,thatwasherlogic.Shecasuallycrossedundertheoldirongatethatdisguisedtheouteredges

oftheOccultcitytolooklikeacemetery.Thatwasthefaçadeanyway,withtheseemingly ancient, unmarked tombstones plotted over the overgrown, grassyfield.Even ifanormalhumanbeingdid stumbleupon thisgate, itwasa longwaypastthetombsandmausoleums,throughtheforested,canopiedpathtohervillage. Theminute another human crossed theOccult borderwas theminutetheywereValek’ssupper,thoughitwasrare.

Charlotte adjusted the strapof the satchel slungoverher shoulder, as shewalkeddownthedirtroad,passingfieldsofwildflowersandcrops.

Theglorioussunbeatdownonthegreennessofthegrass,causingherentireworld toexplodewithcolors thatcontrastedwithhernormalnighthabits.Hereyesstung,butsherealizedhowmuchshemissedit.Therewereafewfarmersharvestinginoneofthefieldsandtheynoddedatherasshepassed.Shesmiledback politely, but dared not utter a singleword. Itwas always best for her toremainasinvisibleaspossible.

Sheoftenthoughtaboutwhatitwouldbeliketobenormal,likethem—togotoschoolwithkidsherage,tohaveparents.Buteverytimeshethoughtaboutthis,shethoughtaboutalifewithoutValek,andinstantlyremembereditwasn’tworthit.

Lookingup,Charlotteletthewarmthofthedaysoakherface.Ithadbeensuch a long time since she felt naturalwarmth onher skin.Herworld alwaysseemedtobecoolandquiet.Shedidn’tcomplain,butachangewasniceeverynowandagain.

A little ways down the road, a small car slowly puttered past her as thepeopleinsidesmiledatthedayoutside.Afamilyouting.CharlottelookeddownatthedirtasshewalkedandthoughtofValekagain.

Finally,shereachedthefamiliarspotwheretheroadrambledallthewaytoPrague and a rickety, old, wooden sign pointed solemnly toward a clump oftrees. The beginning of a dense forest that was home to the quietest, mostpeacefulplaceCharlottecouldthinkof.Shepeeredaround,makingsureshehadnofollowers,anddisappearedintothethickbladesofgrassthatgrewallthewayto the top of her head. Swimming through a sea of overwhelming green, shecameoutontheothersideintotheclearing,wherethetallbladesendedandtheevergreenforestbegan.

She’dmade this trekperiodicallysinceshewasaroundtenorso,andsheknewexactlywhich treesmarked the trail.The first time shehaddone it, shetiedlittlepiecesofredribbononbranchestofindherwayback.Therewerestilla fewpieceshanging raggedamong thewinding twigs, claiming this trailwas

stillhers.She grabbed onto the low-growing branches to steady herself over the

bouldersandsurprisingdipsintheearth.Itwasn’tsomuchaclearpath,asitwasawindingmazeoftwigsandleavesshecarefullyhadtopushherwaythrough.Buttherewasnothreatoffalling—sheknewthisforesttoowell.Sheeyedthebreakintheovergrowthafewfeetahead.

Onceshefinallyreachedherfavoriteclearing,byawaterfallshe’dlovinglyadoptedasherownpersonalhideaway,shesatdownon the large, flatboulderfacethatloomedlikeashelfoverthepondsurface.Shetookoffhershoesandcarefullyslippedherfeetinthecoolwater.Reachingdeepintohersatchel,shepulled out the shiny, red apple and bit into its ruby skin. The juices explodedoverherlipsanddrippedinrivuletsdownherchin.

Theforestwasasymphonythatday.Thebreezethroughthenooksofrockfaces and tree branches were the woodwinds, the birdsong high above in thecanopy, the strings, and the water plummeting into the pond, the percussion.Charlottelistenedcontentlyasshetookanotherbiteofherappleandswungherfeetaround,causingripplesinthewater’ssurface.

Muggywarmth entrapped under the forest canopymade her eyes heavy.Shelookedatherwatch.Itwasonlytwoo’clock.Thishappenedeverytimeshedecidedtostayawakefortheday.Butshefoughtfallingasleephere,whereshecould be caught by somewondering human or roguemonster. As she leanedback against a thick tree trunk, the heat and the lullaby of the woods madenappingseemmoreandmoreappealing.Anenormousyawnunleasheditselfasshestretchedherarmswide.Shecouldn’thelpit;hereyesbegantoclose.

A low, booming noise sounded. Charlotte opened her eyes to find hergolden sun gone, replaced by big, ominous storm clouds. So much for herafternoonbythepond.Shenormallywentswimming,anddrewpicturesofthebirdsandotherdayanimalstotakehomeandshowValek.However,ifsheweresmart,shewouldbeginherjourneyhome.

Asifoncue,oneraindropsplatteredontherockfacebesideher.Andthenanother.Theskyopenedup.Raincascadeddownontheclearing,pouringnewlifeontheentireforest.Sheliftedherfacetowardit,thecoolwaterslidingdownhereyelids. It smelled likeozone. It soaked throughher shirt, straightened thecurlsinherhair,andkissedherlips,stillstickywithapplejuice.

She recalled one night when she was little and frightened by athunderstorm.Valek lit the fireplace and set her onhis lap to comfort her.Hetoldhereverytimeitrained,somethingamazingwasgoingtohappen.Thenextday,whenCharlottecouldn’tsleep,shepeeredoutherbedroomwindowandsawakindofmagicshewasnotusedto—herfirstrainbow.

Charlotte decided it didn’tmatter if shewent home then or not. Shewasalready soaked.Whatwas thepoint?Lookingaroundonce tobe sure shewasstill alone, she peeled the shirt away fromher body and jumped into the coolwater,sinkingtothepebblesatthebottom.Herbodyrosetothesurface,andshefloatedlikethatforalongwhile,thecoldraincontinuingtopourdownoverher.Shetookinadeepbreath,letitout,thoughtofnothingandnoone,andsmiled.Forthefirsttimeinalongtime,shefeltcompletelycareless.Thatwas…untilheshowedup.

“Charlotte?”Thefamiliarvoicecalledhernamefromtherockface.“Haha!Whatareyoudoing?”

Aiden. Her eyelids flew open. She screeched and dove under the water,scramblingtocoverherupperhalf.Charlotteglaredathimoverthepondsurfaceashecontinuedtolaugh,stoppingtoleerathersomemore.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?Ithoughtyouweresupposedtobeinschool!”“It’sthreeo’clockintheafternoon.Youshouldseeyourface!Whatwould

Valekthinkifheknewyouwereouthereshowingyourselfofftotheworld?”Hebentinhalf.

Shemusteredagrowlandsmackedherhanddownonthepondsurface.Heflinchedawayfromthesplash.

“Gohome!”sheyelled,hereyeswatering.Hislaughtersubsided.“Listen,I’msorry.Allright?”heoffered,holdingout

herwetcottonblouse.Theshirtwouldn’tdomuchtocoverhernowthatitwasdrenched,butshe

grabbedforit,anyway.Hisautumnhairfellintohissmugface.“Turnaround!”shedemanded.Hesmiled,falselyapologetic,andheldbothhandsintheairinsurrenderas

heturnedaway.Charlottemadeincoherentsoundsoffrustrationasshestruggledtopullherselfoutofthewaterandgethershirtbackon.Sheglaredathimwithherarmsfoldedoverherchest.

“Whydidyoucomehere?”Aidenturnedtoheragain.“Iknewyou’dbehere.”Heglancedattheclouds

thatwerenowdissipating,allowingthesuntoshinethroughagain.She lookedback to theground, faceburning.“Ishouldbegettinghome,”

she said finally,grabbing forher satchel.Shecouldonly imagine the thoughtsrunningthroughAiden’shead.Thiswasdefinitelyoneofthosemomentsinlifewhenshewishedshehadfangs.

“Comeon,Charlotte,”hebegged.“Ididn’tmeantoembarrassyou.”Charlotte couldn’t stand the chagrin that singed her cheeks. She trekked

backthroughthewoods,butherantocatchup.Hebeganwalkingintimewithher,theirfeetcrunchingtheleaves.Theymovedgracefullyovereveryknollandboulder.

“Whydoyouhave to leave?”Aidenwrinkledhisforehead.“Valek isstillde—Imeanresting,isn’the?”

Even though theybothknewValekalwayswokeagain in theevenings, itwasstilldifficult forCharlotte to imagineValekwas indeedphysicallydeadatthatmoment.

“Yes,heis.ButIhavesomeworkIneedtofinishbeforehewakesup,”shelied.

“Fine.”Hesighedandstartedtomovealittlefaster,stormingaheadofher.Charlotte frowned as her conscience began kicking her. She stopped and

sighed, folding her arms across her chest again. She called after him. “Butmaybewecouldhangoutsomeother time.Youknow,whenyoucan’tseemychestthroughmyclothes?”

He stopped, a crooked smile spreading across his face. So smug, andsomehow,charming.“Soundslikeaplan.”Hechuckled.“CanIatleastgiveyouarideyouhome,then?”

“Idon’tknow—”“I promise itwill be faster thanwalking.”He gestured to a large, brown

maregrazingjustoutsidewherethedensethicketoftreesended.BeforeCharlotte had the chance to refuse,Aidenwas tugging her by the

hand toward thehorse.Hemounted easily, heldout his strong forearm toher,offeringtopullherup.Shelookedathimandthenatthehorseuneasily.

“Ipromiseshe’ssafe.”Hesmiledandpattedthehorse’srumpbehindhim.“Don'tlook.Turnaround!”Charlottedemanded.Aidenrolledhiseyesandturnedhisface,hishandstillextendedtoher.She

reluctantlytookit,andheyankedherupbehindhiminone,easymotion.“Hold on tight.” He grabbed at the reins, and the horse began trotting.

Charlotte lurched forward, unsteady, and wrapped her arms around Aiden’swaist.“Areyouallrightbackthere?”

“Shutup.”He dug the back of his boots in to the horse’s rear, and they picked up

speed. It seemed to fly more swiftly than any other horse possibly could,burstingontothecountryroadlikeabullet.

Wind rushed through Charlotte’s hair, whipping her curls dry, tanglingthem. Getting those knots to come out was not something she was lookingforwardtodoinglater.

Aiden’sstomachmusclestensedbeneathherfingersasheleanedforward,

makingthehorsemoveimpossiblyfasterbeneath them.Hooveskickedupdirtasthesunandwinddriedtheirclothes.Theyracedpastthefarmer’sfieldsandthe hills with thewildflowers. The speed, pairedwith the heat of thewaningsummerwaslikeadrug,andCharlotteburstoutlaughing.

“Whatisit?”Aidencalledouttoher.“Ijustcan’tbelieveyoufoundmethatway!”Whentheyreachedthelargeirongatewhichmarkedtheentranceintothe

BohemianOccult, the horse slowed to a trot.The sunhaddisappearedbehindclumpsofgraycloudsgatheringagain,creatingagloomyveilaroundthefalsegraveyard. Charlotte stayed with her arms wrapped tightly around Aiden, herskinprickling.

“You really shouldn’t sneak out anymore. Edwin told me the Regime iskeepingaclosereyeontheborders,”Charlottewarned.

Aiden chuckled. “You’re breaking a more important law by living here.Don’tyouthink?”

He was right. No human was ever supposed to know about the hiddencities.Itwasamazingforhertothinkaboutthefact,inallofheryearsoflivinghere, she had not yet been caught— even though she crossed the borders somanynights. Somethingwas very odd about that.Technically,Valek could bekilled for smuggling and rebellion.ButCharlotte andAidenused togo toherclearinginthewoodsallthetimetogetherwhentheywereyounger,whenthingswerelesscomplicated.ButrumorsofOccultpeoplebeingarrestedforcrossingthebordersweresurfacingallovernow,andAidenrarelyleftanymore.

Thetwoweresilent,withtheexceptionofthehorse’shoovescrunchingintheleaves.Therewasaneerie,watchfulfeelingamongthetombstonesandeventhough they both knew the graves weren’t real, Charlotte tightened her griparoundtheElf.

Aidenchuckledagain.“What?Areyouafraid?”Shewrinkledhernose.“Ofwhat?”Shesneered.“Monsters?”They both laughed nervously. The silence circled them, asAiden’s gears

seemedtocrankinhismind.“DoesValek realizehe is riskingbothofyournecksevery timehe sends

youtotheoutsideforhim?”Charlottewassurprisedbyhisboldchangeofsubject.“Yes.ButI’mrisking

myownneckmore if I livewithan increasingly thirstyVampire.Anyway, it’smychoice.”

“Solidpoint,”hesaid,anddetachedfromthesoresubject.Theyreachedthepartofthepathwherethetreesstartedtogrowovereach

other,creatingalongemeraldtunneltothesuburbsoftheOccult.Branchesgrew

highabove,paintingdarkshadowsontheirfacesasanew,eerilymelodicsoundechoedthroughthetunnel.Itwassodistantanddreamlike,shequestionedifshewasactuallyhearingitatall.

“Hearthat?”Aidenwhispered.“Sirens.”A soft wind blew Charlotte’s hair about her face. She shivered as she

thought of the horrible, hauntingwomenwho hid on the edges of theVltavaRiver.Shehadneveractuallyseenone,buthadheardthehorriblestoriesfromValek, who forbade her from ever visiting the river’s edge. Beautiful womenwithlowerpartslikeafishfeduponvirgingirls.Therehadoftenbeenstoriesinhumannewspapersaboutgirlswhohaddisappearedaroundtheriver,blamedonscary,lustfulmen.Ofcourse,theOccultinhabitantsknewdifferently.

The horse,which had been keeping an even pace all thewhile, suddenlyspedupand lurched into toabriskgallop.Aiden tuggedat thereins, trying toslowtheanimal,thoughthehorseignoredhim.

“Slow,girl!”hecommanded,tuggingharder.Butshewenton,movingtoofastforthemtoseewhatcouldhavepossiblyspookedher.

Charlottehuggedhimtighter.“What’shappening?”“Ihavenoidea!She’sneveractedlikethisbefore!”Theforestflewpasttheminablurofgreensandbrowns.Charlotteshuther

eyes against it, burying her face between theElf’s shoulder blades. She couldfeel theworldpulsingby, thewind likehornets angry inher ears.Shepeekedlongenoughtonoticeadarkblurdartthroughthetrees.Itmovedfasterthanthehorse,suddenlyburstingintotheclearing.Awerewolf.

Thehorsereared,ananguishedwhinnyrippingfrombehindthefoamyreinsinitsmouth.Charlottetumbledintothedirt.ShestrainedtoseetheLycanthathadbeen stalking them from the time theybegan through the tunnel. It staredbackatherwithhorrible,coal-coloredeyes.Charlottehadbeenrightforfeelingshewas beingwatched. Apparently, the beast had decided it was time for anearlydinner.

“Aiden,dosomething…”Charlottewhimperedfromtheground.Herheartwasinherthroat.Shewasn’tevenabletotellifshewasinpainornot.

“Likewhat?”Horrified,Aidenstayedfrozen,hisgripunyieldingaroundthereins.

Aidenwasn’tabouttobehelpful.Shefoughttolookawayfromthewolf,evenforasecond.Outofthecornerofhereye,shecouldmakeoutonherwatchitwasonlyabout4:30intheafternoon.Herwhistlewouldn’thavehelped,evenifshehadrememberedtobringit.Whydidshealwaysforgettheblastedthing?

They remained frozen, staringat thewolfas it threatened themwith soft,

tauntinggrowls.Salivaoozedfromitsblackgumsanddrippedfromthetipsofitsfangs.ItlockedeyeswithCharlotteassheslowlygottoherfeet.Oneanklehurtalittle,butshedidn’tdarereleasehergazethistime.Sheslowlymovedherhandtowardhersatcheltoshufflethroughthecontents.Shepulledouttheloafofbreadandgingerly tossed it forward.But itwentcompletely ignoredby theLycan.Shefeltherlegpulsingwithsomethingwarm.

“Charlotte…”Aidenwhispered.“What?”shewhisperedback,stillnotpullingherfocusaway.“Yourleg.”Sherealizedwhathemeantwhenshesmelledthefamiliarscentofironand

rust,andthenfinallytheshootingpain.Blood.Thewolfcroucheddeep,readytolunge.Itletoutonelastdeadlygrowland

leaptintotheair.Thinkingfast,sheswunghersatchelattheanimal'shead,slammingintoits

jawwithacrunch.Sheopenedhereyestowatcharedribbonofbloodseepfrommidnight fur. It lay there,whimperingand twitching, fightingwith itself togetupagain.

Shedidn'thavetimetothinkbeforeone,largehandgrabbedhershoulder,tearingherfromwhereshestood.Aidenthrewherbackonthehorse,infrontofhimthistime.Hewhippedthereinsandsentthehorsehurtlingagaindownthetrailtowardhome,leavingtheLycanfightingforitslifeinthedirt.

Charlottelookedtoseethecrumpledshadowgetupanddisappearintothewoods,noticingthen,thebloodstainonthecorneroftheAnatomyonVampiresjuttingoutjustoverthetopofhersatchel.

ChapterThreeNoFearfortheVampire

“Iwill not let you go into aVampire’s housewith your leg looking likethat!”Aideninsisted,asCharlottetrieddesperatelytowriggleoutofthegrasphehadonher arm.Heheldher tight, pullingher in theoppositedirectionofherhouse.

“Iwanttogohomenow,Aiden!Valekisnotgoingtohurtme.I’llbefinebythetimehewakesup,anyway!”sheinsisted,stillstrugglingtopullaway.

“Youdon’tknowthat!”“Yes,Ido!IthinkIknowthatbetterthanyou!”Shehopedtheotherpeople

inthetownsquarewouldhear.Shewantedtoembarrasshim.The twohad locked the spookedhorseaway in the townstable andwere

nowglaringateachotherinthemiddleofthebusystreet.“I’llhaulyouovermyshoulderifIhaveto.”Shestoppedandlookedathimindisgust.“Whyareyoucrying?”“Iamnotcrying.”Hequicklywipedathisfacewithhissleeve.“You’reactinglikeababy.”Shesneered.“I’veneverseenValekcry.Iwant

togohome!”Shestartedtotugawayagain.Hedidaspromisedandthrewheroverhisshoulder,andstartedwalkingin

theotherdirectiontowardhisownhouse.Shekickedandpoundedonhisbackwithherfists.

“Whatareyoudoing?”shedemanded.Somemerchantsintheareastoppedandstared.“AtleastletMumfixyouupbeforeyouleave,”hesaid,clearlynotaffected

atallbyhertantrum.AidenhadnevertrustedValek.HemadeitveryclearhowhehatedValek

for sendingheroutnightly tohunt forhim.Aidenhadbeen therewhenValekbrought her home from Prague that cold night. Aiden was around when hismothertookcareofherwhenshewaslittle.He’dbeenherbestfriendthroughtheyears,andsheknewhowstubbornhewas.Whichwaswhynoargumentshehadinherarsenalwouldhaveaneffectonhim.Hewastakingherhometobestitchedupbyhismother,andthatwasfinal.

Atlast,CharlottegrewtiredinherstruggleandletherbodygolimpashetransportedherthroughthebusytownsquaretotheOccult'sresidentialdistrict.

Aiden carried her up the steps to his family’s cottage on the outskirts,

between the suburbs and downtown.Various picks ofwildflowers and shrubs,andaricketyoldfencethatkeptnothingoutorinsurroundedthehouse.Itwasmerelyatoolthevinesusedtostretchtowardthesun.

Heopenedthefrontdoorwiththehandthatwasn’tholdinghersecuretohisshoulder,andwentintofindhismotherinthekitchen,asusual.

Thescentofcabbageandcarrotsfilledtheroom.Steamfromthepotmadethe small amount of sunlight filtering in through the windows hazy. Smalldoorwaysinthebrickwallsledtootherpartsofthehouse,wherebedroomsforAiden’smany brothers and sisterswere.Mr. Pricewas probably in the forest,still working, Charlotte suspected.Aiden rarely discussed his father.Actually,sheneverrecalledmeetinghimbefore.

MeredithPricewasanotherEarthElf, likeAiden,with the sameautumn-coloredhair,andawarmsmilewithgigantic laugh lines.Theyalsoshared thesame soft blue eyes. The Prices previously belonged to an Irish Occult. ThisexplainedtheCelticknickknacksadorningthehouse,aswellastheirlastname,whichobviouslywasn'tnative.

Meredith’sstoutframejiggledunderherapronasshestirredsomethinginalargebrasspotovertheblackpotbellystove.Shestoppedwhenshesawhersonwalk through the door, Charlotte draped over his back like a hunting trophy.“Oh,Aiden!Whatdowehavehere?Ithinkwealreadyhaveenoughfordinnertonight.”Shelaughedherheartybellylaugh.

Charlotte squirmed to peer around Aiden’s shoulder. “Hello, Mrs. Price.Howareyou?”Shesmiledpolitelythroughgrittedteethanddughernails intoAiden’sbacksohewouldletherdown.

“Yeah,Mom. I was really hungry, so I brought back an entire cow,” hejoked.

“Aiden!”Charlotteslappedhisarm.Hismotherburstoutwithanotherthunderouslaugh.“Ohmy.It'salwaysa

comedywhenyou twoget together.”ShesmiledasAidensetCharlottedown,thesmilefadingwhenhergazefelltothegashinCharlotte’sleg.“Oh,Charlotte!Whathappened,dear?”

“Aiden’shorsechuckedmeoffwhenwewereriding,afterhepromiseditwould be safe.” Charlotte glared up at the boy, whose confident smileimmediatelydissipated.Helookedwide-eyedathismother.Charlotte instantlyrealizedwhatshehaddone.

“Aiden….”Meredith’s tone heated. “Now, I told you never to take thosehorsesoutofthetownstable.Thoseareforwhenyouareworking!Andwherecouldyoupossiblyhavebeengoingwithahorse,anyway?”

“Thanks,Charlotte.”Aidengroaned.

Therealizationhithismotherlikeastone.Shegasped.“AidenPrice!Whatdid I tellyouabout leaving theOccult? It’sdangerous!Don’tyouunderstand?Whatwouldyourfathersay?”

“Itwasmy fault,Mrs. Price. I’m the one that left thismorning.He onlycamelookingforme,”Charlotteconfessed.

MeredithlookedatCharlotte,andthenathersonagain.Adifferentemotionconflicted with worry when their eyes met. The three stood looking at oneanotherinsilence.Charlottenervouslydroppedhergazetothefloor,shiftingoffofherwoundedleg.Shewantedtogohomenowmorethanever.“Excuseme,butwhattimeisit,exactly?”

“It’s around seven o’clock, dear. The sun will be setting very soon. JustenoughtimetogetyoucleanedupandsenthomewithoutValekeverknowingyougothurt,” saidMrs.Price. “Comeon.”ShewavedCharlotte into theden.Aidenfollowed.

The Price’s den was a simple, warm room with a few bookshelves,enormous,sunkenarmchairs,andonesmallradiointhecorner.OneofAiden’slittlesistersplayedwitharagdollonthefloorbythewindow.

“Excuse us,Molly.Wehave to getCharlotte cleaned up.Canyoupleasetakethatintotheotherroom?”Mollymusthavebeenaroundeightornine,withblondepigtailsthathungallthewaytoherknees.

“Hi,Aiden!”Mollychirped,andhuggedherbrotherbeforerunningintothenextroom.

“All right,dear.NowjustsithereamomentwhileIget themedicalaid,”Mrs.Pricesaid,andbouncedoutoftheroom.

Aidensatnexttoheronthecouch.“Areyouokay?”heasked,staringatthefloor.

“Yes.Areyou?”Charlottelookedathim.“I’msorry.”“Itwasn’tyourfault.Itwasjustanaccident.”“Iknow.”Hesighed.“CanyounotmentiontheLycantomymum?”“Mum is the word.” Charlotte giggled, always finding Aiden’s Gaelic

accentcharming.Mrs.Pricewalkedbackintotheroomwithalarge,woodenbox.Shesetit

downontheground,tookoutsomeherbs,andbegancrushingtheminasmallceramicbowl.“Thiswillhaveyoufixedupinnotime.”Sheworkedtheleavesintoafinepulp.“Thisisaremedythathasbeeninourfamilyforgenerations.”ShehandedCharlotteawetrag.

“Thankyou.”Charlottestartedmoppingupthedriedbloodfromherleg.Aiden’smotherstartedtoapplythegreenmushontothewound.“Nowthis

stuffwill stopanystingingorachingyoumight feel, and it’ll completely takeawayanysmellofblood.Youknow…justincase.”ShesmiledupatCharlotteasshefinished.“YouknowwealltrustValekwithourlives,butyoucanneverbetoocareful aroundaVampire,” shemutteredas she started towrapCharlotte’sleginwhitegauze.

“What do you mean?” Charlotte frowned at her, stung by the slightlyprejudicedcomment.

“Imeantnoharm,dear,”Meredith said. “It’s just…veryeasy for them tolosecontrolonce theysmellblood.Theycan’talwayshandle their instincts, ifyouknowwhat Imean.”Shedropped thesubjectandcontinuedwhatshewasdoing.

Shocked,Charlotterefrainedfromanysortofreply.Nothinglike thathadevercomeoutofMrs.Pricebefore.HowcouldshethinkValekwouldeverharmher in any way? She forced a smile after Aiden’s mother finished with thedressing.“Thanksagain.”

“Not a problem, love.Nowyou need to take this off rightwhen you gethome.Canyourememberthat?”

Charlottenodded.ShebidAidenandhismotheraquickgoodnight,andfinallysetoffdown

the road toward her own house. The sun was far in theWest now, the lightswirlingfusionsofredandgold.Itwouldonlybeafewminutesbeforeitwouldsetcompletelybehindthemountains.

Charlottemadeherwayoutofthesuburbsandintothenoisytownsquare.Thiswasthetimeofdaywhenitwasbusiest.TheElveswerewrappinguptheirdayshiftsandreturningtotheirfamilies,whiletheWitchesandothernocturnalcreatures were arriving for another night at the taverns and shops. Charlottetossedahellaronthestreetnearaself-playingfiddle.

She made her way down the narrow footpath up to the large home andquietly opened the front door. Shepeered inside, not sure ifValekwas awakeyet. It was dark and silent inside, and the evidence of a long day’s rest stilllingeredineveryroom.Shehungherbagonthecoatrackbythedoor,bypassedthelibrary,andcreptupthestairstoherbedroom.Shereallydidn’tneedtobequiet.Itwasn’tlikeValekcouldwakeupbecauseofanynoiseshemade,butitfeltrespectful.

Thewindow in her roomwas left open from the night before and a soft,early evening breezemade the translucent curtains billow inward like dancingspirits.Herentireroomwaswhiteanddelicate,withsoftaccentsoflightyellow.It looked like a room out of a doll’s house. Valek had created it for her. Healwaystreatedherlikehisdoll,whichwaswhyitwasimpossibletoimaginehim

asthemonsterMeredithPricedescribedhimas.Charlotte peeled off the white blouse, damp jeans, and sneakers, and

replaced themwithablackdresswithsleeves toher toherelbows,andahemthatfelljustaboveherknees.Sheslippedonmatchingblackflatsandsatontheedgeofherbed.ThiswasthewayValeklikedhertodress.Delicate—hisdoll.Butitwasimpossiblewhenevershewentouthuntingforhim.Thelessattentionshe drew to herself, the safer. She noticed the way Evangeline's friends hadgoggledathertheothernight.Shewouldbelyingifshesaiditdidn’tbotherher.

Shestaredat thefloorasMrs.Price’swordsechoed inherhead.Youcanneverbetoocareful.

“Oh!” She’d almost forgotten the bandage. She leaned over and slowlyunwrappedthedressingtorevealacompletelynormal,unscathedleg.Itfeltasthough nothing ever happened at all. Despite her questionable choice ofconversationthatevening,MeredithPricewasanamazinghealer.

Out of the corner of her eye,Charlotte caught something small and goldglimmerfaintlyonherwindowsill.Alightningbughadlandedthere.Funny.Itwasalittlelateintheyearforlightningbugs.Carefulnottoscareit,shereachedforasmall,glassjaronherbedsidetablefilledwithpencilsforhersketches.Asslowlyandquietlyaspossible,shedumpedthemonherbedandmovedthejaroverthetiny,twinklingflyuntilshewasconfidentenoughtolowerthejarmouthandtrapit.

Itbuzzedaroundinside,clinkingagainstthesidesoftheglassinapatheticeffort toescape.Charlottegingerlyslidherhandunderneathandturned the jarright side up to peer inside.The tiny thing continued to fly around feverishly.Shefoundthetopofthejarinherdrawer.

“There,”shesaidwhenshesecuredit.“Valekwilllikeyou,Ithink.You’relikeatinypieceofthesun.”Shesmiledandsetthejarbackonthetable.

Charlotte collapsedbackward, glanced at the clock, and then staredup attheceiling.7:45.Timeseemedtobemovingataglacialpaceashermindspunwithtoomanythoughts.Thiswasthefirsttimeinawhileshefeltlikeshehadnothingtodo,andthefeelingwasunwelcome.Shecontinuedtothink—alwaysadangerousthingtodoalone.Andwhatmostdangerous,wasshecontinuedtothinkaboutMrs.PriceandwhatshesaidaboutValek.

She thought about the chapter inVampireAnatomy she had openedup tolast night; the pages on the daily death of a Vampire, and the scientificillustrationsofthedecomposingmonster.Streamsofwarmsunlightdepictedaspoisonousrays—thepunishmentforeternaldamnationbyGod.

SheheardMrs.Price'svoicereverberateoncemoreinherheadagainandfrowned. Charlotte rose from her bed after a few minutes and decided to do

somethingshehadn’teverdaredtodobefore.ShewantedtoseeValek,actuallyseehim forwhat he trulywas.Meredith’s insensitive comments left amillionquestions buzzing around in hermind, and she felt he was the only onewhocouldprovideanyanswers.Afterall,whatabouthimwassoawfulhe felt theneedtohideitfromher?Surely,deathwasnotsomethingasgrosslydepictedasit was in her book— something he needed to fight so hard to conceal. Thehauntinglygraphicimagesonthepagesofhervolumewerenotsomethingshecouldacceptwithoutseeingthetruth.Sheknewtherulesandtheyweresimple—stayoutofhisroomunlesshewasawake.Theremusthavebeensomethingmore.Perhapshe trulywas somethingmonstrous, and shehadmerelybeen indenialallher life.HermindinstantlyflashedtothevisionofValekwipingthebloodawayfromhismouththenightbefore.Butshewouldn’tfocusonthatnowassheshovedtheimagetothebackofhermind.Grabbingthelightningbugoffhernightstand,Charlottecreptintothehallway.

Movingalmostsilently,atraitshepickedupfromsomanyyearsoflivingwithaVampire,shemadeherwayclosertohisbedroom.Thelargewindowstoherrightpaintedlongshaftsofgoldenlightacrossthedark,dustyhallwayfloor.Shecouldseehisdoorintheshadows,shuttightagainsttheworld,afewfeetinfrontofher.Shepressedherearagainstthecoolwoodandheardnothingbutthehollowechoofanemptyroombehindit.Charlotte’sheartcontinuedtothudinherthroatasshementallybracedherselfforwhatshewasabouttosee.

Shetookadeepbreathandslowlyturnedthehandle,crackingitopen.Shepeered inside,barelyseeing into theheavydarkness.Black,velvetdrapesshutsunlightout fromeverysurroundingwindow.Asmallstringof light filtered infromwhereshestood,makingasoft,orangebeamallthewaytothefootofhisbed.Afraidofwhatmighthappenifitweretoreachhisskin,shequicklyclosedthedoorbehindher.

The room’s atmosphere was like a human mausoleum, the air stagnant,chilledwithdeath.Hereyescouldnotadjusttothedeepblackness.Holdingupthelightningbugcaptiveinthejar,shefounditwasnoaidatalltohervision.

This is stupid, she thought, even as she continued to sneak slowly to hisbedside.Sheshouldjustgobacktoherownbedroom.Shewasn’tsupposedtobehere. What good could possibly come out of seeing him this way? Yet shecontinued to creep closer to thebed, finallymakingout thedark figure in thecenterof themattress.Thehairon thebackofherneckbristledas she leanedoverthelongcorpsebeforeher.

Valeklaythere,ashellofthewayhenormallylooked.Hisarms—boneswithathinlayerofskin—drapedgracefullyoverhischest.Hishair,nowgrayandbristled, layneatlyon thecoolpillowaroundhissunkenskull.Charlotte’s

eyes widened as she examined him closely. His eyes did not open when shetracedthemwiththetipsofherfingers.Itfeltliketheyneverwouldagain.Hewas nothing but a weathered corpse, merely glamorized by the magic of themoonlightatnight.

ToCharlotte’ssurprise,asingletearsliddownhercheek.Sothiswaswhyheneverwantedherhere—whyherstrongfatherfigurenevercaredtoburdenherwiththissecret.Sheknewhejustcouldn’teverletherseehimthisway.Shethought of how lonely it must be to die every single day, forever alone. Shewishedhewouldletherbeclosetohimthenexttimethishappened.

He would always wake up, Charlotte reminded herself to keep fromsobbing.Valek,whohadfoundherandraisedher,wasneithermannormonster.

Thunderwhisperedtohermilesawayandsoftrainpattersbeganacrosstheoldroof.SettingthefaintlyglimmeringjaronValek’snightstand,shepulledoneknee up onto the bed and then the other. She touched his forearm gently,carefully, as if shemight shatter it.He felt colder even thannormal.Charlottestrokedhishair,longandsilkenduringthehoursofthenight,nowbrittleonthepillow.Sheturnedsoshelaynexttohim.

Charlottetookhisarmandwrappeditaroundhershoulders,restingherfaceonhischest.Hisbodyfeltsofragile,andtherottingstenchofhisdeathlyfleshpermeatedtheareaaroundher,butshedidn’tcare.Moretearsfellasshelistenedtotherainpoundheavierabovethem.Shewonderedifhecouldsomehowfeelher therenext tohim.Asobbroke fromher.Thesoundof thestormbegan tofadeoutinhermindasshedriftedofftosleep.

ChapterFourTheSpider’sBurrow

Afewhourslater,Charlotte'seyesflutteredopentomeetthewhitewallsofherownbedroomstaringblanklybackather.Shehadbeentuckedsnuglyunderher bed sheets. Her white curtains flailed around violently in the storm nowinvadingtheopenwindow.Shejumpedfromherbedandforcedthepaneclosedagainstthewindgusts.Sheglancedatthecuckooclockhungonherwall.Ithadalreadyturnedten.Howcouldshehavesleptsolong?

She frantically scanned the room for her shoes, which had been parkedneatlybyonecornerofherbed.Herheartsankwhenshefiguredoutshehadinfactnotdreamtwhatshethoughtshehadafterall.Shereallyhadmusteredupthegutstogointohisbedroom.Shewasinalotoftrouble.Charlotteslippedonherflatsandhurriedoutthedoor.

Shestoodvery still at the topof the stairs,handsclaspedunderherchin,listening.Shedidn’thearanythingandwonderedifValekwasevenhomeatall.Didhehaveapatient?Shewonderedhowangryhewaswithher.Hemustbeangry. Slowly, she began to descend the stairs, her hand sliding along thepolishedbanister.

“Charlotte?” Valek’s voice lingered threateningly from the librarythreshold.

Shefrozeonthethirdtolaststep,herskinbristling.“CanIseeyouinhere,please?”Histonestruckherlikewarmpoison.Shemade herway to the library door; stopping shortwhen she saw him

perched on the arm of the garnet-colored armchair. The fireplace crackled infrontofhimandmadethreateningemberreflectionsinhiscrystallineeyes.SheswallowedthicklywhenValekstood.

“S-sorry.IknowIwokeuplate.I’mleavingnow.”Shespunonherheel.“IthinkyouknowthatisnotwhatIwantedtospeakwithyouabout.”His

wordshaltedheroncemore.Bitingherlowerlipalittletoohard,Charlotteturnedslowlybackaround.

Sheshouldhavepreparedabitmoreforthis.Afterall,shehadbrokenthemostimportantrule.

“Whatisthis?”Hepulledoutthesmallglassjar,whichhadonceheldtheglittering lightning bug.Charlotte saw the little fly had become nothing but abrowncarcasscrumpledatthebottomoftheglass.

“Itm-musthavedied.”Shewinced,herfingerswindinginknotsbehindherback.“IcaughtitforyoubecauseIthoughtyoumightlikeit.Likealittlepieceofthesun.”Valeksighedandfirmlyplacedthejaronthewoodenendtablebyhis chair. The sound of the glass bottom slamming against the wood madeCharlottejump.

“Youarenotallowedinmybedroom.Youknowthat,Charlotte.”Her heart sank when he used her full name, instead of the much more

endearing term, “Lottie,”henormally liked to call her.Heonlydid thatwhenshewasinalotoftrouble.

“Idon’tknowwhatmademedoit,”shesaidquietly.“Charlotte.”Heapproachedher.“Imaketheserulesforareason.Iamonly

tryingtoprotectyou.”Hestoppedinchesfromher,hisshouldersback,hisstancebroadanderect.

BloodburnedinCharlotte’scheeks,yetshelookedhimintheeyeinspiteofit.“Whydoyouhavetobealone?Whydoyouhavetodothattoyourself?”

Shefoughtbacktears.“Because,Charlotte.”Hisglarepiercedher.“Itdoesn’tbothermeanymore.

Can’tyouseeIamtryingtoprotectyou?”“Protectmefromwhat?You?”Herfrustrationbuilt.“Nooneshouldhave

todiealone!”“Iwillnotsubjectyoutothat!”hebellowed.Charlotte quaked in his shadow, frightened. He had never yelled at her

before.Shestaredangrilydownatthetearssplashingonthefloorinfrontofherfeet.

“And why did you leave the Occult borders today? I told you, it isdangerous!Ifyougotintotrouble,Icouldn’tdoanythingtohelpyou!"

She lookedupathim,surprised.“HowdidyouknowI left?Willyougetoutofmyhead,please?”Thetasteofsaltytearsfloodedthebackofherthroat.“Besides,youmakemecrossthoseborderseverysinglenighttodowhatyouareunabletodosoyouwon’tkillme!”Shejabbedafingerathim.“Idon’tseehowtheamountofdangeryouputmeinisanylesssignificant!”

Valekshuddered.Charlotte hadn’t realized just how far she had gone until then. She could

havesaidanythingtohim.Shecouldhavecalledhimanynameinanynumberof languages, and itwouldhaveneverhurt himasmuchaswhat shehad justsaid.

“Ifyouregretlivingheresomuch,thenIgrantyouyourfreedom.Justsaytheword,”hesaidquietly,sadly.

Charlotte’smouthfellopen.Theemotionsrolledfromherliketidalwaves.

“Youshouldhavejustleftmeintheguttersthenightyoufoundme.Diditevercrossyourmindthatmaybemyrealparentsputmethereforareason?”Shebither lipharder thanshehadbefore,regrettingeverythingspewingfromher,butshecouldn’tcontrolit.Heopenedhismouthtorespond,butnothingcameout.Hisbrowsfurrowed.

“That was an utterly selfish thing to say.” His voice cracked when helooked her in the eyes. “You are only allowed to leave theOccult when it isunquestionablynecessary.You leavingforme isasafetyprecaution,because Iwantyouhere,Charlotte.Thatistrue!”

“But I have been leaving the Occult every single night for the last tenyears.”Tearsgatheredinthecornersofhereyes.

“Notanymore.”“Butwhataboutyou?Whatareyougoingtodo?”“Don’tworryaboutme.”“ButValek—”“And another thing— you are never, never allowed to be in the woods

alone!”Hepulledhispipefromhisbreastpocketandlitit.“ButAidenwaswithme!”Shecontinuedtoargue.“Andhedidnothingtoprotectyou.”Heputtheendofittohislips.Charlotte’smouthfilledwithacid.“Yes,hedid!Hestoppedmybleedingso

Iwouldn’tbeinanydangerwalkingbackintothishouse!”Herhandsflewuptocoverhermouth.

Valekclosedhiseyesandcalmlyblewaperfectsmokeringintotheair.Heturnedhisbacktoherandwalkedsteadilytowardthefire.“Dowhatyouwant,then.Ifthat’showyoureallyfeel,Charlotte.”

Herarmsdroppedslowlybacktohersides.Ofcoursethatwasn’thowshereallyfelt.Thehonesttruthwasshehadbeensketchinghisfaceinherdrawingbookformonths.Thehonesttruthwasshehadsnuckintohisbedroombecauseshe couldn’t tear him from hermind, because if shewere being upfrontwithherself,hewastheonethinginlifeshetreasuredmorethananythingshe’deverpossessed.Butshequicklyshovedthosesickthoughtsbacktothedeepestdepthsofhermind.Hecouldnoteverknowhowshefelt.Sadly,sheturnedandstartedtoleave,hidingherownpainedexpression.

“Takeyourwhistle,”hewhispered.Grinding her teeth together, she clasped her trembling hand around the

small,tarnishedthingontheendtablebesidethedoor.Sheplaceditaroundherneckagain.

*

Valeklistenedtoherfootstepsmaketheirwayoutintothewindynight.Heheardthefrontdooropen,andthenshutwithafinalizingthud.Hepeeredoutofthelarge,dustylibrarywindowatthesmallgirlpushingthroughthefrigidwind,herarmswoundtightlyaroundherself.Thewindblewthehemofherdressuparoundherknees.Hethoughtaboutrunningafterher,butheknewheoughttojust leaveheralone.Hehadneverfelt theneedtoyellatCharlottebefore,buttherewasjustsomethingabouthergettingtooclosetohimscaredhim.

Shewaslikeasmall,pomegranateseedheheldinhishand.Ifhesqueezedtoohard,itwouldburstandtheredwouldspilloverandstainhisfingertips.Shewouldbesoveryeasytodestroy,andyetsheseemedsoquicktodestroyhim.He couldn't deny his instincts. He never told her how he still struggledsometimes.Ifshewalkedpastandthewindrushedthescentofhermortalitytohim,hehadtoforcehimselftofightthatoneawfulthought.

Heknewshedidn’treallymeanwhatshesaid,andheknewshefeltsorrytheinstantshe’dsaidit.Guiltgraspedatightholdofhimashewatchedherwalkaloneintothefreezingdarknessandfoughttheurgeoncemoretorunafterher.But the Regime had just begun to keep a close eye out for Occult peoplecrossingtheborders.Hehadtobehomeanyway,justincaseapatientdecidedtowalkin.

Valek somberly made his way back to his office to take care of somepaperwork.Soundsof thehouse’sfoundationsettlingfilledthespaceCharlotteleftvacant.Hehatedtheemptyfeeling.Evensilenceseemedtooloudwhenshewasgone.He sat at his desk, sighing, andpulledmessypatient files from thedrawer.Hestartedputtingtheminsomesortoforderthatmadesensetohim.Itwas merely busy work. He actually didn’t need to keep files at all with hisphotographic memory. He glanced at the desk schedule in front of him. Noscheduledappointmentstonight.Hesighed.Noscheduledappointmentsforthelast several months. It seemed nobody wanted to pay a visit to the Vampiredoctor.

Maybeheshouldgoafterher.Therewas a knock at the front door then. He stopped.Curious. Patients

alwayscameinthroughtheofficedoorintheback.Ifitevenwasapatient.Whocouldbevisitingnow?Helookedatthecarvedowlclockonthewall.Itwasalittle after midnight. Charlotte couldn’t be back so soon. That was when herememberedwhatshementionedtohimlastnight.Evangeline.

Hequicklyshovedhispapersbackintothebottomdrawer,andinhumanly

sped to the frontof thehouse, takinghimabouthalfasecond toget fromoneendtotheother.HeadjustedhiscorduroyvestandopenedthefrontdoortofindthesultryWitchstandingbeforehim inacurve-hugging,blackdress thatonlycamedowntothemiddleofherthigh.

“Goodevening,Evangeline.WhatcanIdoforyou?”heasked,maintaininghisgentleman-likequalities.Hedidnotallowhiseyes to strayany lower thanherface.

She scoured the house behind him, no doubt looking for Charlotte. Herwine-coloredmouth twisted intoawickedsmileandshewalked in, letting thedoorslamshutbehindher.

*

TheharshwindwhippedCharlotte’smattedhairaroundherface,blindingherasshepushedthroughit.Shewassostupid.Shecouldgetridofsomeofherpride togobackandat leastgrabhersweater.Thenightairwasfreezing.Herteethchatteredas shehuggedherarms tightlyaroundherself.The leaves fleweasily from the trees to the wet ground. She saw almost every pair of taverndoorsboltedshut,andeventhemostrestlessnightcreatureshadturnedinfortheevening.Nothingwasdumbenoughtobeoutinweatherlikethis.

Shegrimacedasshecontinuedtoplaytheirargumentoverinhermind.Hewasjustaspridefulasshewas,ifnotmore.Maybeshereallywouldhavegottentoliveanormallifeifhehadjustleftherwherehe’dfoundheralmosteighteenyears ago. Maybe, if he had just gone on about his magical, otherworldlybusiness,someonefromherownracewouldhaverescuedherinstead.Someonenormal. Someone safe. Someone who would have turned out to be a lot lessconfusing,becausetheywouldhaveagedjustasshedid.Someoneshewould—nomatterwhat—thinkofasnothingmorethanaparent.

Charlotte blinked back the image of Valek’s devastatingly beautiful facebehindhersour tears.Crossingherarmsoverherchest, shedughernails intoherarm,tryingtodistractfromthatwhichwascausingherinternalpain.

She rooted around in her satchel to see if therewas anything left of thetraveling potion Evangeline had given her. To her dismay, she pulled out twoemptyglass bottles. She couldn’t run awaynow, even if she reallywanted to.Andshedidn’treallywantto.AsmuchasCharlottedidn’twanttoadmitit,shecouldnever leaveValek.Buthavingthosespellswouldhavemadehuntingforhimeasieratleast.Now,shejusthadtobeluckyenoughtofindsomeoneonthecountry road. A farmer, perhaps. Though, she knew stumbling across another

humanwouldn’tbelikelyonanightlikethis.Thunderthrashedsomewhereverycloseby,causinghertoleapoutofher

skin.Shedecidedifitstartedtorainheavilyagain,shewouldturnaroundandgoback.Valekwouldjusthavetostaythirstyforonenight.Sheheldherarmsuptoshieldherselfagainsttheheavywindasshecontinuedtopushthrough.Maybesheshouldn'tevenwaitfortherain.Maybesheshouldjustturnbacknow.

“Doyouneedaliftsomewhere,love?”Charlottelookeduptoseeanenormousmanwithfourlongarmsandfour

longlegswalkingeasilybesideher.Clearlythestormwasofnoworrytohim—aPhaser thatwas only half-changed into his animal form.Howunfortunate itmustbetoturnintoagiantspider.

“No, thankyou!”sheyelledover thewind.Nomatterhowkindly theoldman’sfaceseemed,shewasnevertospeaktostrangersunderanycircumstance.Occultcreatureswereverydangerousmoreoftenthannot.

Thehalf-spiderlookedupatthethreateningsky,thecavernouslinesinhishuman-likeforeheadwrinkling.

“Seemslikeabadtimetobeouthereonyourown.Whereareyouoffto,littlegirl?”Heruffledhisbushymustache.

“IlivewiththeVampire,ValekRuzik,”shesaidmatter-of-factly.“I’mouthuntingforhim.”ShehopedmentioningValek’snamewouldbeenoughtoscarethe spideroff.For some reason, a rathernegative stigmahadbeenattached toVampires recently.Valekhadn’t seenadropofbusiness inmonths,aside fromEvangeline’s run-in with the Lycan. Charlotte thought again of Mrs. Price’signorantwords.

The man’s face shifted into an even kinder smile upon recognizing thenameashecontinuedtofollowher.

“Ah,yes.Valek!Dosendhimmyregards,willyou?It’sbeenagessincemyoperation,” theman recalled.“Butagirl likeyoushouldn’tbeouthere in thiskindofweather.Thereareotherthings,besidesme,thatliketostalkinweatherlikethis.They’rejustwaitin’forsomethingdeliciouslikeyou.Why,youdon’tevenhaveasweater,”heobserved.

Charlottestoppedagainandfrownedupathim.Itwashardtoseethroughtheheavygusts.“Ihavetogoforhim!Hecan’tgoonhisown!It’sagainsttheRegimelaw!”shecalledoverthewind.

Themanwith the eight appendages thought for amoment. “Those awfulWizards.Ihavenoideahowthey’reabletokeepthepoweroversomeer’theseotherOccultpeople.EspeciallyVampires.Vampiresareverypowerful, too,yaknow,” hemused. “Why, they’re just a bunch ofwisecrackin’ oldElves is allthoseWizardsare.”Hismustacheruffledagain.

Charlotte blinked up at him. She hadn’t really thought about that before.WhatkindofcreaturesweretheWizardsexactly?“AretheyreallyElves?”

“Yes’um.”Hegrumbled.“Wisecrackin’ones.Thinkin’they'resogreatjust‘causethey’reallsobooksmart.”

Charlottehadtochuckle.“Anyway,Ithinkmaybeyoushouldbegettin’home.ThereareLycansand

Fairiesaboutinweatherlikethis.Why,youcouldcatchaseriouscold,too.”Headjustedtheaviator’sgogglesonthebridgeofhisnose.

“Whatareyoudoingouthere,then?”Charlotteasked,amusednow.“Where there areFairies about, there are arachnids about.”Hewinked at

her.Thatmade sense.Hewasa spider.Spiders eat flies.Well, technically the

Fae weren’t flies but they were close enough, she decided. She cringed andgrimacedasshepicturedthestrangemanchompingdownonone.

“Adelicacy!”Helickedhischops.Thunder soundedover themagain and a singledropof rain splatteredon

hernoseandthenanotheronhercheek.“Come!”themansaid,gesturingtohimself.“Hopon.Ifyoudon’twantto

gohomenow,I’llgetyasomewheresafeatleast.Maybenotdry,butsafe.”“How do I know you won’t eat me?” Charlotte crossed her arms, half-

joking.Heputhistwofronthandsonhiships.“Youdon’tlooklikeaFairytome!”

Hechuckled.Shelaughed,too.“Besides,Idon'thaveatasteforhumans.Toomealy.”ThegrounddisappearedbeneathCharlotte’sfeetasoneofhis largehands

grabbedherbytheshoulderandpulledherontohisback.Shemarveledathowhighupshewas.Hislimbsseemedtobetwicethesizeofhisbody.

“Ready?”Hebeamedatherthroughone,goggled,redeye.She sucked in a breath of the balmy air through her nose. “Ready.” She

gulpedandgrippedbothhandsaroundthescarletmaterialofhisscarf.Theywereoff.Shecrouched,keepingherheadlow,graspingeventighter

tohim.Hemoved like lightning through thealleywaysof the town,upon therooftops and down over the cobblestone streets. She shut her eyes against thetunnelofcoldrainandthefearofbeingthrownoff.

He was much faster than Aiden’s horse, and a lot scarier. She hardlyrecognized the city that should have been too familiar to her as it flew by.Everythingwasadark,grayblur,onceinawhileilluminatedbytheglowofapassingstreetlight.Shecouldhardlytellwhatdirectiontheyweregoingin,but

therewassomethingaboutthisPhasershetrulytrusted.Shekeptherfacehiddeninhisbackuntilshefeltthelargespiderlurchtoastop.

“Here we are,” he said confidently. One of his enormously long armshelpedherontotheground.Shefeltslightlydisoriented,butshesmiledpolitelyathimandnoddedonce.

She looked to see that theyweren’t in front of her house, but rather justbeyondherhouse,at thestartof thedenseforest.Shecouldsee the topof themansionbehindthetrees.Allofthelightswereoninside,makingherlittlecastleglow.Itlookedsowelcomingincomparisontothestormywitchinghour.

However,infrontofherwasaratherlarge,dirtmoundlikethatofagiantanthill—averydarkholeastheentrancetothisstrangeabode.

“Okay,well…thankyou for the ride.But I’ll be goingback tomyhousenow.”Charlotteglowered.

He chuckled down at her. “Not a problem, Charlotte. You did well. Ithoughtyoumight’vepassedout.”Headjustedhisgogglesagain.

Hermouthfellopen.“Youknowmyname?”“Once you toldme that you belonged toValek, I knew exactlywho you

were.” He smiled, his wiry, frosted mustache bristling. “I’ve heard so muchabout you over the years. It is a pleasure to actuallymeet a human girl!”Heextended a humanhand toward his borough. “You’rewelcome to come in forsometea.Imakeitmyself!”hesaidproudly,histhumbsrestinginhisvest.

Charlotte lookedagainat thedarkhole in the forest floor, squintingat it,and thenbackat the faceof thePhaser.She turnedonce,glancingbackatherhouse,anddecidedValekprobablywasn’tmissingherrightnow,anyway.Whyshould she be in such a hurry to return to him? “Sure.” She smiled politely.“Thanksagain,Mr.—”

“Třínožka,” he informed her, and grabbed her by the hand as theydisappeareddownthedarktunnel.

Hereyesdidn’tadjustwelltotheblacknessofthedirt-packedentrance.Herfreehand feltaroundat thewalls soshecouldguideherselfmoreeasily,eventhoughMr.Třínožkawasdoingmostoftheguidingforher.Herfingertipstrailedacross thewinding tree roots and rocks hiding in the topsoil, until finally hereyesweremetwithafaint,warmlightbehindasetofpatternedcurtains.

When the spider pushed through, Charlotte emerged into a rather largeburrowhehaddugforhishomeundertheforest.Multiplesoftrinkets,oddities,and collectables lined thewalls, stacked next to crude, pillowy sacks that sheguessedthespiderusedforcouches.

Another Phaser was playing music from one corner of the burrow. Acaterpillar type just as large as Mr. Třínožka, sat folded over a small bench

before an old, upright piano. He did not seem to notice the pair had enteredbehindhimashecontinuedtoplay.

“Thatsoundsbeautiful,”Charlottesaidsoftly.“That’s justHorris.He’s completelydeaf.”Mr.Třínožkabegan removing

hisscarfandhisknitgloveswiththefingerscutout.Helaidthemononeofthecouches.

“He’sdeaf?”Charlotteblanched.“Howcanheplay?”“Charlotte,trustme,itisnotahindrance.”Thespiderleanedinclosetoher.

“Youdonotneedyourearsinordertohearthatwhichyouwishtocreate.”Hewinkedbefore scurryingoff to adifferentpartof theburrow.Hecalledout toher, “Please, have a seat! I am expecting other company and tea will be onshortly!”

Charlottedidashesaid,findingoneofthelarge,fluffysacksandploppinginthecenterofit.Shestruggledtokeepherselfupright,thoughthesoftnessofitswallowedher,herkneesfoldinguptoherstomach.

“Ireallylikeyourhome!”shesaidsothathecouldhearherfromtheotherroom.

“Thank you.”ThePhaser reappearedwith a bronze teakettle in one handandtwoceramicjugsintheothers.“EarlGreyorchamomile?”

“EarlGrey,please.”Shesmiled,continuing to tryand findherbalance inthechair.

Hismustachebristledagainashedisappearedoncemore.“Wheredoyoufindallofthesethings?”Charlotteasked,hereyesscanning

the various pieces. Therewere clock gears, and only halves of sets of humanpairs of shoes.Therewere dented pots andpans,manybooks, cuckoo clocks,lamps, hunks of un-polished scrap metal, stuffed animals, sculptures,photographs, silverware, snow globes, and about a million other things thatdecoratedthespider’shome.

“I’ma junkcollector. Icollect junk.”Mr.Třínožkareappearedagainwithfourcupsofteaineachofhishands.“LikeHorris.”

Charlottelaughed.He gave one cup to Charlotte, set one down on a small, crooked coffee

table,andplacedoneonthepianoinfrontofHorrisbeforesittingdowninoneofthecouches.“It’swhatIdo.Onespider’strashisanotherspider’streasure,”hesaid,sippingathistea.“Youwouldn’tbelievethethingsIdiscover.”

“Thankyou,”CharlotteheardHorrisgrumbleunderhismusic.Charlottetookasip,too,thehotsteambringingwarmthbacktohercheeks.

She smiledwhen she tasted themilkandhoney, exactlyhowshe liked it.Shesippedatitagain.“So,who’stheothercompanyyou’reexpecting?”

Asifoncue,afamiliarburlapfigurecamerollingdownthetunnel,landingonhisbacksidefacingCharlotteandthespider,reelingfromdizziness.

“Ah,Edwin!Justintime!”Mr.Třínožkasaid,oneofhisarmsstretchingouttohandhimhiscupoftea.

Edwintookit,eyesstillspinning.“Thanks.Hi,Charlotte.”“Edwin!”Shegiggled.“Yousureknowhowtomakeanentrance.”Edwingrumbledsomethingincoherentandsippedathistea.Theeveningwenton like that for justawhile longerand the three talked

andlaughedwhileHorriscontinuedtoplaythepiano,seeminglyoblivioustothegoings-onbehindhim.Mr.TřínožkatoldstoriesofhowheobtainedsomeofhismoreinterestingpiecesbeforeCharlottefinallystoodup,stretchingoutherarmsandlegs.

“Ibettergetgoing.Mr.Třínožka,thankyousomuchforyourhospitality.”“Anytime,mydear.Don’tbeastranger!SayhellotoValek,andtellhim

notbesocarelesswithalovelylittlegirllikeyourself.”CharlottesmiledoncetoEdwin,pattinghimonthehead,beforeturningand

exitingoutthelongtunnelfromwhenceshecame.Thewindhadfinallydieddownandthewalkbacktothestepsofherhome

was quick. She could hear laughter coming from inside. That was when sheremembered.Evangeline.

Charlotteburstthroughthefrontdoor,expectingtoseethetwoofthemjustontheotherside.Theroomwaslit,butempty.Shelookedtoseeslightshadowsmoving from inside the library.Her stomach twistedwith a feeling she didn’trecognize.Shecreptovertothelibrarydoor,hearingEvangeline’sunmistakable,musicallaughter.ItmadeCharlotte’scheeksburn.

Slowly peering around the threshold, the thing she saw next madesomethinghardand icyshatterdeepwithinherchest.Evangeline’s long, sleekbody leaned over Valek, who sat in his armchair, tie undone, shirt slightlyunbuttoned at the top. Her lips moved slickly across his neck and up to hismouth,andtheworstpartwas…hekissedherback.

Charlottefrozeinthedoorway,wantingtorunoutagainintothestorm.Buther legs seemed tobenothingbutbricksof lead.A feeling twisted inhergut,likeshardsof serratedglass,as theonsetof salty tears stung thebridgeofhernose. She hadn’t realized her satchel had dropped to the floor, shattering theemptyspellbottlesinside.

EvangelinejumpedatthesoundandlookedtoseeCharlottestandingthereinthedoorway.

ChapterFiveThePriceofSinning

“Char—Lottie…”Valekstartedquietly.Charlottesawherselfoutofbody,staringbackathim,slowlybreakinginto

two pieces. Her mouth fell open in an effort to speak, willing something,anythingtostumbleout,butnothingwould.Slowly,sheturnedandpaddedoutintothenight.

Shewalkedaslow,evenpaceoff theporchstepsandbackontothestonefootpath then stood there, sucking in a deep breath of rimy air. Exhaling, shecould see her misty breath between the silvery plummets of rain. Shestraightenedupandbrokeintoarun.Thatwastheonlythingshewantedtodo—theonlythingherswimmingmindcouldthinkof.Shejustwantedtorun.

Sheprayed toGodValekwas farenoughawaynot tobeable tohearhermiserable thoughts, knowing if he had the opportunity, he would have beenlistening.Herthroatfeltthickasafreshwaveofbilecrawledupheresophagus.Hadshereallyjustseenwhatshethoughtshehad?Impossible.Outofeveryevilthing this nightmarish city contained, her very worst nightmare had beenrealized.The images flashed, vivid at the forefront of hermind, recalling thatwhichhad sucker punchedher clear across the face only a fewmoments ago.Sheran,passingthetavernsandshops,notknowingwhereto turnnext.Therewas no safe haven. She needed to find some place empty, some place quiet,whereshecouldthink.

Whydid it have to beEvangeline? It just confirmed all of the fears thatconstantlytormentedCharlotteinthebackofhermind.

Nights she lay awake, conjuring up in her mind this very thing wassomehow eventual, somehow inevitable. Tears from her eyes meshed so wellwiththecoldrainonherface;shecouldhardlytellshehadstartedtocry.Herlungsbegantoscorchinherchestafteradistanceandshebentinhalf,herhandsonherkneesasthetearscontinuedtofall.Oxygenreturnedtoherinafuryofblisteringwaves.Hershiveringfingerswoundabsentlyaroundhersilverwhistle,habitual.

Charlotte straightened again and looked around at the desolate villagesquare. Her teeth chattered as she wrapped her arms around her shoulders,suddenlytooawareofthezillionsofgoosebumpsonseeminglyeveryplaneofherbody.

She turned to her left to see a shadowed alley between the freestandinggothiccathedralandBrouckaGeneralStore.Itdidn’tlooktoherlikeitwouldadeadend,asthedankpathseemedtotwistaroundthesideofthechurchwalls.Perhaps this would be a good, quiet place. She began walking. A gargoyleloomedatherasshepassed,itswretchedjawsextendedinaneternalhowl,likeittoowasdisgustedwiththeputridloveshehidsoferventlyfromtheonewhoraisedher.Sheshuddered.

Sure enough, the washed cobblestone pathway turned and disappearedunder a mound of dirt and grass. A low, black fence surrounded the entirechurchyard,itstwistedgatemangledandrusted.Grass,abrilliantemeraldcolor,eveninthedeadofnight,stretchedtothemoon,heranklesdrowninginitasshewalked. A stony fountain stood in the very center of the forsaken garden, itswingedstatuepointinghischerubichandtowardthenightsky.

Charlottewalkedoverandpeeredintothebasin,asicklysortofjadecolorwithmossgrowingaroundthesides.Itdidn’tlooklikeitworkedatallwiththelimestonedecaybuiltuparoundthebottom.Itwascompletelyunkempt,but itwas just the peaceful sort of place she needed. She sank into the basin of thedirty fountainwhere the rainwater collected, her legs dangling over the brim.Shewasalreadysopping,andanyway,gettingdirtonherclotheswas theveryfurthestthingshecaredabout.Sheburiedherheadinherhandsandsuckeddeepan enormous breath of the clean, dewy air. Tears finally starting to dry, sheshoved the rest of the garbage fromhermind so she could finally thinkmoreclearly.

Valekwasherparent—herguardian,sheamended.Heneverwantedhertorefertohimas‘Father’.Hemadethatpointwhenshewasveryyoung,learningto talk. Perhaps if hehadmade those boundariesmore clear, thismight havenever been an issue. Valek raised her. He was the only thing she had everlearnedtolove,andbyfarhergreatesttreasure.Inspiteofgrowinguparoundallof this magic, Charlotte looked at Valek like she looked at nothing else. Hemeanteverything,andshehadjustwalkedinonhimandEvangeline.Together.

Exhausted,Charlottesighedandlookedupatthestars.Thedownpourhaddiminished into a light drizzle. The storm seemed to have cleaned all of thethick, ominous clouds away, leaving the sky sparkling. Thankful the rain hadstopped.ShebreathedinthecleanairandwatchedPolariswinkdownather.Shereturnedtoherconundrum.

ShedecidedsheshouldbehappyforValek.Hehadbeenalone foryears,evenbeforehe’dfoundher.YetthethoughtofValekromanticallyinvolvedwithanyoneatall seemedweirdandunnatural,because ithadalways justbeen thetwoofthem,simpleandunchanging.

MaybeitmadesenseforValektobewithEvangelinenow.Ofcourseitdid.Charlotte could never be that for him. She wasn’t supposed to be. AndEvangelinewasnice.Shewasbeautiful.Shewouldtakecareofhim.

SomethinghardandicystabbedattheinsideofCharlotte’schestagain,andshelurchedforward,ballingherfistsinherhair.No!Shewasn’tgoingtoacceptthat.SheneededValek,andsheneededhimalltoherself.Theyweresoulmates.Thatwasthereasonhe’dfoundhernearlynineteenyearsagoinPrague.Theremusthavebeenareason.Theybelongedtogether.

Biologically, he wasn’t much older than her — about four years. Theyweren’t related in the least. They practically were like different speciesaltogether.Theycouldbetogetheronceshewasoldenough.Heonlyneededtowaitforher.

No, her logical half fought back. That was too disgusting to even thinkabout.Whywasshethinkingit?

Her heart and mind raged on in battle, neither half making any sort ofvictory. What was she going to say to him? What was he going to think?Charlottecouldn’timaginehersituationgettinganyworse.

“Lottie?”Thesoft,familiarvoicedrippedlikehoneyinthethickgardenia-scentedair.

Shelookeduptoseehimstandingattheedgeofthebrokengate.No!Goaway!Shesaidthewordsinhermind,butnothingcameoutofher

lipsthathadfrozenshut.Instead,sheburiedherfaceinherkneesagain.Wrong.Itcanalwaysgetworse.

“I’m not going to go away,” Valek said aloud, answering her thoughtsdefiantly.

Hepaddedovertoherwithhishandsupinsurrender,careful,asthoughshewereaspookedrabbit.

Shefeltlikeshewasgoingtobesick.Thiswasit.Thefloodgateswerenowopen.Herheartpoundedinherchestasshelookedathim.Hehadcleanedup.Hishairwastiedneatlybackwithablackribbon.HisredascotwiththeCzechcoatofarmsscrawledinelegantgold,andbrownsear-suckervestwerebackintheirrightfulplace—thebuttonsclosed.Shewantedtolookawayagain,buthislingering,sapphiregazekeptherthere.

“What?” She sniffed and quickly wiped at her face with an alreadydampenedsleeve.Shehatedwhenshewasvulnerable.Shewishedshewereontheoppositeendoftheworld.

Hesatdownonthescummybrimofthefountainandtookhersmallhandinhis.Hisskinwascoolandsatiny,likeitalwaysfelt—dry,thoughwithaslicksortoffeeling,likethescalesonasnake.

“I am sorry,Lottie,” he said almost too quietly for her to hear. “I shouldneverhaveallowedthattohappen.”

She sniffed again. “Why areyou sorry?”Shewriggled her hand free andfoldeditsheepishlyinherlap.“Whoyouchoosetobeinvolvedwithisnoneofmybusiness.Youdeservetobehappy.”

“Donotsaysuchthings.It iswithoutadoubtyourbusiness.IdonotfeelthatwayaboutEvangeline.”Hepleadedforhertolookathim.Sherefused.

“That’snotthewayitlooked.”Thiswasstupid.Shefeltlikeajealouswife.“Iamawareofthewayitlooked.”Hesighed.“AndIamnotgoingtotry

and explain. But I promise it was meaningless. Evangeline will not be mybetrothedanytimesoon.”Hechuckleddarkly.

Charlottedidn’tbuyit.Instead,sheturnedherfaceaway,theonlyeffortshecouldmaketohidefromhim.Shefelthiminchclosertoherasshesniffledoncemore.

“Please do not cry, my Lottie.” He eased one long bony finger over hercheek,wipingawayatear.Shecouldn’thelpbutcompletelymeltinside.

Finally,sheturnedtolookhimintheeye,whichprovedtobeabigmistake.Hertearsflowedinconsolablythenanditwasallshecoulddotoburyherfaceinhischest,herhandsknottingaroundthebackofhisneck.

“Valek. I’m so confused. It’s not like I can hide it from you any longer.Eventuallyyouweregoingtohearit.”Shesobbed.

Herestedhisbonycheekontopofherhead,listeningtothethoughtssheknewhehadnotsincepaidmuchattentionto.Thisdidcomplicatethingsquiteabit,andsheknewit.

“Shhh,Lottie.”Hestrokedherhair.“Youshouldn’thave tohideanythingfromme.Youknow that. I toldyou to come tomeunder anycircumstance. Imeantit.”

Hedelicatelyslidhishandupthesideofherarm—agestureshewassurehemeanttobecomforting,butitwasn’t.Shepulledaway.“I’msurethiswasnotthe sort of circumstance youmeant.” She quickly brushed awaymore fallingtears.

Valekheldherbytheshoulders,separatinghimselffarthersohecouldlookdirectly into her burning face. She denied herself from looking up at him,wanting somuch to protect him from her horrible,weird, perverted thoughts.Instead,hergazerestedonthesoppingskirtofherdress.

“Listen tomenow,Lottie.”Hespokegently, thoughhiswordsseemed tocarryacurrentofelectricity.Itmadeherwanttoglanceup,butsheforcedherfocusdownward.

“Not now, norwill I ever forsake you. Not under any circumstance.My

loveisunconditional.Ihopeyoucanunderstandthat.”Hereyespricked,andsheclenchedherjawtighter.“Wearegoingtogohomenowandgiveallofthisupfortonight.Thiscan

bediscussedadifferenttime.”Sheheardasmileonthelastthreewords,andsheknewhewastryingtobe

nothingbutcomfortingagain.Hergazefinallytouchedhis,herheartfeelinglikeithadsplintered.“Butwhataboutyou?Ididn’thuntforyoutonight.”

Hesmiledagain.“I’llbefine.”Hestood.“Come.Let’sgohome.”Heheldhisarmouttoher,offeringtopullherfromthethoughtsshewasdrowningin.

Apprehensively, she took it and they startedwalking together, out of theabandonedgarden.Hereyelidsfeltsoheavy,shefoughttokeepthemopen.Theworld aroundher started to tilt inoddways.Her teethbegan to chatter again.Shejustwanteditalltobeover.

The imageof theWitchhoveringoverhimbranded itself intoCharlotte’smind, and she decided she didn’twant to talk about it anymore.Valek’s handenvelopedhers,butthingsstillfeltalittleweirdsoshetriedtocasuallywriggleherhandfree.Heletitgo,butCharlottewassurehedidn’tmisshermotive.Herarelymissedanything.

“Iwasactually just about to comeand findyouafterour argumentwhensheknockedonthedoor,”hecontinued.

Sheknewhewasonlytryingtomakethingsbetter,but itwasn’tworkingandCharlottewished he had just left it alone. The earth started to tilt a littlemoreunderher feet.Sheblinked, stumbled forward,andcaughtherselfonhisarm.

“Lottie?”Hestopped.“Lottie,areyouokay?”His liquid velvet voice reverberated around in her hollowed-out head. It

almostsoundedlikehewascallingtoherdownalong,steeltunnel.Sheopenedhermouthtorespondwhenhereyesrolledbackintoherhead.Theentireworlddisappearedfromunderheraseverythingfadedtoblack.

*

Aidenwasstillawake,skimmingoveracrumpledsetofparchmentpaper.Everyoneelseinthehousehadalreadygonetobed,andhefoundthesolitude—somethingherarelyexperiencedwithsomanysiblings—soothingasheread.

Beforehim,litbyadimlanternperchednexttohimontheedgeofthesofa,wasalistofnames,allemployedbytheCentralEuropeanMagicRegime.Aidenwas determined to find outwho the assailant from thewoodswas.How dare

anyonefromtheRegime tryandattackhim?Afterall, thatLycanthropeguardshouldhaveknownimmediatelywhohewas.

He glanced up at the small,wooden clock above themantle.The secondhandticked,likeametronome,alittletooloudly.Fathershouldbearrivinganymoment. Aiden had called on him the moment Charlotte left, not wanting torevealtohertheenormoussecrethe’dbeenhidingovertheyearstheyhadbeenfriends.

DanekPricewasnotsimplyamere,woodlandElf.Aidencouldn’thelpbutgrininthedarkroomfromtheutterreverencehefeltforhisfather.

Hearing the familiar sound, like a heavy gush of wind, of someoneprojectingjustoutsidethefrontdoor,Aidenshotupfromthecouch.Hisfatherhadarrivedatlast.AknotformedinAiden’sthroatjustbeforeheapproachedthedoor. It had been a considerable amount of time since they had last seen oneanother.TheRegimedidn’talwaysallowtimeforFathertoreturnhome.Thenagain,heprobablywouldn’thavewantedto,Aidenadmittedwithafrown.

“Son.” Danek lingered in the doorway, a mere astral projection of hisphysicalself.Hisbottomhalfwasnothingbutaswirlingcloudofsmokymist,andanyuninformedpersonmighthavethoughtthey’dseenaghostiftheywereluckyenoughtocatchaglimpse.Aidenguessedhisfather’sphysicalbodymustbe somewhere securewithin thewalls of theRegimepalace.Astral projectionwas considered very dangerous, and by law, something only a very skilledWizardcouldperform.Aidenwasnotyetexperiencedenough.

“Thankyouforcoming,Father.”Aidenloweredhisheadandsteppedaside,allowinghisfather’sastralbodytoenterthecottage.HewatchedDanek’seyesshiftaroundtheroom.Aidenguessedthesmallhomeseemedextremelymodestincomparisontothelavishlifestyleoflivinginthepalace.

“Whereisyourmother?Issheallright?”Anewknot tied inAiden’s throat.He longed for his family to bewhole

againoneday,butheknewthatwasunlikely.“Everyoneissleeping.”“Whyhaveyoucalledonme,then?”Aiden frowned. No matter what, this could not sound like some trivial

schoolyard crush. Thatwasn’t what this was. “I need to speak with the lord,Vladislov,rightway.Itis…regardingsomethingveryimportant.”

Danekraisedaneyebrow.“Somethingbothersyou?”Aiden’s hands trembled slightly, and he shoved them deep within his

pockets.Evenasaspirit,hisfatherwasintimidating.“SinceIwasveryyoung,youtaughtmenevertotrustthefollowersofthedark—”

“Yes,Aiden, thoughyouandyourmotherwentagainstmyword,”Danekinterjected.

Aidenstoppedpacing,lookedhisathisfatherdirectly.“No,Motherneverwentagainstyou.Notforamoment!Butifyouweretobanishme,ofcourseshewasgoingtofollow.Iamherchild!”

Danek’s stern features tensed. “And I am her husband. Aiden, she wentagainst me by befriending one of our natural enemies. Both of you did. Youmustmakeyourpointquickly.Ihavetogetback.”

Aidenlookedatthefloor,choosinghisnextwordscarefully.“Iunderstandnow,”he saidquietly.Therewas amoment of absolute silencebetween them.Aidenhadtoglanceuptoseeifhisfatherwasevenstillthere.“ValekRuzikhaswhat I want. He has committed a serious crime against the Regime.” Aidencontinuedtostruggletoarticulate.“WhatImeantosayis…IamfinallyreadytoacceptVladislov’soffer.”

“Good,”Danekrepliedshortly,foldinghisghostlyarmsbehindhim.“ButAiden,wealreadyhaveaplanfortheVampire….”

*

Valek caught Charlotte and lifted her into his arms with ease. He beganwalkingagainandgazeddownatthefrailgirlhecarriedherthroughthenight.Herfaceseemedaspeacefulasithadthenighthefirstfoundher.Itreallyhadn’tchangedallthatmuch,hedecided.Shewasstillthesweet,confusedlittleLottiewho carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. He hadn’t taken thechance toreally lookather lately.Shehadgrown into suchabeautifulyoungwoman,andherealizedjusthowproudhehadbecomeofher.

As he continued through the quiet town square, Valek listened to herthoughts.Hehadneverpaidthismuchattentiontohermindandfoundhimselfcompletelyentertainedbythementalwarraginginsideher,evenassheslept.

Butthen,andnottohissurprise,anoverwhelmingfeelingofsadnesscameoverhim.ThiswashisCharlotte—hisLottie.Shewashischild.Butnow, thatwhichhadbeensopeacefulforyearswasabouttogrowtoagreatcomplexity.Thisbattlewasnotyetover.Hecouldfeelit.

Valekbarelynoticedthecreaturesgawkingathimfrominsidetheopenedtaverns, nosily wondering what he had done to poor, lifeless Charlotte in hisarms. If it hadn’t been for their annoyingly curious thoughts aimeddirectly athim,heprobablywouldn’thavebeenawareofthematall.Theystaredwiththeirmulti-specied eyes, and whispered things to one another, though with hiskeenness,theymightaswellhavebeenscreaming.Theyelbowedeachotherintheribs,pointingtheirextendedclaws.

A Witch with an edgy, white, bowl cut, chic against her angular face,nudgedEvangeline,wholookedupfromaconversationshe’dbeenhavingwithatall,maleElf.

“Valek!” She shrieked and ran to the center of the square. Several gaspsflutteredfromthecrowd.

Valekstoppedwalking,glancingarounddefensivelyattheoglingeyes.“Valek! What did you do to her?” Evangeline asked, exasperated, and

staringwild-eyed.Valeksawshehadsomehowmanaged togussyupmore thanshealready

hadbeenthatevening.Herchestnuthairswirledinloosecurlsaroundherpaleroundedshoulders.Dark,emeraldeyesglimmeredunderabedofcurledlashes.Butallof thatdidn’tappeal tohimsomuchthis timearound.Itseemedoddlysort of fake, like there was a hag cowering just underneath the layers ofsparklinggossamerandribbon.

Hesneered.“Ididnothing.”“Then,whathappenedtoher?”“Nothing.She’sjustexhausted.”HelookeddownatCharlotteagain.“Whyareyoucryingthen?”Shereacheduptothestreaksofbloodfalling

fromhiseyes.Hewasquicktopullaway,agitated.Hadhereallybeencrying?“Idonot

know. I hadn’t realized it.” He glared back once more at the watchful eyesstaring at them around the village square, noticing how eerily still everythinghadbecome.“IbelieveIamjusttiredaswell.Won’tyouexcuseme?”

“CanIwalkyouhome?”Evangelineasked.Valek shot a malevolent glower at the macho Elf still standing in the

shadows of the tavern. Evangeline apparently did not waste any time findinganothertoytoplaywith.

“I believe your new friend would not feel right by that,” Valek seethedthroughgrittedfangs.“Youmayhurthisfeelings.”

Evangeline’sfaceburnedwithachagrinValekfoundneitherappetizing,norappealing.

“So, I think I’llmake it homemyself.Thanks.”Theurge to kill herwasmoreoutoffuryratherthanthirst,buthekeptwalking,leavingEvangelinealoneinthecenteroftheroad.

Valekfoundhimselfstalkinginsteadofgliding,likehenormallydid,backtohishomeatthefarendofthestreet.Ithadbeenalongtimesincehehadgoneafullnightwithoutblood,thoughhebelievednothingseriouswouldhappentohim.Veins throbbingunder his icy skinpainedhim tono end.The anger thatpulsedinsidehimdidn’thelpthesituationeither.

Allof the lightswerestillon inside.Thedoor leftwideopenafterheranout afterCharlotte.Hemade hiswayback inside and slammed the door shut,barelytouchingit.Hetrudgedupthestairs.Allofthelanternsliningthewallonthewaytothesecondstoryflickeredout,bulbsburstingintothousandsoftinyshardshecrushedunderthesolesofhisshoes.

Charlottehunglimpinhisarms,herstillfacetwitchingeverysooftenwithanewthought.Thefloorboards,whichnormallycreakedwhenCharlottetreadedon them,weresilentunderValek’s feetashemadehisway intoherbedroom.Again, he noted how quiet and still the house felt without her. Charlotte’sbedcovers were still turned down from when she had woken up earlier thatevening.Herecalledtheirargument,instantlyregrettinghavingit.

Helayherdownandremovedhershoes.Charlottewasstilladornedinhersoaking, black dress, her hair clinging in thick pieces to her sleeping face. Anearly invisible shiver made her lower lip tremble, and he knew he had toremovethegarmentbeforeshecaughtherdeath.Adiscomfortquicklyflaredupunder his skin and if he were alive, he imagined it would have been severalshades of chagrin turning him red. He sighed as he bent over her, gingerlyfumblingwiththepearl-facebuttonsbeginningjustbelowhercollarbone,untilhewasabletoslideitcompletelyoffherinonefluidmotion.Quickly,hepulledtheblanketaroundher,hisgaze fixatedon thedusty floorboards insteadofonher.

He gazed at her again. She finally seemed peaceful; though he knew amillionthingshauntedherbehindthoseprettyeyelids.

He sat on the edge of the bed and watched sleep calm her features.Touchinghersoftcurls,twirlingthemaroundhisfingers,helistenedcontentlytoher complicated dreams, not surprised at all that they revolved around him. Itshouldn’thave,butitmadehimsmile.Heglancedoveratthealarmclockonherbedsidetabletoseeitwasalmostfoura.m.

Themusclesinhisarmsfeltweakasthethirststartedtoflareinhisthroatagain.ValekwatchedCharlotte’schestexpandandcontractasshebreathed.Heleaned down and buried his nose in her hair, breathing in her rosy perfume,listeningtothewarmvibrationofherpulse.Itcreatedasharp,stabbingpaininhisgums,hismouthdryinguplikehehadswallowedabaleofcotton.

Lottie,mylove,thereismorethanjusttheonereasonwhywecouldneverbetogether.TheangelandSatan’splaything—togetherforever,hescoffed.

Though,hedidlovebeingsoclosetosomethingsovulnerable,soreal,andso alive, hedecided thatwaswhat he lovedmost about her. Itwas a constantreminderofwhatheusedtobe—whathadbeentakenawayfromhim.

Heinhaledherscentoncemoreandanunrelentingburningshotuptheback

ofhisesophagusagain,worsethistime.Hedartedawayfromher,clingingtothefurthestwall.Rubyveinsglowedathimundertheivorycurrentofherflesh.Heshuthiseyestightagainstthesightofit.Hisgumsthrobbedharder,beckoninghimtofeedandhecoveredhismouthfirmlywiththebackhishand,feelinghiseyesbegintowater.

Slowly,hewalked to thedoor, turningone last time to lookathis“LittleLottie,”knowing thingsweregoing tochangebetween themforever.Thedoorclickedshut.

Heplummeteddownthestairsandintothelibrary,nowmadeeerilydismalbecauseofthedyingfire.Onhisarmchairsatawhite,foldednote.Heopeneditcautiously, already knowing who it was from. Evangeline’s face was creasedfrom thehorizontal fold.Hergray-scale eyes in thepictureopenedwith a sadgazetowardhim.

“Sorry,” the note sounded in an airy, musical voice, double-toned by achordlowerandsadder,beforeitvanishedinacloudofpurpleandgold.

“Itistoolateforsorry,”Valekmutteredandcollapsedintohischair.Heputhisheadinoneclawedhandandsighed.Hislipsthrobbedwiththethirst,andheknewdeathwasimminent in justafewmoments.Hedidn’tevenhaveenoughenergytomakeitbackupstairstohisbedroomandclosethecurtains.

Hesatthere,analyzingthesituationbeforehim.HisLottie,hisdollhehadtreasuredandpolishedforyears,theonehesawaseternallyinnocent,foreveralittlegirl,hadfinallygrownup.

The day he neglected to anticipate had finally come. In the back of hismind,he’dknownitwascoming.Shewaswomanly.Thelittlegirlhe’dwatchedchangebeforehisunchangingeyes,yearafteryearafteryear,hadmadeachangehehadn’tanticipated.Maybehehadn’twantedtoanticipateit,becausehedidn’twanttobelieveshewouldeverchangethatway—thatshewouldevergrowup.Hemulledthisoveruntilthefeelingofperishingwasfinallytoooverwhelmingtoignoreanylonger.

First, breathing became more difficult as he choked and fixated on theoxygen.He foughtwith it until he felt hisbrittle ribsgive to thepressure.Hemoaned softly, carefulnot towakeCharlotte, ashisvision started tohaze andthenblacken.Softfleshhardenedaroundhisdryingbones.Aloudercryrippedfromhimashisspinearchedbackward,pushingagainstthedeaththatclungtohimashe,himself,hadbeendeathclingingtolifehundredsoftimesbefore.

The room grew entirely too cold and he clutched the sides of the chair,tearingholesintheupholsterywithhismangledclawsasheheaved.Hefoughtforeverylastmoment,tearingintohisconsciousnessforonesingleshredoflife.Butthedarknessfinallyenvelopedthevisionoftheroombeforehimasonefinal

imageshimmeredbeforehisblazingeyes.Charlotte.

ChapterSixBedrich,Danek,Kazimirand…Vladislov

Sitting alone in his office chamber, Vladislov watched the world teemoutsidehiswindow.AphenomenalOctobersunpainteditsjack-o-lanterncoloracross themorning sky. Themoon had begun to disappear, fading against theperiwinklecloudsbehindthemountainsoftheWest.Hissideoftheworldwasnow waking up to greet the day as Western civilization tucked itself in foranother dark night.Mortal children stretched in their beds, yawning up at thebrightened sky as their mothers rushed them out into their mundane lives.School.Work.Mortalswastedthisearth.TheytookupspacebetterusedbytheOccult—thosewithwhatheconsideredtohavedivineblood.Butaseverythingordinarywas,theyweretemporary.Dustinthewind.They’dbegonesoon.Hecrackedasmilethatstretchedthecavernouslinesinhisface.

Ever since the advent of life on Earth, there had always been deviationsfromwhat mortal society considered normal. Otherworldly creatures with thedivine spark ofmagic— things only spoken about in fairy tales and legendsamong humans, were the things Vladislov considered normal, and fought toconceal behind walls. But with a powerful civilization comes a powerfulgovernmenttokeeporder,andVladislovresidedattheverytop.

Windwhistled throughhollows in thealleywaysofhiscity,whileunseenspiritsdescendedintothewhitelightofthesunnowrayingoffcarwindshields.Peoplerushedoffintheirlives,completelyunawareofthemorepowerfulforcesexistinginthesimplestformsaroundthem,allofitgoingunnoticed.Itexistedinthewindmalevolentlyblowingtheirhatsintothepathofanoncomingvehicle.Itexisted inside the perilous mind of an envious ex-lover. And it existed in anunassuming building standing very regally near the center of Prague, in OldTown,whereVladislovsat.

TheRegimeHeadquartersdidnotexistinsomegrandOccultcityatthetopoftheworld,asevenheusedtofantasizeasanElvenchild.TheoligarchyofthemasterWizards ruled fromasmallcountry in theheartofEasternEurope inacapital city, infested with mortals, hiding in plain sight — as magic alwaystendedtodo.

Vladislov and his advisors lived and worked in the center of Prague,completelyunbeknownst tomortal society. Itwas themostenchanted,modernmetropolis in the world and the only Occult city the Regime could not hide.

Humanpopulationflockedtothecitymainlyforitsbeauty.Thehistoryetchedinthebrick andmortar ofPragueCastle, theoldgates andbridges, keptmortalscoming, fantasizing about the things theydidn’t knowactually existed.Peoplecouldnotdenytheenergyonefoundwhenwalkingabouttheglisteningstreets.Itwaspowerfulenoughtofuelboththemagicalandthemortalrealms,andsothe Regime made the choice to have their order exist secretly amongst thecommon people of Europe. Because, after all, Vladislov couldn’t blame thelesserspeciesforbeingsoattractedtohisdivinerace.

Totheoutsider, thebuilding’sfaçademighthavelookedlikesomesortofembassy, with darkened, common bricks and long mirrored windows — allthingscompletelyspellbound,ofcourse.Ifhumanbloodevertriedtoenterthepalacedoors,asimple touchof thehandlewoulderaseallshort-termmemory.Vladislovchuckleddarkly.Thegranddoorsalwaysseemedlocked,butcouldbeopenedwitharunemostcommonElveswouldnotbefamiliarwith.TheRegimeremained protected and coveted, even from its own kind, as any othergovernment building was. Its one spire, atop the tarnished dome that shoneturquoise in the sun, protruded high over the other surrounding rooftops. Thebuilding,forthemostpart,seemedcompletelycommon,exceptforthefactthatonceinside,itsdepthseemedtogoonindefinitely.

Kazimir, the lowestof theoligarchy,andamasterof theFifthRealmandpsychic arts, could make human beings see and believe whatever he wantedthemto.Hisnamemeant“thegreatdestroyer”andinmanyways,Vladislovwaslucky to have his younger brother in his good graces. Kazimir was onceresponsible for destroying whole villages in Asia, making it look like theresponsibilityofhumanmilitary.

Bedrichwasthehighpriestoftheoligarchy.Hewasclosestwithair,andamasterofeverythingtheological.Hewasthebrain,andhadbeensincehewasjustayoungElf.Hismassivecraniumhehidunderhoodedrobesreflectedthat.

Then,therewasDanekPrice.HisfamilyhadimmigratedtothegoldencityfromanOcculttowninIrelandwhenVladislovcalleduponhim.Amasteroftheearthlyrealms,hewasbestatcunningstrategy.Danekwasstrongandquiet,justashehadtaughthisson,Aiden,tobe.

Vladislov, the leader of the oligarchy, was a master of every element,something only few could dream of achieving. He could cause and controltsunamis,tornados,flashfloods,brushfires.Anythingtobendotherstoadhereto his will. He indulged himself with the finest of all things and held nocompassionforthecreaturesheconsideredtobebeneathhim.Foremostonhislist,wereVampires—specificallyone:ValekRuzik.Theupstartwho’ddaredbreakintohisroomsutteringdemandsthatwerenothistomake.

Lateoneparticularlydarkwinternightwhenthemoonwasnewandtheskywasatitsblackest,Vladislovsatalone,onceagain,inhischamber.Thebedroomwascompletelydrapedinredvelvetfromthecurtains,tothebedclothes,totheupholsteryusedtomakethechairhesatin.

Theyearwas1989,theyearCzechoslovakiawoulddivideintotwonations.Thehumanconditionabout thecountrywas in turmoil,with the ragingendofoppressionandcommunism.

Hereflectedbythewarmcandlelight,thelawthathadbeenpassedseveraldecades before, written by himself and his younger brother, and revised byBedrichandDanek.Vladislovreadthedecisiontheymadetogether.Bedrichhadtried to persuade Vladislov not to pass the one law, which would lock everyOccultcreatureinsidetheirsecretcitiesforever,makingitunlawfulforthemtocross over the borders into mortal society. But Bedrich’s attempt had beenfeckless, and Vladislov made it so — doing this without anticipating therepercussionthatwouldadvanceonthisnight.

Hewasabouttoturninfortheevening,leaningovertoblowouthiscandle,whenablack shadowcrashed through the frostywindowpane.ShardsofglasswhizzedthroughtheairtotheflooraroundVladislov.Chilledwinterairfromthenightsteepedthedeep,redbedroom,causingthecandlestoflickeroutontheirown.

Cold wind blew Vladislov’s long, silver, wiry hair about his face as hesquinted through the darkness for the intruder. Something inhumanly fastwhizzed past him.He shot up from his chair. Thiswasn’t any kind ofmortalthief.

“Whointrudes?Idemandtoknow!”hebellowed.The shadow leapt to the other side of the room. Vladislov spun to look

behindhim,tryingtocatchthething,buthehadnosuchluck,thecreaturewasfast.Itmovedagain,makingoneofhistoweringbookshelvescrashtothefloor.Vladislovcouldhearguardsstirringdownstairsfromtheruckus.

“Youwillbepunisheddearlyfor this,whoeveryouare!”Vladislovspokeagain,histonesignificantlymeeker.“MyguardsarecomingwiththeirLycans.Youwillbetorntoshreds!”

ThebeingslowlycreptupbehindtheWizardandletoutacoldbreaththatslippedlikeachillofdeaththebackofVladislov’sneck.

“Iknowwhatyouplan todo.Donot sign thatdocument, sir,oryouwillsurelylivetoregretit,”thephantomhissed.

“Whoareyou?”hedemanded.“Iamthethingwhichwillwatchyoufromtheshadowsuntil thedayyou

die,”thecreaturewhispered.“Thethingthatwillhauntyouasyoudream.The

onlything…youwillneverdefeat.”Vladislov,whohadstealthilymovedhisbonyhandtohisdesk,graspeda

letter opener. He whipped his arm around and slashed the mysterious man’sthroat open, blood spewing as the figure recoiled back into the darkness. Butwhen he looked to see the body, nothingwas there. Thewizard let out a softsoundofterrorashesuddenlyfeltsomeonestandingbehindhim.Thecreature’sclawsslashedatVladislov’shand,slicingitoffatthebone,knockingthebloodyletteropenertotheground.

Vladislovletoutaloudcryofpainasheclutchedhisspewingarm.Hefelltothefloorandcrawledlikeaninsectfromafalcon.

The obscure creature brought one clawdown towrap aroundVladislov’sneckandsenthimhurlingintothewall.Hisbackcrunchedwiththeimpact.

The shadow slowly made its way to stand before him. The moonlightshimmeredoffthecreature’sthreateningfangedgrin.

“Vampire!”Hegasped.TheVampireletoutalowchuckle.“Theonlythingyouwillneverdefeat,”

theVampire repeated, just as the chamber door flew open. Guards rushed in,theirfootstepsboomingonthefloorboards.

“There!”VladislovgesturedwithonespindlyfingerattheVampire.Justastheguardsandtheirwolveslunged,heleaptbackthroughtheopen

windowintothedarknight.Therewasnoevidenceleftofthefiasco,otherthanthedestroyedchamberandthe‘LawOne’soakedinhisredwine.

*

Eighteen years later, theRegime’s hatred for the blood-sucking creaturescontinuedtoconsumeitsfourleaders.Vladislovthoughtofwaystomakesureitwouldneverhappenagain.Hewouldsitup,sleeplessnightaftersleeplessnight,devisingwaystomakelifemoredifficultfortheonlythinghewouldneverwinagainst and every night, he came upwith the same solution: rid the Earth ofVampires completely. Form amass genocide, and the world would no longerhavetofeartheblooddemons.

“Sir?” A young Elf that worked in the building as a page interruptedVladislov’s reverie.“Excuseme,sir,but theVampires fromtheNorthernmostSlovakianoccultcityhavearrived,sir.”

Vladislovnoddedandwavedhimaway.Kazimir soon took the boy’s place in the room as hewalked over to his

elderbrotherandputonehandonhispointedshoulder.

“Tomorrow is the day, Vlad,” he said warmly. “This is only the first ofmanyOccultdistrictstobecleared.Soon,theentireworldwillnothavetoworryaboutthesesavagesappearingbytheirbedsidesanymore.”

Vladislovslowlygotupfromtheleatherarmchairwithatiredsmile.“Yes,Kazimir. Soonhuman childrenwill forget every vampiric fairy tale

evertold.Itwillbeasthoughthey’veneverexisted,andwecanallresteasier.”“Canyoubelieveoneofthemactuallyaskedmewhatshewasbeingtried

for?”Kazimir laughed, linesformingaroundhisdark,shiningeyes.Helookedalmostidenticaltohisbrother,thoughabitmoreyouthful.

“How did you respond?” Vladislov only slightly shared in his brother’samusement.

“Itoldhertheywereallguiltyonthecountofruthlessmurder.Howcouldwe let creatures such as these exist after killing thousands of people, andendangeringoursecret?”Kazimirbeamed.“ThelittledemonlookedatmelikeIhadthreeeyes.”Hislaughwasthunderousagain.“Youshouldhaveseenthewayshe clawed at those bars, as though she were strong enough to rip throughplatinum.”

“Let us see how strong they arewhen they are forced tomeet eyeswithsunrise,”Vladislovseethed,andstartedoutofthelargeroom.

“Good day, brother.” Kazimir eyed him as Vladislov nodded anddisappearedbehindthedoorwithoutanotherword.

ChapterSevenNoRestfortheWicked

Charlottestretchedasshewoke.Thecurtainsweredrawn, letting thesoftlightin.Itwasseveno’clock.ThesunhadhaditsturnintheEasternhemisphereandwasnowfadingdeepintotheWest.Twilighthadcomeuponthesmalltown,coloringtheskywithswirlingtuftsofpinkandgold.

Bolting up, she gasped and jumped out of bed. She fought to rememberhow she had gotten there, and peering down, why she wasn’t in her nightclothes.Shegazedaroundtheroom,notseeingValekanywhere.Howcouldshehavefallenasleep?Thelastthingsherememberedwasthecoldnight,thespider,and…Evangeline.

The memory of the night came flooding back to her. The pain, theconfusion, the ridiculous jealousy all burned within the tears forming in thecornersofhereyesagain. Itcouldn’thavebeenadream, thoughshewished itwere.Itwastheonlywaytoexplainthedull,familiarpainthatreverberatedinherchest—atelltalesignofabrokenheart.

Shequicklyslippedonjeansandasweaterandmadeherwayintothehall,seeingValek’sbedroomdoorwideopen.Charlottestopped,listened.Shedidn’thearValekstirring inhisoffice. It seemed tooearly forhim tohavegottenupalready.Whatifsomethingawfulhappenedtohimlastnight?Therewasnowayhecouldbeawakeyet.Sherandownstairs.

In the library, remnantsofadying fireglistered inaheapofblackashes.CharlottelurchedwhenshefinallysawanemaciatedValek,sprawledoutinhisarmchairlikehehadbeenthereforoverfourhundredyears.

Shemuffledascreambehindherarm.Something reallyhadgonewrong.Whywasn’theinhisbedroomwiththethickcurtainsdrawn?Hadhebeenthereall day?Was he really hurt? She tore through hermemory for an answer butdidn’trememberwhattookplaceaftertheirconversationinthechurchyard.

Cautiously, she padded toward his corpse and suddenly stilled.His chestabruptlyjumped.Herheartpoundedasshewatchedhimlungeforward,gaspingfor air. Valek clawed at his shirt, heaved as he bent in half. He coughed upsomethingblackandputridashestruggled to inhale, thestuffoozingbetweenhisfingersashetriedtocoverit.Hegraspedthesideofthechairwithhisotherhand.Charlottewatched,horrified,ashisskeletalframeseemedtoexpandbackinto semi-living flesh. His eyes, like ink stains, scowled at her from under a

wickedshroudoftousled,darkhair.Sheinchedforwardbuthehaltedherwithanoutstretchedclaw.“Stop!”Hechokedoutmoreofthebilespewing.“Donot…comeanycloser.”Heheavedagain.“Ineed—”Hehackedagain.Kneesquaking,Charlotteballedherfistsinherhair.Shehadn’thuntedfor

himlastnight.“I’mgoing.Don’tworry,Valek!”Sheboltedoutofthehouse,notforgetting

herwhistle,stillstrungsafelyaroundherneck.Thenightwasasfrostedastheonebeforehadbeen.WindblewCharlotte’s

curls inhereyes, thoughshequicklyclawedthemoutofherfaceashershoescrunchedinthegravelandleavesbetweenthefixedstonesinthepath.Shecouldfeel her heart, damaged and throbbing inside her, as she pushed onward. Nomatterhowhurtshewas,itcouldn’tstopherfromhunting.Nomatterhowbadlyhe’dhurther,itwouldneverdrivehertodothesametohim.Quickly,shemadeherwayintothetownsquare,notwantingtorunintoanyonethatmightdistracther.ShepassedBrouckaGeneralStoreandsawthelittle,burlapguardianstaringsadlyatherthroughthespotlesswindow,raginhand.Hewavedmeekly.

CharlottefrownedatEdwin,awareheknewmorethanshedidaboutwhathappened last night. ShewatchedEdwin shake his head and hobble back intodeeperendsoftheshop.Sonowhecouldn’tevenbeartolookather?Shedidn’tblamehim.Herthoughtswereawful.Shecringed.

“Charlotte!”Asickeninglyfamiliarmusicalvoicerangoutfrombehindher.Evangeline.Sheclenchedherjawtight.

Thevileenchantressranuptoherfromherusualplaceinthevillagetavern.“CanItalktoyou?”Evangelineasked,breathlessly.

“No.” Charlotte scowled and kept walking, pushing herway through thecrowdingElvesandimps.

But Evangeline was determined and kept up effortlessly alongsideCharlotte.“Please?Ireallywanttotalktoyou!”theWitchbegged.

“Idon’thavetime.”“Listen! Iwant to say I am really sorry aboutwhat happenedyesterday.”

Evangelinewasshovedbackwardbyonelargeogre.“Ididn’t thinkitwaslikethatbetweenyoutwo!”

Charlotte stopped dead in her tracks, whirling around to face theWitch,onlybarelybreathingthroughclenchedteeth.“Likewhat?”Herhandswoundinknotsathersidesashershoulders trembled.Donotgetangry;donotmakeascene.

“Idon’tknow.”Evangelinesheepishlytuggedatalockofhair.“Whenyousawusinthelibrary,youreactedlikeyouhadfoundhimcommittingadulteryor

something.”Charlotte’s nostrils flared. She jabbed a finger at her. “I do not have to

explaintoyouwhatit’s‘like’betweenValekandI!Thatisreallynoneofyourbusiness!” She turned on her booted heels and began storming through thesquareagain.

“Then, it’s really none of your business if we see each other or not,”Evangelinecalledafterher.

Charlotte closed her eyes tight,wishing fangswouldmagically appear inher mouth. She spun around. “For your information”—a few of the Occultpatronsstopped,gawkingwide-eyedatthetwo.ItmadeCharlotte’scheeksburn—“Valekismybusiness!Hehasbeenmybusinessforalmosteighteenyears!”

“Exactly!”Evangelinestartedtoyellthen.“Heisyourfather!”Charlotte’s jawdropped,hereyesprickingwith thehorriblyembarrassing

feeling she was about to cry. She hadn’t expected those words to come fromEvangeline’s mouth. Father. Salty tears stung her eyes, but she forced themback.

“He doesn’t feel that way about you, Evangeline. He told me he neverwould.”Charlotte soughther revengequietly this time. “Valek is toogood foryou.”She took a few slow steps closer. “And letme fill you inon somethingelse. Valekwas like my father until you came along and ruined everything!Becauseofyou, thingsarenevergoing tobe thesamebetweenusagain!”Hottears streameddownher face; she couldn’thelp it.Thehonestyof it all stungworse when articulated, like the tormenting thoughts had suddenly becometangible.“Sohere….”CharlottereachedintothepocketsofherjeansandtossedafewsilverycoinsatEvangeline'shigh-heeledtoes.“ThepaymentValekoweshis harlot from last night. In full.”With that,Charlotte turned oncemore andspedawayfromthelingeringcrowd,andtheWitch.

ButEvangelinewasrelentless.“Charlotte?"Charlotte rolledhereyes.Apparently, therewasnowayshewasgoing to

winthiswithoutcreatingevenmoreofascene.SheturnedoncemoretolookatEvangelineandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.

“I really had no idea. You have got to believe that I’m really sorry.”Evangeline’sgazeshimmeredwithahintofmoisture.

Charlottetightenedherjaw,butsaidnothing.“Please?”Silence.“You’reright,Charlotte.Iwasn’tawareofthesituation.Ididn’trealizehow

closeyoutwoare.”Charlotterelaxed.Shedidn’twanttofightanymore.“Youmeanhowclose

wewere.What did you think,Evangeline?He raisedme.How separate couldValekandIpossiblybe?Ithasalwaysbeenjustthetwoofus.Whatmakesyouthink I’d everwant that to change?”Charlotte looked up at the tall, gorgeouswomanwithmagicaltraitsthatmadeherclosertoValekthenherownhumanitycould,andherheartsank.“Andyourapologyreallyisn'tgoingtoundoanyofthisdamagenow.”

“You’reright.Ididn’tthink.”Evangelinelookedattheground.Thetwoofthemstartedwalkingagaininsilence,togetherthistime.

“It’s fine.You’re forgiven.You can go back now,”Charlotte finally saidoncetheyreachedtheedgeofthetownsquare.

“Iwanttocomewithyou,”Evangelinepersisted.“Idon’tlikeyouleavingtheOccultbordersalone.Valekwouldn’tlikeiteither.It’sverydangerous”

“Butyouaren’tallowedtoleave.Trustme,it’smoredangerousifyoucomewithme.”ThememoryofCharlotte'slegwoundfromtheotherdayproddedatherconsciousness.NomatterhowshedespisedEvangeline,Charlottewouldfeeltooguiltyifanythinghappenedtoherwhentheycrossedtheborders.

“Letmerightmywrongs,”shebegged.“Icanprotectyou.IcangetyoutoPragueintwoseconds!Itwillbeeasy.”

Charlottecouldseeshewasnotabout togiveupanddecided the less thetwoofthemspoke,thebetter.Theywalkedtogetherthroughtherowsofhouses,throughthedarkcanopyoftrees,thefakecemetery,andtheblackirongate.Thelargecrescentmoonhunglowintheskyandmadethelong,dirtroadaheadofthemlooklikeasilverserpentinariverofgrass.Soundsofthenightsurroundedthem.Anowl,adistancedown the tunnel,hoo-ed from itshidingplace in thecanopy.Acalmbreezemadeasoftruffleinthewheatfields.Charlotteimaginedthateventhestarsseemedtohavetheirowndistinctivetwinklingsound.

“Sowhereareyouplanningongoing?”Evangelineasked.“Icangetyouanywhere.”

“Idon’tknow.”Charlottesighed.“NormallyIjustwalkuntilIhappenuponanighttravelerorasmalltown.”

“Andthenwhat?”“IpretendI'mlost.Iaskiftheycanhelpmefindmyway.Sometimesmy

conversation distracts them, sometimes…it doesn’t.” Charlotte’s tone droppedseveraldecibels.“Butnormallybythattime,theyarealreadythroughthegate,andValek is fastwhen I call for him.By the time I’m home, they’re alreadydead,andhe’ssmokinghispipeinthelibrary.”Charlottedidn’telaborateonthedetails; how sometimes when they didn’t come as quietly as she hoped, sheresortedtoknockingthemout.Shecouldn’tkillthem.Valekcouldn’tdrinkfromadeadheart.Charlottepuffedoutherchestalittle.Theseduction,thekilling—

thatdidmakeherclosertoValekthanEvangeline.“Butaren’tyoufrightened?”Evangeline'seyesgrewwide.“Yes.Andit’sdangerous,ofcourse.ButIhavethis.”Charlotteheldoutthe

small,silverywhistle,inscribedwithascrawlingcursiveCononesideandthefaceof themoonon theother. It glistened in thedim starlight. “Valek alwayscomeswhenhehearsthis.”

A little ways down where the crop fields started, Charlotte noticedsomethingstirringbetweenthestalkscaughtEvangeline’sattention.TheWitchgrabbedCharlotte’sshoulder,wrinklinghernose.

“Wait,”shewhispered.“There’sone.”Sheindicatedwithalong,manicuredtalon.

Charlottesquinted,siftingthroughtheshadows,butitwastoodarkforhertosee.

“Letmehandlethis.”Evangelinegrinned.“Youreallydon’thavetodothat—”“Iwantto.Trustme.”CharlottewatchedasEvangelinesaunteredupthegrassybank,leavingher

standing,armsfolded,inthemiddleofthedirtroad.Theman creeping through the tall crops, undoubtedlyup to some sort of

badbehavior,stoppedmovingandanalyzedthelengthofthesorceressinfrontofhim.Charlotte felt her stomach turn.Huntingwould be somuch easier if IlookedlikeEvangeline.

“Goodevening.”Hesmiledwryly,undressingherwithhishumaneyes.“Hello.”Shesmiledback.“You'reoutalittlelate,aren’tyou?”Theman,clearlyhavingescapedfromsomewhere,rubbedathistorn,right

sleeve.“Yes.Andyourselfaswell.”“MyfriendandIaretravelingthisroadalone,andIthinkwe’reextremely

lost.”Shegiggled.AlightflashedinhereyesandsuddenlythemortalseemedtoinstantlyturntobutterinEvangeline’shand.

He chuckled back. “Where are you headed?” he asked, the smile notleavinghishandsome,spellboundface.“PerhapsIcanhelp.”

“South,”shesaid,andgavenofurtherinformation.SheglancedbackonceatCharlotte.

“Well,IsupposeIcouldaccompanyyouuntilwereachthenexttown.”He offered his arm. She accepted.Themoment her flesh touched his, all

humanqualitiesinhisfacefizzled,flickeringoutinhiseyeslikeanextinguishedcandleflame.

Charlotte’s head cocked to one side upon seeing Evangeline's effects.Amazing. She probably had those powers against all men. Charlotte sighed.

MaybeValekreallydidn’thaveanadvantageagainstEvangelinelastnight.Evangelineandthemanstartedwalkingbackdownthegrassybanktothe

dirtroad.Shewaswatchingthetwowalkandlaughtogether,thoughtheman’slaugh

washollowandenchanted,whensheheardalowrumblecrawlupherspineandintoherears.Charlottedroppedherarmstohersides.

Evangelineandthemanfrozealso, lookingpasther towhatwasstandingjustbehind.

“Charlotte….”Evangelinesqueaked.Charlotte slowly twisted her head around to see a half-phased Lycan

standingthere,lowerpartslikeamanandfangsdripping;itsslantedeyesfixatedon her horrified face. She recognized the scar on the left eye and slightindentation in its head fromwhen theyhad firstmet in the tree tunnel. ItwasguardingtheOccultborder;Charlottesuddenlyfoundherselfinheapsoftrouble.

She gingerly slid her hand up to her chest for herwhistlewhen thewolfstruckherwithitsmassiveclaw,sendingtheglimmeringobjecthurtlingoutofherhand.Itsclawsleftdeepgashes inherarmasshe tumbledfacefirst to theground.

Charlottecoughedupathickclodofdirtandrolledontoherback,tryingtofill her lungs with air instead. The animal loomed over her, a low grumblebristling the furaround itsneck, itsnosealmostgrazinghers.Abloodcurdlingscreamrippedoutfromherchest.

Sheheardthemortalmanyellfromsomewherebehindher.“Wehavetodosomething!”

“Thewhistle,Evangeline!”Charlotteyelledfromunderneaththewolf.“Getthewhistle!”

Evangeline,whohadbeenfrozeninastateofterror,suddenlysnappedandranforthelittlesilverthingtwinklinginthedirt.Thewolfdiverteditsattentionto her, leapt away from Charlotte, lunged for Evangeline, who now had thewhistleclaspedtightlyinherhand.Evangelineshriekedwhensomethingsmalldartedinfrontofthelargeanimal,interceptingitfromher.

Charlotte rolledonherelbowsandsaw thesmallbody thewolfwasnowthrashingaroundwithinthedirtwasEdwin.ThesoundofburlaprippingmadebilecrawlupCharlotte’sesophagus.ShecouldseepilesofstuffingspillingoutoneofEdwin’slimbs.

“Edwin!” She stumbled forward, tripping as she ran for the beast. Shelacked a plan, but her mind was clouded with the image of Edwin’s body.Charlotte leapt onto the beast’s back and pounded on it with her fists as itcontinuedtosnarlandtear.

Someoneelsejumpedonnexttoher.Inaflashofmoonlight,shesawitwasthe mortal man before she was thrown off into the dirt again. The wolf-manvaultedaway from thenow lifelesspileof ragsandbackatCharlotte,pinninghertotheground.Itdugitsclawsdeepintohershouldersasshecriedout.

Evangelineblewthewhistlewithallhermight;thesoundtrilledhighabovethegrowling.

The Lycan was about to tear Charlotte’s face off when a silver shadowgunnedthroughthenightandslammedintothebeastatfullforce.

The two skidded several feet through the dirt. They tangled, throat forthroat,limbforlimbinthedarkness.VampireandLycanthrope.Evangelineranover,pulledCharlotteintoherlapandheldherastheywatchedbothfiguresrollandtumblewitheachother,growlingandflashingsilveryfangsandclaws.

Valekroared,clutchingthehalf-wolfbytheneckandsentitflyingintoanelm,itsbodycrunchingagainsttheimpactofthethicktrunk.

Thehumanman,hisclothessoakedinhisownbloodanddirt,staredwildlyatthefourofthem.FirstEvangeline,thenCharlotte,nextValek,andfinallythewolfwhimperingontheground.Hewatchedasittwitched.Itfoughttogetup,stumblingoveritselfandshakingitsheadbeforeitsetoffdeepintotheforest,disappearingintheheavyshadows.

“Lethimgo.”Valeksighedthroughhisexhaustion.Herolledoverontohisback andpanted. “He’ll die soon enough.He’s tooweak.”He inhaled slowly,seemingtosmellthefreshbloodlingeringintheair.Hisnostrilsflared,andhesnappedhisneck in thedirectionof theoneclosest tohim, eyes enveloped inblack.

BothCharlotteandEvangelinestaredinhorrorattheVampiretheythoughtthey knew so well. The monster before them, however, seemed altogetherdifferent.Hisgentlemannerismshadsunkensomewheredeepinthedarkwatersofhismind.HelookedatCharlotteasasharkwouldlookatbleedingbait.Thedrunkenpassionbehindhiswildgazesurfacedashestumbledtowardher,fangsgleamingbehindpartedlips.Hemoanedsoftly,tortured,aroused,hungry.

Creepingevercloser,hegottohisknees,sinkingoneclawinthesoftdirt.Heleanedinsoclosetoherface,shecouldfeelhiscoldbreathonhereyelashes.ShepressedherbackmorefirmlyagainstEvangeline’sshoulder.

“Charlotte—”hehissed.Thesoundofhisvoicewasforeignandserpentineasitslidfrombehindhislips.Herpulsequickenedinherthroatandshewilledittosteady,shuttinghereyes.

CharlottefeltEvangeline’sgriponhertighten.“Yes,Valek.It’sCharlotte.It’sLottie,”Evangelinesoothed.Valek’swildgazedidnot leaveCharlotte’s throat.“Lottie—”Hebreathed

again,sayingtheword,butattachingnocomprehendiblerecognition.CharlotteswallowedandbravelypulledawayfromEvangeline.Sheinched

closer toValek, looking directly into his eyes.The sound of her pulsewas asvibrantinherownearsasshewassureitwasinhis.

“Yes,Valek.LittleLottie.”Shesmiledandhummedthefamiliarlullabyhehadalwayshummedtoherwhenshewasafraid.ThesamesongwhentheFairyhadattackedherinhisoffice,andwhenthethunderstormshadscaredher.“LittleLottie,”shesangagain.

Something human grasped at the flickering light in his eyes, and hewithdrewfromher.Hestoodbackup,fightinghardwithhimself,forcingtoturnaway.

“L–Lottie.” His breathing was staggered as his hands balled into fistsagainsthiseyes, rubbingthemfeverishly.Hisfocus turnedon theothermortalwhowasstaringatthem,apetrifiedmessinthedirt.

Themanwrithed on the ground, trying his hardest to stand and run.Butsomething cracked in his hip, causing him to arch backward and cry out.Hisheadpressedtotheground.Tearsdrenchedhisbloodyface.

Valek’s eyes glazed over again.He bent to the ground at theman’s side.“Thatisalovelysmell,”hewhispered.Valekrearedback,asacobrawould,andstruck,sinkinghisfangsdeepintothemortal’sjugular.

EvangelineletoutatinyscreamasCharlotteburiedherfaceintheWitch’sangular shoulder. Evangeline tried to cover Charlotte’s ears so shewould nothavetoheartheman’sinevitabledemise.

*

Warm,thickichorrushedpastValek’slipsandranslickdownhisthroatlikehot,sweetmolasses.Heheld thehuman’snecksecure tohimasheswallowedheartily,enjoyingthegrappleasthemanclawedandshoved.Helistenedtohiswildheartbeat, like thepulsationofa thousandhornets.Theman’s lifepooledaroundValek’slips,thesmellsingeinghisnostrils.

Finally, the humanwas drained, finished, andValek came up for air. Hecraned his head toward themoon as the leftovers swam in a string of garnetdownthesideofhisface.Theanimalinhimdisappeared,andeventhoughsomeofthefeelingstillstuckattheforefrontofhisconsciousness,hewasatleastsaneagain.HeslowlygottohisfeetandturnedtoseeEvangelinequaking,clutchingCharlotteasthoughshewereasmallchild.

Valek frowned thenknelt beside themagainwith awary look toward the

Witch.HeplacedacoolhandonhisCharlotte’sshoulder.Charlotte’sheadimmediatelyshotup,hereyesdrenched.Thatwasthefirst

timeshehadeverlookedathimlikethis.Likeamonster.Hehushedher,runninghislongfingersdownhercheek.

“I am so sorry, Lottie,” he said sadly. This time he really had donepermanentdamage.“Don’tcry.”Hecaughtatearthatlingeredonherface.

Charlotte’skneesshook like theymightcave.Shesaw theheapofburlapandstuffingontheroad.Edwin,theonceenchantedragdoll,laydeadinthemixoffuranddirt.ShelookedtoEvangelineagain,apleainhereyesthistime.

“Icanfixhim.”AtearrolleddowntheWitch’sbloodlessface.“Ipromise.Itwillbe…easy.”

Charlottenodded, finally starting to feela little lessnumbas theonsetofsadness began to swell at the bottom of her throat. She didn’t say anything.Instead,shegotupandgazeddownatthetowofthem.TheglamorousWitch’shair was caked to her face with dirt and sweat, though she was still just asbeautifulassheeverwas.CharlotteglancedatValekonelasttime.

Valek, Charlotte’s only confidant in the world, was now beyondrecognizabletoher—theirdifferencespainfullyapparent.Shewouldneverbeclosetowhathewas.Shewastheprey,alinkinhisfoodchain.She’dneverfeltsofarremovedfromhim.Notwhenhearguedwithheraboutsneakingintohisbedroom.Notevenwhenshe’dfoundhimwithEvangelinethenightbefore—herworstfearrealized.

Sheranbackdownthedirtroad.Backtoherhome,towhereitalwaysusedto be safe.Back towhere thingswere familiar. She ran as thewind dried thetearsonherface.Sheranuntilallshecouldthinkaboutwasthepathinfrontofher.Sheran,leavingValek,Evangeline,andacrumpledlittleEdwinbehind.

ChapterEightReservations

ValeksurprisedCharlottewhenshebreathlesslystumbledthroughthefrontdoor. Of course he had beaten her home. The air was blazing in her tatteredlungs.Therewasnowhereelseforhertoruntonow.

“Whydidyourun?”Valek’slipspeeledoverhisfangswhenshedidn’tanswerhimimmediately.

Hestormedupandgrabbedherbytheshoulders.“Whydidyourunaway?”hedemandedagain,shakingher.“It’sme,Charlotte.”

Itwasalltoomuchforher.Shecollapsedtoherknees.MeredithPricehadbeenright.Valekwasamonster.

Valek,keepinghisholdonher,alsoloweredtothefloor, transforminghisgrasp into an embrace instead. She pressed her face into the hollow of hiscollarbone,wishingithadbeenacomfortablefeeling,likeitalwaysusedtobe.

“It’sjustme,Lottie.”Nowhecried,histearswashinghiseyesred.Charlottelookeddownasthey

splashedinrubybeadsonthefloorbesideher.“Youaresafewithme.Ipromiseyouthat.Idon’tknowwhathappenedtomeoutthere,”hewhispered.

Shelookedupathim,attemptingdesperatelytosteadyherbreathing,butitcontinuedtobreakininvoluntarygulps,likesmallchildrendidwhentheycouldnotcontrol theircryingfits.Charlotteclosedhereyesagainst thesightofhim,but still felt hisweight all aroundher.Shepulled away andquietlygot toherfeet.Afteronesilentmomentlookingdownathim,shetraipsedupthestairstoher bedroom, feeling his gaze on her back the whole way up. She carefullyguardedherthoughtsuntilshewasaway.

Shemoved over to her vanity mirror and gaped at the streaks of browncakedonherfaceandclothes.Sheforcedherbreathstocomeoutevenandusedthesideofherdeskasacrutch.Thesoftbreezeoutsideheropenwindowcooledher hot face as she tried to shift one of her shoulders, still drenchedwith thedryingblood.Sheflinched.Thewoundstungwherethecottonclungtoit.

Sheleanedinalittleclosertothemirror,tenderlypullingawayhersweaterto examine the lacerations further, whenValek’s dark reflection in themirrormade her jump. She spun around to see him looming there sadly against herdoorsill.

Charlotterespondedbyavertinghergazetothefloor.

Heapproachedherand liftedhishandswithoutaword toher toexamineher.

Whenshedidn’toffer,hesaid,“Ineedtomendthis,Charlotte,beforethewoundsbecomeinfected.Yourbodytemperatureisalreadyabithigh.”

Charlottegingerlyshiftedherarmtohim,wincingasitmoved.He looked closely at the gash, trying to pull the fabric away to see the

damagemoreclearly.“Icannotassesshowserious this is.”Hisvoicewasstoicandempty. If it

were possible, which she didn’t think it was, Charlotte’s heart sank a littlefurther.“You’regoingtohavetotakethatoff.”Herolleduphissleeves.

Shefrozeforaminute,rememberingshehadnothingonunderneath,otherthanherbra.Bloodpooledtoherface,andshebitdownonherlip.ShelookedupatValekwhowas staringbacknumbly,but expectantly.Slowly, she turnedand began peeling off the sweater, in spite of the voice in her head that hadsuddenly begun protesting very loudly. He had known her since she was indiapersafterall.Thiswasn’tsobad.

Thearticleofclothingdroppedinaheaponthefloorbyherfeet.Whenshefacedhim,sheheardValekclearhisthroat,asifheractionsmadehimnervousaswell.Perhapssheshouldhavelistenedtothevoice.

Hesquintedatthedeepgashesinhershoulders,takingonefrailarminhisfrigid talons.Her heart pounded so frantically, she bet he could see it leapingthroughherskin.Acoolsweatbegantoformonherbrow.

“Thisisverydeep,”hediagnosedwithasigh.“Comedownstairs,please,soIcancleanitandcloseitup.”Hekepthistoneevenasheledthewayoutoftheroom.

Charlottemeeklyfollowed,makingthewoodcreakbeneathher.HermindflickeredbacktoMeredithPriceagainassheglanceddownattheblooddryingonherbody.Thedullstenchofrustandironcircledher.Itwasprobablymuchmoreprevalent toValek,shesuspected.The inevitablewordsresounded inherheadoncemore.

‘Vampire.’‘Youcanneverbetoocareful.’ValekopenedthedoortohisstarkofficeThewallsandcabinetswerewhite,

sterile almost to the point of being eerie.Theydid notmatch the rest of theirhome at all. This room seemed lifeless, which was appropriate. Being hereinstantlymadeheruncomfortableas shebegan togo throughallof thedeathsthat she knew had happened here. A chill suddenly kissed the tops of hershouldersandshehuggedherself.

“Haveaseat,”Valekinstructedforbearingly,gesturingtothelarge,leather

office chair behind hismassive, slate desk. The lack of tone in his voicewasunnerving.Itsoundedhollowandmetallic.Hiseyesseemedtobemadeofslate.

Hewentintothecabinetunderthesinkinthecornerandpulledoutabottleofrubbingalcohol,suture thread,andwhitegauze towrap thewounds in.Shewatchedhimcarefully,wantingsobadlytoarticulatewhatshewasthinking.Shewanted to ask him questions, to solve the problems, but her tongue stayedswollen in her mouth. She just sat there quietly, her eyes fixed on his face,searchingforanysignofemotionatallashewalkedbackovertoher.

He leanedcasuallyon thecornerofhisdeskandstarted todab thebloodaway with the alcohol. Charlotte flinched. The smell of it invaded the entireroom;Charlottecouldtellhestillwasn’tbreathing.

“Lookaway,please.”Hisvoicewaslow,almostawhisper.Hestartedtosewupthegashesinherleftshoulder.Wincingeverytimethe

needlepoked throughherskin,sheclawedat thechairarms.Her teethgroundtogether as she chose something to focus on, deciding to fix her gaze on adrawingofhers thathungon thewall inablack-wire frame. Itwasacolored-pencilversionofbothofthem,infrontofaboxmeanttoresembletheirhouse.Somethingshehadgivenhimwhenshewasten.Thesimplicityof thecoloredmarkingsmadehersmile.Onlyhewouldhavefounditbeautifulenoughtoputinastupidframe.

“Done,”hesaid,releasingher.She lookedathim,surprised. It seemed like itdidn’t takeany timeatall.

Shegotupfromhischair.“Thankyou.”Withoutanotherword,shewalkedoutoftheoffice.

Sheranbackupthestairsandintoherbedroomtofindsomethingtocoverherselfwith.Therewasatimewherethatsituationwouldn’thavebeenawkwardatall,thoughitwasnow.

Afteraquick,hotbath,sherifledthroughsomedifferenttopsinherdresserdrawer,settlingonacobaltbutton-down.Withoutopeningit,shesliditoverherhead andhurried to her closetwhere she pulled out a light, pink sweater, oneValekhadpickedoutforherlastyear.

She plopped down on her bedwith her sketchbook and a black, graphitepencil,andstartedsketching,notsurewhatshewasdrawingyet,justlettingthegraphitelinesmarkwheretheywanted.HerabilitieshadsignificantlyimprovedsincethatdrawingshegaveValekwhenshewasten.

Shesuddenlyfoundherselfconcentratingonthatframedpictureagain,howit looked hanging in his office, and started re-sketching itwith the ability shenowpossessed.Maybewhenallof thisconfusing turmoilwasoverand thingswerebacktothewaytheywerejustafewdaysago,shewouldgiveittohim.

Focusedonwhatshewasdoing,shejumpedhalfwayoutofherskinwhensomething abruptly chinked against her windowpane. She put her sketchbookdown, eyeing the glass, waiting for that deformed Lycan to come leapingthroughit,bentonrevenge.

Somethingthuddedagainstitagain,andsheslowlygotupandwalkedovertoit.Sheliftedthepaneandlookedoutintothenight.StandingonthegroundwasAiden, clutchingvariouspebbles inhishand.Hedropped theonehewasabouttothrowandsmiledupather.

“Charlotte!”Hewavedhishandaroundabovehishead.“Shutup!”shewhisper-yelledathim.“Areyoureallythrowingpebblesat

mywindow?Isn’tthatalittlecliché?”Hedroppedallofthepebblestotheground,hischeeksflushing,hishands

scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, I guess,” he admitted. “Come downhere!”

“Shh!” She put a finger to her lips. “No!Valek is home. It’s not a goodtime.”

“Iheardaboutwhathappened.IthinkIhaveatheory,”hesaid,alittlemorehushedthanbefore.

“Atheoryaboutwhat?Howdidyoufindoutaboutthat?”Sheleanedalittlefartheroutthewindow.

“I ran into Evangeline. She was carrying a pile of stuffing back to herhouse.”Heshrugged.

Charlotte frowned. “Thatpile of stuffingwas Edwin.But you need to bequiet,Aiden!”Valekwouldsurelyhearthem,ifhehadn’talready.

Hesmiled.“Iwillifyoucomedownhere.”Charlottesighed.Howwasshegoingtoresistthat?“Fine,butnotsoclose

tothehouse!”“Agreed.”“WhereshouldImeetyou,then?”“Atmyhouse.”Charlottelookedatherwatch.Itwasone-thirtyinthemorning.“Isn’tyour

mother going to be furious with you for having houseguests? It’s amazinglylate!” She shoved her watch out toward him, expecting him to see the littletickinghandsfromwherehestood,afullstorybelowher.

“Myparentsaren’thome.”Heshovedhishandsinhispocketsandkickedthepebblesbyhisfeet.“Look,you’rewastingmoretimebyarguingwithme.”

“Fine!I’llmeetyouatyourhouseinfiveminutesifyouleavenow!”He smiled up at her. She watched his silhouette disappear back into the

trees. Her heart fluttered. She closed her window and turned to see Valek

standingonceagainatherthreshold.Shegasped.“Valek!What—?”“WhatdoesAidenwantwithyouatthishour?”heasked,dryly.Hisusually

excitablefeatureswerestillblandasever.Charlotte sank again. Of course Valek heard them. “Oh…um….” She

couldn’tlietohim,hewouldknow.“Hewantsmetocomeover.”Shefidgetedunderthebandagesonhershoulders.

“Atthishour?”Valek looked so handsome leaning up against the baroque scrollwork

aroundthedoorframelikehewasapartofit.Itcrushedherthatshecouldn’tjustsitdownwithhimandsimplytalkthisout.Shewasn’tready,thehumiliationtoofresh.

“Hedoesn’thaveschoolinthemorning,andheknowsthisistheonlytimeI’meverawake,”sheexplained.

Valekshrugged,theedgeofhiswordsbiting.“Haveasplendidtime.”Charlotte’seyeswidened.Hewasneverthiseasy.Washejusttryingreally

hardtogivehersomespace?“Allright,”shesaid,makingsurehewasserious.Hedidn’tsayanythingfurther.“ThenIguessI’llbebackalittlelater.Iwon’tstayouttoolong.”Shetook

onlyatentativesteptothedoorincasehereallywashavingmoreofadifficulttimethanhewaslettingon.

“Becareful.”Hisvoicewavered.She decided she didn’t want to say anything else to him. Instead, she

clearedherthroatanduncomfortablybrushedpasthim.Butbeforeshegottothetopofthestairs,sheturnedbackaroundtoseethathewasstillwatchingher,likeoneof thosehauntedpaintingswhoseeyes followedyounomatterwhereyoustoodintheroom.Suddenlyguilty,sheranuptohimanddelicatelywrappedherarmsaroundhismiddle.Hereluctantlyhuggedherback.

“Nottoolong,”hewhispered.She looked up at him before descending down the staircase and out the

frontdoor.Thenightoutsidewasgettingcold,acommonautumnevening.Brownand

orangeleavescrunchedunderCharlotte’ssneakersasshewalkeddowntheroadtoward the suburb district. The warm glow of the floating, bewitched streetlanterns stretchedher silhouette long andblack across the road.She liftedherhandsintheairlikeclawsandstudiedhershadow.Whatifshewereamonster?

Hands from nowhere reached from the darkness suddenly and wrappedaroundCharlotte’sface,concealingherscream.Shefoughtwiththegrasp,onlytofindsheknewthosehandsalltoowell.

Aidenreleasedher,laughing.Shepunchedhimhardinthearm.“Sowhat’syourtheory,pondscum?”“Waituntilwegettomyhouse,”hewhispered,lookingaround.“Whatiswrongwithyou?Youwerejustscreamingatthetopofyourlungs

atmyhouse!”“Shutup!”Heputahand tohermouthagain.“Noisy thing.”Shemadea

faceandknockeditaway.Hewoundhisfingersbetweenhersandledheralittlefasterdownthestreet.

“You’reactingreallyweird.”Shegrimacedattheirhandswoventogether.Shedidn’tlikeitatall.Itfelt

toowarm,somehow.Toonormal.“Oh,soyouget tobea freakall the timeandIdon’t?”Hesmiledwryly,

eyesstilldartingabouttheemptinessofthestreets.“Funny,butlet’srememberwhothefreakreallyis.”Sheflickedhisslightly

pointedear.“You’retheonlyhumanlivinginatownofElvesandWitches.Iwouldsay

you’rethefreakinthiscase.”Thetwomadetheirwaytohishousewithoutanymorewords.Itwasquiet

anddarkwiththepromiseofmissingparents.Once inside, he led her into the denwhere they both sat together on the

warm,knitarearug,anolivecoloronthedusty,woodenfloor.Heputafingertohislips.“Don’tmakeasound.Mybrothersandsistersarefinallysleeping.”Herolledhiseyes.

“So,whereareyourparents?”Charlottepried.“Mymom’sinPrague…visitingmydad.”“WhyisyourdadinPrague?”“Heworksthere.”“Heworksthere?”Sheblanched.“It’s a really long story.” He cut her off, and she glowered at him. “He

works there at the Regime headquarters. My dad is fourth in command. TheWizard’sRegimeheadquartersisinPrague.”Hisexplanationseemedtorambletogether.

Charlottefrowned,tryingtowrapherheadaroundwhathewastellingher.ShehadneveractuallymetMr.Price.“TheRegime?ButIthought—”

“Listen,somedayI’lltellyouaboutit,butrightnowweneedtotalkaboutsomethingelse.”Hisbrightfeaturesfadedintoseriousness.

Charlotte’s eyebrowsmashed together.Shehadnever seenAiden act thisway.Shewatchedhimadjusthispositionsohesatonhisknees,histawnyhairfeatheringalittleoverhiseyes.

Theroomwascompletelydark,exceptforthesmallamountofmoonlightwashing in through the foggywindowpane.Anapple treeoutsidecast aveinyshadowonthefloorandacrossherfriend’sface.

AidenapprehensivelytookCharlotte’shandagain.Itmadeherblush.Shegrinned.Herstomachflipped.“Whatareyoudoing?”“I–Iwantedto….”Hestruggledtogetthewordsout.Nowshecouldseehis

facewasturningred.“Iwantedtomakesureyouwereokay,”hesaid,gazingatherfromunderneathhisruddy-coloredbangs.

Shegiggledquietly,nervously.“Whywouldn’tIbe?”“Well,EvangelinetoldmeaboutValek….”“It’sfine.Really.Ithinkitwasjustoneofthosethingsthathappenswhen

you’reinthewrongplaceatthewrongtime…withthewrongperson.”Shemethisgazeonthelastword,buttheybothlookeddownimmediately.

Aidengentlyputhiswarmhandonhercheek—again,muchdifferentthanthefeelingofValek’s.Herheartjumpstartedinherchest.

“Almostgettingkilledisn’tjust‘oneofthosethings’,”hesaid.Shewantedsobadlytoarguewithhim.Shewantedtofighthimawayand

tellhimheandhismotherwerewrongaboutValek,but shecouldn’t,becausethistimehewasright.

Valek had scared her within an inch of her life. She understood he hadinstincts he couldn’t control, but maybe that was exactly what made himimpossibletobearoundnow.

“Is your shoulder okay?” he asked, his face inching closer to hers. Shecould feel his breath on her lips.The hairs on the back of her neck started tostandup.

“Y-yes.”Hekissedhersogentlyshebarelyfeltit.Hertoescurledinhershoes.He

pulledaway,aquestioninhiseyes.Whenhesawshewassmiling,hekissedheragainalittledeeper,movinghislipssteadilyagainsthers.Hermouthtrembledunder his, not entirely sure of what she was doing, but knowing it felt goodenoughtokeepgoing.

Shewassolost inwhatwashappeningitsurprisedherwhenshefelthimpullawayagain,though,keepinghishandaroundhers.Shelookedathim.

“Thatwasn’treallywhatIwantedtotalktoyouabouteither.”Hechuckled.Shelaughedalittle,too.“Imean, itwas something Iwanted to do, but there’s something else…”

Aiden reached under the couch and pulled out several pieces of slightlycrumpledparchmentasCharlottereeledbacktocoherency.

“What’sthat?”sheasked.

“This is a list of all the guards and officers employed directly by theRegime. Every one of them has to go through extensive training, backgroundtests—allthatstuff.”Aidenfingeredthroughthedifferentpages,searching.

“So?What does that have to do with anything?” Charlotte wrinkled hernose.ItmadeheruncomfortableAidennevermentionedthathisfamilywaspartof theRegime.What else didn’t she know about him?Her thoughts flickeredback toValek, probablywaiting sadly at home for her, and began to feel likemaybeshehadjustbetrayedhiminsomeoddway—thesamewayhebetrayedher.Suddenly,shefoundherselfwantingtoleave.

“You remember the Lycan that attacked us the other day?” he asked,studyingthepapers.

“Yes,howcouldIforget?ItwasthesameonethatattackedEvangelineandmethisevening.”

Aidenfroze.“Isit?”“Yes.Hehadthesameunusualscaracrosshislefteye.Doyouremember?”

Aidennodded andCharlotte continued. “And itwashard to tell, but it lookedliketherewasanindentleftinhisheadfromwhenIhithimwithmybag,”sheexplainedasAidennoddedagain.

“Interesting.”Hepointed to a nameon the list.Charlotte leanedover hisshoulder.“Thisguy,AloisVlcek.Lookatthepicture.”

“Thescar….”She traced thepink linedown the strangeman’s face. “So,whatisthisAloisemployedtodo?”

“Hewas a guard,”Aiden explained. “Hewas hired to guard thisOccult.He’strainedtosmellmagicblood,whichiswhyyouonlygetattackedwhenyouleavewithoneofus.Didyouevernoticethat?”

“That’strue,”Charlotterealized,rockingbackonherknees.“WhenIlefttogotomypondthatday,Ileftbymyself.AndthenitwasonlywhenyouandIreturnedtogetherthathewasthere.”

“Exactly.AndthenyouleftwithEvangelinetonight.”“Yes.”“So that’s it.”He folded the list back up. “That’swhat Father’s plan is,”

Aidenmusedquietly.“Butwhydidn’theattackyouwhenyouoriginally left tocomefindme?

Whenyouwerealone?”Aidenclearedhisthroat.“Idon'tknow.”“Whatareyoutryingtofigureout?”Charlottepriedfurther.“Wouldn’tyour

fathertellyoueverythingyouwantedtoknow,anyway?”“No.”Aidenhuffedunderhisbreath.“DoesValekeverleavetheOccult?”ItsoundedthenlikehewasalmostaccusingValekofsomething.“No.Valek

knowsthelaw,Aiden,”Charlottefoughtdefensively.“Itdoesn’tseemheknowsthelawtome,Charlotte.Hebroughtyouintothe

Occult,didn’the?”Now,CharlottewassureAidenmeanttoaccuseValekofsomething.Ithit

her likea tonofbricksand she immediatelygot toher feet,glaringangrilyathim.

“Whatexactlyareyoutryingtodo,Aiden?”“My father and I spoke about it, and he agreesValek is in breach of the

magiclaw.”“That iswhythatLycankeptattackingwheneverIwaswithahalf-blood,

becauseheisn’tjusthuntingmagic!He’shuntingmewithmagic!He’swaitingforValek!”Furyrolledfromherchest,burninginherthroat.Panicsetinthen.Herheartthuddedhardagainsthersternum.“Whywouldyoutalktoyourfatheraboutus?Iammortal,Aiden!I thoughtyouweremyfriend!You’veputusindanger!That’swhywehavesomeoneattackingusnow!TheyaremakingsureValekdoesn’tgetawaybecauseyourfatherispartoftheRegimeand,becauseofyou,nowtheyknow!”Charlottesuddenlyfoundittoohardtobreathe.Sheshuthereyesasshestruggledtocontrolherquivering.HerstomachturnedoverandoverashermindracedabouthowshewasgoingtogetValekoutofthis.

“Charlotte—”“Trustme, this is not going to do you any good!You’re not taking him

awayfromme!”sheyelled,notcaringanymoreabouthervolume.“Charlotte,listen,”hepleaded.“Valekisdangerous!”Charlottestaredathim,hermouthgaping.“Whyareyoudoingthis?”Her

voicedroppedseveraldecibels,becomingsoftandpleading.Aidenstoodinfrontofher,hismassiveshadoweclipsingherface.“Come

on,Charlotte.Youcanstaywithus.IpromiseitwillbebetterforyouthanifyoureturntoValek.”

“Ithoughtyouweremyfriend.”Withoutwaitingforaresponse,shepushedpasthimandstartedbackoutintotheearlymorning.She’dmadeittothelivingroom when she saw Aiden’s sister, Molly, blocking her exit. “Excuse me.”Charlottewarbled.

“Notuntilyouapologizetomybrother.”ThelittleElfstampedherfoot.Charlotte turnedbackaround to seeAiden leaningsadlyagainst thewall,

watchingherdarkly.Shelookedbacktohissister.“Maybelater,Molly.Ireallyhavetogo.”Shesmiled,thoughtheactionfeltplastic.

Thelittlegirlfrowned.Aiden walked over to where his sister stood. The sound of his heavy

footstepsthumpingonthehardwoodseemedmoreoverpoweringthannormal.

“Comeon,Molly.”Hehoistedherupinhisarms.“ButAiden!”Mollywhined.Hegrinnedathissister.Charlotte’s face burned. “Goodbye, Aiden,” she said definitively, and

walkedoutintothenight.ShejumpedoffAiden’sporchandontothepathtowardhome.Thebleeding

heartsthatnormallygrewavibrantredandorangealongthewhitefenceturnedbrownsuddenlybeforeCharlotte'seyesandshriveledtoagraydust.Shegaspedand glanced over her shoulder to seeAiden peering at her through awindowbeforedisappearingbackinsidehisdingycottage.

She hugged herwounded shoulders tightly andwalked briskly, once in awhilejoggingforsomeaddedspeed.Theangulareyesofthejack-o-lanternsthathad been placed on street corners for the holiday seemed to have begunfollowing hermovements as she swept past them.Witcheswere beginning todecorate.AllHallowsEvewastheWitches’favorite,Charlotterecalled,tryingtodistractherselffromherparanoia.Suddenly,shebecamepainfullyawareofjusthow human and alone she was. She glanced around for followers, when shecaughttheeyeofaparticularlywickedlookingpumpkingrin.

“Charlotte.Charlotte,”theenchantedthingcalledafterhermusically.“Weknow why you are running, Charlotte. Run faster. Run faster. Until you aresafelyathome.”

Charlotteletoutasoftyelp.TheWitchcommunityonlyenchantedjack-o-lanterns for entertainment. Just amere prank. Charlotte had to remind herselftheyweren'tactuallyintelligent.

Therestofthepumpkinsthatlinedtheothersideofthestreetrepeatedlikethefirstonehad.“Runfaster.Runfaster.Untilyouaresafelyathome.”

Charlottecrinkledherforehead,anddidexactlythat.Shebrokeintoafastrun. It seemed as though the thingswere following her. She passed dozens oftheminahazeoforangeassheranoutoftheresidentialdistrictandfinallyintothetownsquare.

“Charlotte!”She screamed and fell backward, slamming into a burlap figure. She let

Edwinhelpherup,dustedherselfoff.ShebeamedseeingEdwin, sewnneatlybacktogether,andimmediatelythrewherarmsaroundhim.

“Edwin!I’msohappytoseeyou!”“Jeez,why are you in such a hurry?”he asked, adjustinghis glasses that

hadbeenknockedaskew.Charlotteclearedherthroat.“Iwasjustonmywaybackhome.”Shepeered

backtowardwherethejack-o-lanternswere.Theywereagainlifelessandstaring

blanklyforward.The shiny,blackeyesbehindEdwin'sbottle capgoggles,now repairedat

thebridgewithduct-tape,wentblank.“N-no.I–Idon’tth-thinkthatistheb-bestidea—”hebegantowarnagain.

Charlottesighed.Notagain,shethought.“Edwin?What'sthematternow?IsitValek?”

“No!No!No!”Hescratchedhisheadfeverishlybackandforth.“No!It’sn-not! It's n-notValek.V-valek. Tr-trouble!”Edwin's head shook violently fromside to side like hewas about to short circuit. “No!” he said again.His headquicklyconvulsedtotheleftoncemore.“N-no!No!”

Charlotte looked around for someone she possibly knew. Somethingwasgoing seriously awry in her town. And according to Edwin’s half-bakedwarnings,itwasabouttogetalotworse.

No one in the square seemed to be paying attention. Therewas nowhereelsetogobuthome.

“Valekisintrouble,Edwin,”sheconcluded.Cloudsmovedpastthemoonand thunder sounded somewhere miles away. She wrapped her arms aroundherself—nottokeepwarm,butrathertokeepherselftogether.“Ihavetogo.”She proceeded walking again in the direction toward home while Edwincontinuedtospew.

“N-no!No!No!”

ChapterNineBronzeLight

Charlotte burst through her front door, causing the surrounding walls toshakewhensheslammeditbehindher.Sheglanceddownathertremblingfistsand held them tightly to her sides, trying to keep them still. She scanned theroomforherVampire,theskinonherarmsandfacetingling.

“Valek?” Her voice broke when she called him and couldn’t see himanywhere.

Valekpokedhisheadoutfromthelibrary,raisinganeyebrowather.“Everythingallright?”Hetookastepfromthestudytostandbeforeher.The awkwardness between them reappeared when their eyes met. She

quicklylookedaway,however,relieved.“No.”Shebreathed.“Justleavemealone,okay?Andstayoutofmyhead!”

sheorderedasshestompedpasthimintothekitchen.Valeksaidnothingashewatchedhergoby.Charlottetoreopentherefrigeratordoor,scannedtheshelvesforsomething

edible,overlookingthecertaindrawersValekused tostashemergencymedicalsupplies.Herstomachstartedtalkingtoher,whichwasjustpartofthereasonforherrage.Shewasalwaystestierwhenshewashungry,anothertraitshepickedupfromValek.

She pulled out a fistful of carrots, celery, and a chicken breast, and laidthemeachoutonacuttingblock.Thesilverbutcherknifeshepulledoutofthewooden knife-holder glistened off the soft light above the old, gas stove. Shefeigned unawareness of Valek, who stood in the entryway watching her,concerned.

Shestartedchoppingtheceleryintosmall,greenchunksandthenpusheditintoaheapononesideofthecounter.Shepulledoutalacklusterpotfromthecabinetabovethestove,filledithalfwaywithwaterfromthesink,andsetitontheburner.Takingthecelerychunksbythehandful,shedroppedtheminthepot.Miserable,ignorantElf.Howcouldshehaveallowedherselftobesotrusting?Howwasshegoing toescape theOccultwithValeknowthat theRegimewaswatchingforhim?Sheneededtodeviseaplan.

Next,thechicken.Shecleanedthemeatanddroppedthebreastinwhole—thebestwaytoflavorthestock.Steamliftedintohereyesasshestirred,andshecould feel her pores opening. She closed her eyes and inhaled, attempting to

calmherself,knowingultimately,shehadtotellValekwhathappened.Finally,shestartedchoppingthecarrots,herhandsmovingfastandfurious

as she thought about Aiden and the things he told his father. She saw theWizards’cogsturningfromtheirhigh,holyplaceinthecity,andtheplanstheywereplottingagainsthernow.Itwasonlyamatteroftime.ShehadtogetValekoutof theOccultverysoon.ShesawAiden’s lips releasing thesecret shehadkeptfornearlynineteenyears.Shesawthemkissingher—

“Damn!” she blurted out as the silvery knife plummeted to the floor,splatteredwithblood.“Damnit!”shesaidagain,clutchingherwoundedfinger.Sheranovertothebrasssinkandstartedrinsingitunderwarmwater.

Valek,whohadbeenlostinthoughtloomingagainstthethreshold,tensed.His pupils engulfed his pretty, blue eyes— gone black as pitch and cold asdeath.HesilentlystalkeduprightbehindCharlotteandquicklypuncheddownonthefaucethandle,stoppingtheflowofwater.

Shespunaround,surprisedtomeethischestathereyelevel.Shecautiouslylookedup intohissablegaze; thebloodfeeling like itwasdrainingoutofherface.Shegulped.Buthisglarewasn’thungryor scary likesheexpected.Thistimeitwasdifferentsomehow.

“Youmustn’tcurseinthishouse,Lottie.”Onecornerofhismouthstretchedupwardinanagonizinglysweetsmilethatsentaripplethroughherbody.

Thebronzelightcreatedadullflameintheshinyblackbehindhislashes,ashis fingersbegan to slidedownher arm, searching for herwounded finger.Stutteringincoherently,shemeanttoprotest,butcouldn’tfindanyofthewordsshewantedtosay.Hepulledherhanduptohiscool lips.Shecouldfeel thempartunderherskin.Hesmileddownatheragain,forcinghertodrophergaze.

Hepressedthecuttohismouthandgentlysucked.Thepressure sentanewrippledownher spine,causingher to lookupat

himagain.Shewatchedhispleasurewithwide,innocenteyes.Theinsideofhismouthwaswarmandtantalizing,andsheinstantlymissedthefeelingofitwhenhesoftlypushedherhandaway.

She looked down at her palm that still lingered in his. The cut hadcompletelydisappeared.Hesmileddownatheragain.

“I–I…uh—”Shestammeredtoarticulatesomething—anything,butonceagaincameupempty.

He hushed her, putting a finger to her lips. Her heart fluttered as themusclesinherstomachclenched.Heloweredhisface,soclosetohersthatshecouldseeherreflectionsinhisblackirises.Theword“danger”rangoutinhermind,buther lipsbegantoacheforhisanyway.Theeffecthehadonherwasunfair.Becarefulwhatyouwishfor.

“Iwouldliketospeakwithyou,”hewhisperedintohermystifiedface.Suddenly, a pounding slammed against the front door, interrupting

Charlottemid-thought.Aforeignvoicerumbledfromtheotherside.“Openup!”BothCharlotteandValek’sheadssnappedtowardthefoyer.Afistmetthe

dooronceagain,moreaggressivethanbefore.“ThisistheRegimeGuardForce!Wedemandyouopenthisdoor!”Adifferentvoicesounded.“Wehavethishousecompletelysurrounded!”Valek turned his eyes on Charlotte, and she could tell he was tuning in.

Chagrin rushed to her face, burning her cheeks. He was going to heareverything; from the kiss, to the argument, to the “goodbye,” to Edwin’swarning.Theblacknessquicklydissipated,andhiseyesturnedbacktotheirhardandicyazure.

“Quickly,gotomyoffice.Hideinthefreezer.Donotcomeoutunderanycircumstance.Nomatterwhatyouhear,”hehissed,clutchinghershoulders.

ThefreezerwaswhereValekkepthis“leftovermeals”untilhecouldfindadifferentwayofdisposingofthem.

Charlotte’s arms prickled as the light above the stove flickered out. Shetriedtothinkofanyotherplaceshecouldhidethatdidn’tcontaindeadbodies.

Thefirstvoiceboomedagain.“Weknowyouareinthere!”“Hurry,”Valekwhispered.“Everythingisgoingtobeallright.Remember

—donotcomeout.Go!”Charlottequicklyranintotheotherroom.She found her way into the large freezer. She shivered in the coldest,

darkestcorner, farthestawayfromthedoor,surroundedby lumpy,black,bodybags.They sat likegravemarkers clumped tooclose together.The stenchwaslight,butevenfreezingcouldnotstoptherottingdecay.Sheshiveredagain.

Allherthoughtswrithedandspuninhermindasshesat,clutchingherheadinher hands, imagingValekbeing taken away.Herheart sloweddown. It feltlikeitmightjuststop,frozentodeathwithfear.Sheburiedherfaceinherkneesandswallowedherscream.Shebegantoquiethermindandtuneintowhatwashappeningoutside,tryingdesperatelytohearthemuffledvoices.

*

Valekwaiteduntil heheard theoffice lockclickbeforehe started towardthefrontentrance.Hemadeanattempttorelaxhisshouldersandthengracefullyslinkedtoopenthefrontdoor.Hemetfiveburlyguardsonhisdoorstep.

“Goodevening,gentlemen.HowmayIhelpyou?”Heflashedagrin.“TheVampireRuzik?”Oneof theguardsfromthe thresholdof thehouse

questioned.Valekgrinned.“Who’sasking?”“Weareunder the impressionyouarehidingahumanchild in thishome.

Wouldyouconsiderthatstatementtruthful?”Theguard—atallfireElfwithawaxedheadandslantedeyes—spokeofficially.

“Asisplainbeforeyoureyes,thereisnooneherebutme.”Valekgesturedtotheinsideofhishouse.

“Youdidnot answermyquestion,” theofficergrumbled. “Mr.Ruzik, areyouawareitisagainsttheRegimeCodeofMagictokeephumanpets?”

“No.”ValekclenchedhisjawatthenotionanyonewouldrefertoCharlotteas apet. “Ahuman child does not reside here. If one did, I can assure you itwouldnotbeintheirbestinterest.”Valekflashedhispearlyfangs.

“Idonotfindyoucharming,Mr.Ruzik.”“NorI,you,”Valeksaid.“May we have a look around? As a formality?” The officer asked with

erroneouspoliteness.Valektensedslightlybuttheguardsdidn’twaitforaresponse,shovingtheir

wayinside.Thesquadbypassed the library,withonlya fewquickglances,andmade

theirwayintothekitchen,oneofthempartingfromthegrouptostompupthestairway.

Valeksearchedfranticallythroughhismindforasolution.TheevidenceofCharlottewaseverywhere.

Theofficerincommandbenttopickupthebloodyknifefromthekitchenfloorasheeyedthemessoffood.“Makingdinnerthisevening,Mr.Ruzik?”heasked,lightingthestovewiththepowerfromhishand.Itcreatedadingylightagainstthedullsheenofthepotsandpans.HesaunteredovertoValek.“Funny.Ididn’t thinkyour kind ate carrots.”Hebrought thebloodyendof theknife soclose toValek’snose that thepupilsofhiseyesbledout thewhite likespilledink.Themusclesinthebackofhis throat tensedasthefamiliarburningflaredagain.

“Iwouldadviseyoutokeepyourdistance,Mr.…”“Mynameisofnoconcerntoyou.”Theofficerranhisindexfingeracross

the bloodstain on the shiny blade and rubbed the gore between his index andthumb.

Theguardwhohadgone to searchupstairs ran into thekitchenclutchingthesleek,whitearmofEvangeline,yankingherbehindit.“LookwhatIfound.”

Theguard’svoicewasroughlikegravel.HeshovedtheWitchforward,causinghertostumbleintoValek’sarms.

ShelookedupatValek,whoquicklytunedintoherthoughts.“AWitch?”thefirstguardasked.“Yes.”Valekwrappedhisarmaffectionatelyaroundhershoulders.“Thisis

Evangeline.”“Ithoughtyousaidnoonewasathomewithyou,Mr.Ruzik.”“Ithoughtnoonewasathome.”HelookedtoEvangeline.“Mylove,when

didyougetback?”Valeksuppressedagagoverthosewordsandforcedanothersmile.

Evangelineblinkedathim,andthentotheguards.“Uh…Ium…justalittlewhileago.Iwasupstairs,obviously.”

“Idon’tneed tohearanexplanation. I think thisevidencewillbeenoughfortheRegime.”Heheldupthebloodyknife.“Butjustincase—”Hesnappedhis fingers, sending someof the other guards off in different directions of thehouse.“We’lltakethechild,too.”

“Youwillnotfindwhatyouseek,Elf.”Valekgroundhisjawstogether.The officer started to pace. “I saw the sign out front. You are a doctor,

Vampire?”heasked,coolly, thehintof laughter forming tauntinglyaroundhiswords.

Valekhissed.“Well, who knew a leach could be so intelligent? I’m sure this town is

reallygoingtomissyou.”Theofficersmiled.Valeksaidnothing.“You know,” the Elf started again, “we are cleaning your kind out for

good.”

*

Uponhearingtheirfootstepsfromthefreezer,Charlotteshuthereyestight.Sherememberedthedrawersofclothessheleftopeninherroom.Thekitchenwas a mess. She brought her hand to her chest to feel for the whistle thatnormallyhungthere,rememberingthelasttimeshesawitwasjustoutsidetheOccultborder.

If sheandValekweregoing tomake it through this, if theywereable toescape,shevowedtomendthefalterintherelationshipthatdividedthem.Shevowedittoherselfandtohim.Shedidn’tcarewhatkindofcreaturehewas,orwhatinstinctshestruggledwith.Hewasthemostimportantthinginherentire

world,andnothingwasworthdoubtingthat.Charlotteheardvoicesdrawnearerandpressedherearhardupagainstthe

icydoor.

*

“Whatdoyoumean?”Valekaskedthroughhisgrittedteeth.“You…people, for lackofabetterword,havebeencontaminatingourair

fortoolong.It’sVladislov’sorders.”TheofficerleanedinclosetoValek’sface.“Don’tyouthinkit’stimeyoucrawledbackintoyourcryptandstayedthere?”

Valek wanted so badly to rip out the Elf's jugular with his fangs but hequicklyconcealedthemunderhislips.Hetriedtocoolthestolenbloodthatwasnowariveroffireundertheiceinhisface.

*

Charlotte heard theheavy footstepsgetting closer to the freezer door andquicklyscurriedtothebackcorneragain,tryingtofindtheverydeepestshadowtohidein.Thiswasit.Thiswastheend.Shewrappedherarmstightaroundherkneesinanefforttodisappearcompletely.

Athinstreamofsicklysterileofficelightfilteredinasthedoorslidslowlyopen.

ChapterTenASmokingGun

The fire Elf's beady eyes sifted through the clandestine corners of thefreezer.“Vampire!”hecalled.

Valek nervouslymoved to the guard’s side, his eyes also scanning in theroomforsomethinghuman.“Yes?”

“Whatdoyouusethisrefrigeratorfor?”Valek cleared his throat, relieved to not see any sign of Charlotte. He

glancedatEvangeline,whonowlingeredintheofficedoorwaywatching.“Medicinalpurposes,”heansweredquickly.Theguard stepped insideand squinted further at theblackbags.Heeven

kickedonesoharditskiddedagainstthecementwall.Valekhadn’texperiencedtheillustriousattributesofnauseaforyears,buthewasbeginningtorememberwhatthatfeltlike.

Thesilhouetteofonefrozenfemalecorpse,crumpledinthecorner,caughttheeyesoftheguard.“Whathappenedtothisone?”

“Lackofvacancy,”Valekexplained.“I'msuremylifehabitsfascinateyoutonoend,andIamthoroughlyenjoyingtheinterview,butyouwillbewastingyourtimehere,gentlemen, ifyoucontinuetopursuemyhouseholdbecauseofsomemisguided goose-chase. Frankly, you are interruptingmy evening, and Iam requesting kindly that you leave this private property.” As he spoke, hesmoothlybegantobacktheguardsoutofthehouse.“Ifahumanchilddidinfactreside here, shewould probably be long gone by now, for you seem to be soeducatedinthehabituallifeofa‘parasite’.”Henarrowedhiseyes.“Imean,howcouldIevercontainmyselfinthatsortofasituation?”

The officer regarded Valek and Evangeline one last time before Valekgrabbedholdofthedoorknob.

“I do, however, invasive your behavior, bid you a very pleasant evening,gentlemen.”Valekslammedthedoorintheguard’sface.

Evangeline opened her mouth to say something, but Valek hushed herimmediately.Hesquintedatthefloorandlistenedforanykindoffaintthoughtor voice lingering on the other side of the door.Once he could tell the smallplatoonwasasafedistanceaway,hewentbackintotheofficetofindCharlotteclimbingoutofoneoftheusedbodybags,lipsasicklyshadeofblue,herbreathforminginwhitecloudsofmistinfrontofherface.

He shoved past Evangeline who had started to go in for help. “She’shypothermic.”Hegrabbed the frailhuman inhisarmsandcarriedherquicklyoutoftheoffice,downthehallway,intothelibrary.

“Lottie?” he whispered. It was impossible for him to imagine the waythingswerechangingbetweenthem.Hehadalwaysbeensoincontrolandnowallof thatwas slipping throughhisdeathly fingers.Sand inanhourglass.Lifewasexpendable.

Evangelinefollowedmeeklyafter,knottingherfingerstogetherbehindherbackguiltily.

“Canyoulightthefire?”ValekaskedtheWitchashepulledawoolblanketoffthearmchairandswiftlywrappeditaroundhisLottie’sshoulders.

“Hatu!”TheWitchedchantedwithahandtowardthefireplace.Anorangeflamewashedoverthethickhunksofwoodinthehearth.ValekhurriedlyrubbedatthetopsofLottie’sarms,stillcarefulofherhealingwoundsthere.Evangelinefrowned.

“Thankyou,”Valeksaidoverhisshoulder.“Ifitweren’tforEdwincomingtowarnme,Iwouldneverhaveknown.It’s

becauseofhim.”“Well,thankEdwinthen.”Evangelinetookonesteptowardhim.“Thank you, I said,” he snapped, stopping her from coming any nearer.

Valek could see Evangeline’s ache for redemption from him, but that wasn’tsomethinghewasabouttoeasilygive.Hehuggedthegirlinhisarmscloser.

Evangeline sighed. “I apologize for what happened to Charlotte’sbedroom.”

Valek lowered his gaze, mentally assessing what she was alluding to. “Iunderstand.”HecontinuedtocaressLottie’sback,notlookingatEvangelineatall.

“Goodnight,Valek.Charlotte.Ifyouneedme,youknowwhereIam,”theWitchmutteredsadly,thenturnedtoleave.

“Evangeline,wait.”ValekfinallystoodfromhisplacenexttoCharlotte.Heglanced once back at the girl, fightingwith himself. It needed to be done, hedecided.“Idoneedanotherfavor.”

HefeltamentalgrimaceemergefromCharlotte’sareaoftheroom.“CharlotteandIhavetotakeleaveoftheOccult,butit’salmostmorning.I

havesuspicionthatthoseimbecilesaregoingtocomebackduringthedaywhileI’m—”

“I get it,” Evangeline chirped. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everythingwhenthesuncomesup.AndthenyouandCharlottecanescapethecityborders

tomorrow night.” Her eyes twinkled toward the girl one last time before shebouncedoutofthelibrary.

ValeklookedbackathisLottie,thawingbythefire.Shesat,eyesinsensateattheorangeflameslickingacrossthewood.Hewatchedthemthen,aswell.Itcreatedastrangesensationinhisnose,asifwhenheinhaledtheburningwood,he could actually feel the embers crackling inside him. It did not burn as thethirst did, but felt rather warm and pleasant. He glanced at Charlotte again,thinkingherfacelookedalittlegreen.Hebegantoapproachher.

“Valek,”shemurmured.Hestopped.“Ihavetotellyousomething—”“Iknow,”heinterjected.“Iheard.”Hesatbackdownonthefloornextto

her.“Youheard?”Herlargeeyesdartedtohisface.“Myapologies,butIhadtoknowwhatwasgoingonbeforeIansweredthe

door.”Hesnorted.“Aiden.Whowouldhaveguessed?”Charlotte’s eyes shifted around the floor, like she was struggling with

something.“Whatdidyouwanttotalktomeabout?Youknow…earlier…inthekitchen?”Sheswallowedandavertedhereyesbacktothecracklingfire.

Valek studied the apprehension on her face, tuning in to where she wasgoingwiththis.“I–Idonotremember,”helied.Thetruthwas,hefeltthesameapprehensionshedid,andanyway,therewastoomuchelsetothinkaboutnow.

Sheliftedaneyebrowathim.“Youdon'tremember?”“No.”“Ithinkyoudo,”shecontinued.“No.Idonot!”Hegotup.Ifhewerephysicallycapableofturningred,this

wasthemoment.“You'relying!”“Enough, Charlotte!” he snapped, his arms trembling. He struggled to

maintainhisdeepevenbreathing.Sheonlyblinkedathim,herteethcontinuingtochatter.“I clearly do not wish to discuss that which you are trying to have me

discuss. Enough, please.” Turning his back to her, he nervously combed hisfingersthroughhislonghairthathadnowcomelosefromtheblackribbon.

Valek, normally very at ease, was now completely strung out, breathingthroughhistightlywiredjaw.Herubbedathiseyes,tryingtogetthemtorevertback to their normalblue.But they stubbornly stayed fixed like jet pearls.Helooked,crazed,aboutthewallsoftheroom.

“Whatareyoulookingfor?”sheaskednervously.

“Aclock.Whatisthetime?”Hisnostrilsflared.Charlotte peered down at her wristwatch and then wide-eyed out the

windowattheinkskybeginningtopurpleinonecorner.Shequicklygotupandranovertohim,yankingforhimtofollowher.“Comeon!Wehavetogotoyourroom!”

*

Aiden waited patiently outside the tavern he knew Evangeline liked tofrequent.Hewatchedthelarge,brownhouseattheendofthesquareintently,hisarmsfoldedoverhischest.Thefrontdooropened,andhecouldseetheofficerandhisplatoonofRegimeguardsmarchsteadilyoutintothenight.

Aidenwalkedtothecenteroftheroad,waiting.Fromthelooksofthings,CharlotteneglectedtotellValekabouttheirdiscourse.ShehadfailedtoescapetheRegimeintime.Aiden’splanhadbeensetintoaction.Hegrinned,pleasedwith himself, knowing even though Charlotte had been too clever to let theguardscatchherthistime…theperfectopportunitywouldpresentitselflater.

*

ValektoreawayfromCharlotte’sgrasp.“No.Iwillgoalone.Youarenotcoming!”Hepassedher,turningthecornertogoupstairs.

Shequickly tailedbehindhim.“Yes Iam!Youarenot thinkingclearly! IhavetostaywithyouincasetheRegimeguardscomeback!”

“Andwhatdoyouexpectmetodoifthathappensduringdaylight?Evenifyouarelockedinmyroom,thatdoesnotmakeyousafe!”

ThestairsthuddedunderCharlotte’srelentlessness.“Theywon’tcomeintoyourroomduringtheday,Valek.Theyknowitwouldkillyou!”

Thetwoofthemgottothesecondstorylanding.“I’msuretheywouldn’tmindatallifthathappened,”hegrumbled.Charlotte stopped walking and frowned. “What do you mean? I thought

theyonlywantedtoarrestyou.”Something suddenly caughtValek’s attention as he looked beyondwhere

Charlottestood.She looked tosee it, too.Herbedroom,orwhatwasonceherbedroom,completelyscorched,as thoughsomeonehadset theplaceonfire. Itmade the entire hallway smell like burntwood and smoke. The curtainsweresinged, her clothes and furniture all completely condensed to ash. Charlotte

lookedtoValek,hermouthfallingopen.“Evangelinehadtodoit,”Valeksaidquietly.“Sheheardthemwalkingup

the stairs. Theywere going to figure out that room didn’t belong to her.”HegrabbedCharlotte’shandand started leadingherdown thehallway towardhisbedroom.

Butwhenthetwoofthempassedthelong,archedwindowasmall,singlebeamofmorninglightescapedthroughthecurtainsandthrashedacrosshisface.He cried out, releasing Charlotte’s hand, recoiling quickly into the shadows,clawingathisscorchedskin.

“Valek!”shecried,unsureofwhattodonext.“Come!”he roared, and swungopen thedoor tohisbedroom; the twoof

themrunninginbeforeheslammeditshutagain,lockingit.Sheblinkedfeverishlyinthepitchblack,strugglingtosee.Sheopenedher

eyesaswideasshepossiblycould,feelingaroundinthedarkforsomethingshemightbumpinto.Valek’scoolhandwrappedaroundhers,andhepulledherintotheroom.

“Iamgratefulyouwillnothavetoseethisatleast,”hesaidgrimly.“Areyouokay?”Shebroughtherfreehandup,searchingforhischeek,but

hequicklypusheditawaybeforeshecouldtouchhim.“YouaretoremainintheexactspotIplaceyou.Doyouunderstand?”“Can’tIbenexttoyou?”“No.Itisbadenoughyouareeveninthesameroomwithme.”Hegrabbed

hershoulders,carefulofherbandages,andgentlypushedherdowntothefloor.Charlottecouldtellshewasinacorner;shefelttwowallsmeetbehindher.

Shecouldsmellthesweetnessofhimgrowgreaterashisfacelingerednearertohers. It was more concentrated in this room—warm, like hot molasses andsomethingclean,likethesmelloffreshlyfallensnow.

“Listencloselytome.Nomatterwhatyouhear,nomatterwhatIsay,youaretostayrightinthisspot.IfIcomeclosetoyou,youmusttrytogetaway.Doyouunderstand?”

“But—”“I am serious,Lottie. I have never done thiswith a humanpresent. I am

unaware of what I am capable of, for I am themost dangerous to be aroundduring this particular time. It is going to take everything I have not to—”Hedropped the sentence quickly, as if not wanting to even say it aloud. “I’mserious.NomatterwhatIsaytoyou,nomatterhowconvincingIam,Iwantyoutostaycompletelystill.”

Shecould feelhimbackawayfromher, thoughhisprettyscent remainedeverywhereintheroom.Shedidn’thearanothermoveuntilitfinallybegan.The

soundofhisnailstearingatthesheetsashemoaned.Hecriedoutagonizingly.“Valek—”Shebegantostepforward.“N-no,L-lottie….”Hestruggled.She heard bedclothes thrashing, glass shattering on the wood floor, and

somethinglikeahunkofthebedpostgoingtosplinters.Hewailedouthername,harrowingenoughthatsheshovedherbackupashardasshecouldagainstthewallcorner.Hereyeswelledup.

“Lllottttiieeee,”hesaidinasinistertone.She was going to die. There were so many chances for that to have

happened already these last few days, but this time it was real. There wasnowhereforhertoescape;neitherwassheabouttoopenhisbedroomdoorstoriskhislife.Sheclungtothewalls,digginghernailsintothefloormolding.Shecouldseenothinginthethickdarkness,butsheshuthereyestight,anyway.

“Come here, Lottie…I won’t hurt you.” The voice that now stroked theraised hairs on her neck didn’t even associate with the Valek she knew. “Ipromise.”Helaughedmaniacally.

A sick feeling crawled up her esophagus andmade her feel like shewaschokingon fear.Charlotte pulledher kneesup andburiedher face.She couldhavesworntherewasanentirelydifferentmonsterintheroomwiththetwoofthem.Don'tevenmove,sheremindedherself.Don'tevenbreathe.

“I can smell you,Charlotte….”The voicewas edging closer to her now.“Charlotte….”

Sheshriekedsoftly,bringingherpalmoverherlipstoremindherselfagaintobequietandstill.

“Char—”Thevoicestoppeddead,andsomethingcoldandrigidsmackeddownonherleg.

Shewailedand shotup, sprintingclear to theother sideof the room,notcaringwhatshesmashedinto.Don’topenthedoor,sheremindedherself.Ifyouopen thedoor,he’lldie.Shecroucheddownwhenshe foundanotherwallandcoweredintheoppositecorneroftheroom.

She listened for awhile, searchingwithher ears for any signofhim, forsomething, anything, like footstepsorbreathing.Anything that sounded like itwasgettingclosetoheragain.Afterlivingeighteenyearsinatownwiththingsotherpeopleconsideredtobescarywithoutanysortofproblem,thiswasbyfartheworstnightmareshehadeverhad.

“Valek?”shewhispered.Nothingreplied.“Valek?”shesaidagain.Sheslowlygottoherfeet,somethingthatproved

tobeanintricatetaskwithherkneesquakingliketheydid.Shegrippedontothe

wallbehindhersotheywouldn’tbuckle.“Valek?”shesaidalittlelouder.Uponhearing nothing again, she crept back toward the direction of the corner heoriginallyputher.Shecarefullytoedherwayaroundonthefloor.Afewfeetin,theedgeofherfootnudgedagainstsomething.

Herpulseleaptintoherthroat,butnothinggrabbedher.Shebentdownnexttowhateveritwas,placinghersmallhandonwhatshefiguredoutwashisback.Thankfully,itdidnotmove.Shesighed.“It’sokaynow,Valek.Wewillbesafe,”shepromised, restinghercheekonhis shoulderblade.Grabbingontohisarm,she turnedhimface-upandpulledhisupperhalf intoher lap likeagiantdoll,holdinghimthere,strokinghishair.

Abruptly, the door shot open, streaks of deadly yellow light blazing inacross the floor.She screamedat thevisionof the tall, solid silhouettes at thethresholdandthesightoftheblazingcorpse,howlingonthefloornexttoher.

Charlotte raced to the bed and tore off the thick, black, velvet comforter.“Closethedoor!”ShehurleditoverValek'smeltingbody.“Closethedoor!”Herownvoicesoundeddistant,echoinginherheadlikeshewasscreamingthroughatunnel.Hervisionclouded.Sheturnedagaintothefiguresattheentryway.“Isaid,closethe—”

Somethinghardslammedoverthetopofherhead.Andthentherewasnothing.

ChapterElevenNightmare

The sun scorched high over Prague, setting the city spires aflame in theearlyOctobermorning.TheHighWizards sat in tented boothswith the finestblack robeshugging their backs.Thick-rimmed sunglassesmasked their faces,whichweresosullenitwasimpossibletoseetheamountofjoybuiltupbehindthefaçadetheycreatedwhiletheywatchedthemosthatedcreaturesslaughteredinfrontofamillioncuriouseyes.TheRegimehadsentoutinvitationstoElvesand lesser creatures from all over theCzechRepublic to comewatch the firsttasteofjusticebeserved.

Before sunrise, the first group of apprehended “criminals” had beendraggeddeepintothedungeonsoftheRegimepalacetobedrawnandquartered,washed clean of the blood they had so unrighteously absconded from theunknowinghumanrace.

Therepentedblooddyedthestonyfloorsred,filledthesmall,dingyroomswiththestenchofrust.ItwastheWizards’wayofmakingsureeverydroptheVampireshadtakenwaspaidbackbeforetheirdismantledpieceswereburnedtoashesbythebrightmorninglight.

NowtheRegimeleaderswatchedwithplacidfaceswhilethelargechunksof lavender flesh turned orange and then brown as thick, gunmetal smokebilloweduptoaslated,marblesky.Horribleheart-wrenchingscreamscouldbeheard from the pieces that still contained whole heads, which provided thedistantsatisfactiontoone—Vladislov—whosatmorestoicthantherestatoptheamphitheatreagainstthestrangemisting,silverrain.

Thesmell thatwaftedthroughtheaudienceofcreatureswasfoul, like theburningfleshofathousandbodies,fusedwithbrimstone.Itcausedtheaudiencetodistorttheirotherwisesatisfiedvisages.

Once the chunks of monsters had been reduced to ash and soot andeveryone had left back to their various Occults, faces stained with air-bornresiduum, Vladislov ordered the courtyard to be swept and shined before thenextgroupwascapturedthatnight.

As theHighWizards skulked back to their quarters,Kazimir came up tocongratulatehiselderbrother.

“Vladislov, that trulywasavision today!”Hisvoicerangout through thewinding,obeliskhalls.“I’msohappytoseejusticefinallybeingserved,andwe

can forever rid ourselves from the lowest of all lowly creatures that ever didescapethegatesofHell.”

Thetwobrotherschortledastheirheavyvoicesbouncedoffthecoldwalls,thoughVladislov’slaughterwasjustabitmorehollow.

“Did you know in the Americas, the legend of the Vampire is actuallyreveredamongthehumans?Itis…entertainingtothem!”Hescoffed.

“Theyareajadedtypeofpeople,brother.Butdon’tworry.Soonthatwillall end.” Kazimir put his hand on his brother’s jagged shoulder as the twodisappeareddownthecorridor.

Tomorrow, it would be another group of these sub-creatures too unfit towalk themortalEarth. Itwould be another pillar of smoke.Another thousandscreams.Andthenextday,thesamethingwastofollow.Andthenext.Andthenext.

*

Something hard snapped in Charlotte’s jaw as she finally began to driftfromthehazyblacknessthathadtakenherconsciousnesscaptive.Shewasnotsurewhereshewas,howlongshehadbeenthere,orevenhowshegotthere.Butwhen her eyes fluttered open, she was struck with confusion about theunfamiliar, dismal roomwith stonywalls and crooked pipes hanging raggedlyfromtheceiling.

Thetopsof thewallsdrippedwithadeathlysortof fumingcondensation.Thicksmokefilteredinthroughbarredwindows—merelycarvedholesintheEastwalls.Butitdidn’tmatter.WhatmatteredwasValek.

Gingerly,sheturnedoversoherbellywasonthecryptfloor;sherealizedtheagonizingpainthatjoltedfromherribstoherhead.Shewhimpered,suckinginthethick,pollutedair,justtocoughitbackupagain.Sheheavedagainstthecolddirtyground,whensomethingwarmandslickoozeddownonesideofherface.Thegashonherheadthrobbedwhenshetouchedit.

Lowhissingwafted through the haze from the back of the dungeon.Thesoundwassoft,butitsoongrewlayersofvarioustendrilsthatalteredinpitch,reachingoutlikeclawsthattoreatherattention.

Charlotte blinked feverishly to stop the place from spinning. Severalshadowy figures, glaring eyes that reflectedoff the light like a cat’s, began tocreepfromtheirhidingplacesagainstthedankbricks.Theirhandsdistortedintoclawsastheystartedtoslinktowardher,theirsilhouetteshuman-shaped.

Hiss.

Thenoisespiraledagainthroughtheblindingsmogandmadeitimpossibleforhertobreathe.Shestruggledtoseethefiguresapproachingherthroughtheclouds. She heard the sound coming from over her then, and could see evenmore of the dark things crouching on the steel piping above her; their facesslightlyilluminatedbythewaningdaylight.

“Good evening,” one hissed at her, as the setting sun twinkled offsomethingwithinitsdevilishmouth.Afang.

“Vampires,”Charlottemused,almosttoosilenttohear.“There is nothing left to feed on.”A female sighed from the back of the

room.Charlotte’s heart slammed against her chest. The wound on her head

poundedastheroomstartedtogainfocus.There were seven. No. At least ten — all advancing toward her. She

searchedthefaces,buttohergut-wrenchingdismay,noneofthembelongedtohim.

“Valek.”Thewordslippedfrombehindher lips.Shemeant tocall it.Shemeanttoscreamoutforhim,butthesoundcameoutawhimper.

One mocked her and the rest started to laugh as she scuffled backwardagainstoneofthewalls.Shewasacagedmousewithafamilyofsnakes.

Thehissinggrewlouderastheshadowspursued.“Don’tyouknowwhat’sgoingon,stupidgirl?”thefirstonesnappedfrom

apipeaboveher.“Don’tyouknowwhyyou’rehere?”Charlottegapedathim.Hernerveswerelikeliveelectricwires,joltingher

bodyintonumbness.“Us?”hehissedagain.“Wearehereforoursins.Andyou?You’reourlast

supper.”Hegrinnedandletoutamaniacallaughasheandtwoothersleaptlikefelinesfromtherafterstojointhegrouponthefloor.

“Idon’tunderstand,”Charlottecried.“WhereamI?”Buttheyonlylaughedat theputridsmellofherfear.Themoonhadcrept

intothesky,glintedoffeachandeverysilveryfangastheygrinnedather.Sheshieldedherselfwithherarms.One liftedhisclaw to thesilvernight

beforestrikingherwithit,stainingonewhitecheekwithpulsingredthatdrippedto the floor.Shecriedout inagonyasherhair fell inher face,clinging to thewound.Itranlikehotwaterdownfrostedglass,andthehissinggrewlouder.

Another one tore off her shirt, exposing her bruised skin to the icyundercurrent.Oneoftheirtalonsmadeonelongslitalongtheothersideofherneck,tearsmixedwithbloodseepedtothecenterofherchest.

Oneofthecreaturesleanedin,tooclosetoherfaceandwhisperedsolowshestruggledtohear.

“Pleaseknow,Charlotte,wewereneverthisgruesome.Butifwearetobepunished…thenwemightaswelldeserveit.”Heturnedonlyhisheadtolookattherestofthem.“Drainit.Allofit.”

Charlotte’s scream fused with their animal cries as they lunged at her,tearingher skinopen, spillingher life.Their cold lips fixedalloverherbody.She opened her mouth in wretched suffering, unable to tell if she was evenrelinquishingasound.

*

Valeksat,alonewithhiswildthoughts,inaseparatecellallthewaydownthecold,stonycorridor.TheonlythinghecouldseeinhismindwasCharlotte’sfaceastheguardscarriedheraway,herbigeyesfixatedonhimastheydraggedherthroughthedirt.ItwasthesamewayshehadfirstlookedupathimthenighttheymetinPrague.Alone.Afraid.Hetouchedthesideofhisface,scarred,likecrackedmarble.

Sounds from what seemed like kilometers away bounced off the quartzprotruding from the moss-encrusted brick and echoed through his ears. Abloodletting.Heheardthehissing,smelledthefearandtheblood.Itwasalltoofamiliar.Hesighedwithhisfaceinhishands.Poor,sad individual,whoever itwas.

Thatwaswhenheheardsomethingthatwasalsotoofamiliar.Sickeninglyfamiliar.Hisorganscrawleduphisesophaguswhenheheardit.

Her scream echoed down the stone hall and shattered him.Her thoughtsbounced off the stalagmites into hismind, and he saw his own face reflectedbacktohim.Herbloodwasthesmellwaftingthroughthethickair.Bloodthatwashersandonlyhers.Lifethatwashersandonlyhers.

Valek sprung to the edge of his cell and wrapped his hands around thefrostedbars.Herippedatthem,pleadingwithallhismightforthemtobend.Hepulledandstretched,tonoavail.

Then,heheardhisnamecalledoutdownthelonelypassage.Shewailedforhim.Hemirroredtheaction.

“Charlotte!”Hehowledaspainfullyloudashecould—alion’sroarbackdowntheinterminablecorridortowhereshewas.

Her scream was his only response as he clutched the bars made ofsomething heavier than iron. An overwhelming and unfamiliar feeling ofhelplessness bowled him over as big, red teardrops plummeted to the floor infrontofhim.Hecalledouthernameagain.Hepulledandpulledatthosebars,

suddenlyrememberingalltoowellwhatitwasliketobesohuman,soweak.Theirpainfulscreamsandroarsblendedinanagonizingorchestration.The

horrorofhishelplessness.His littleLottiewasalone,pleading forhim,yethecoulddonothinginsidethisloathsomecage.

“Lottie,”hebellowed.“Lottie!MysweetLottie!Please!”Valekslumpedtothe floor, hand outstretched between the bars. The palm of his hand stainedscarletasitranoverhischeek.Asharpsobescapedhisthroatashebellowedforheragain.

Silenceansweredhim.“Lottie….”Hetookadeepbreathandcouldbarelyhearthevoicefromher

thoughtsanymore.So, thiswashow theywould torturehim.Thesilence fromhermindgrewlouder.“Iloveyou,Charlotte!”

*

Charlotteheardtheselastwords,despitetherushingdeath,likeaflashfloodthroughahollowtunnelshewassubmergingunderquickly.Shefoughttokeepabovethesurface,forifsheallowedherselftosink,lifewouldbeover.

“I love you,” rangout so saliently.The rest of her darkworld seemed toevanesceintohell.Thehissing,thescreaming,thepain—and,“Iloveyou”.Shekept hearing it over and over again, until she realized she was speaking thewords.Tooweaktoyellit,itcameoutinawhisper.

“Iloveyou.”Shehopedhecouldhearthethingshewantedtoscreamtotheworld.“Iloveyou,”shesaidforthelasttime,beforeshecouldnotholdonanylonger,meltingintooblivion.

*

Metal bars at the front of her cell crashed inward. Thunder guards camestomping in, sending currents of electricity flying through the air. Yellowstreamingboltsstruckthebodiesofthelivingdead.TheVampiresimmediatelyrecoiledfromCharlotteandwentdashing into thebackcornersof thecell likeratsinbrightlight.

“Comeon, foul creatures.Wehave somewhere foryou tobe,”oneguardordered as he joyfully watched them all squirm and growl as the electricitycontinuedtofly.

TheElvesrippedsomeofthemfromtheground,throwingthemovertheir

shoulders, some plucked from the aluminum piping.One officer had to use astakeforonethattriedtofight,thoughitonlystunnedhimforafewseconds.

The struggle continued as Charlotte’s life pooled down in between thecracksintothemarblefloor.Oneoftheguardsnoticedher.

“Whataboutthatone?”heaskedhiscomrade.“Eh,justleaveherthere.Maybewecanfeedtheleftoverstothenextbatch

thatcomesin,”hesaid,astheyfinallywalkedoutwiththegaggleofscreechingsoul-feeders.

Andashewasbeingdraggedaway,theheadofthecondemnedclanlookedbacktothedungeoncell.TheVampirestoppedwalking,thevisionofhisfigureblurryinCharlotte’sebbingconsciousness.

“Whatareyoudoing,leach?Keepgoing!”oneofficerprodded.TheVampireangledhisgrayear towardCharlotte. “No.No…she’salive.

Youhavetokillher!Sheisstillalive!”theVampirescreechedtotheair.The guards only glanced inCharlotte’s direction to see a lifeless, bloody

mess.“Thisfoolisoutofhisblastedmind,”theguardgrumbledastheycontinued

to lead him away, screaming something incoherent all theway out the heavydungeondoor.

*

Valek,whohadbeensilently listeningthroughthebarsall thewhile,nowforcedhimselftostand,hiskneesquakingbeneathhisweight.Hehadneverfeltsomortal.HepicturedhisLottie’seyes,widewithfear,nowslowlyclosing.Hesaw themenacingcreatures rippingather soft skin.He thought abouthowhewasoneofthem,responsibleforthedemiseofsomanypeoplejustlikeher.Hehatedhimselfandeverythinghewas,asmoregarnettearsrolleddownhispallidface.But he alsodecided that as long as hewas amonster, hewouldnot restuntileveryothermonsterresponsibleforthiswasdead.TheonlywayCharlottecould still be alive was if by some divine magic, and Valek hardly held hisbreath.

He gripped the bars tighter, a mournful cry ripping from his core as heforcedthemapart.Largerdropsofbloodspilledfromhiseyesashepulledthegap wider and wider, crying out again, surprised at his sudden strength. HewouldnotchalkituptoGod.Thatwassomethinghestoppedbelievinginalongtimeago.

Valek,liberatedfromhiscage,didn’ttakebuthalfasecondtorushintothe

cell several yards down the hall. Thankfully, the door to her cell had beencarelesslyleftopen.

Hekneltbesideher,listeningintentlytoherfaintheartbeat.Shewasamessontheground,hereyesonlyslightlyopen.Herbreathingwasshallow;mostofherwoundsalreadyhealedfromthesalivaofherpredators,whileleftoverbloodstayeddryingonherskin.IfheevercamefacetofacewiththosecreaturesthatcalledthemselvesVampires,hesworetohimselfhewouldkillthemfasterthanthesuncouldscorchtheirskin.

Valek was afraid to touch her for fear she might shatter into a millionpieces. His handswavered over her body for a few seconds longer before hepulledherintohislaptocradleherheadagainsthisarm.

“Valek,”shemurmured,asoundofaffirmation.Hegaveabittersweetsmile;histhroatburningwiththesmelloftheroom,

though feedingwas the furthest thing from hismind.He caressed her perfectcheekwithhis fingertips.“Iamherenow,Lottie.”He tookherhandgently inhis,broughtittothehollowunderhischeekbone,andhummed.“LittleLottie.Iamhere.AndI’msosorryIwasn’tbefore.”Hiseyesstartedtowellupagainashewatchedonecornerofhermouthpullupintoafaintsmile.

Herfingersmovedsoftlyagainsthiscoolskin.Thetwohuddledtogetherinthecenterofthedismalchamber.Themoonoutsidethebarredwindowcreatedaneasing,silverpoolaroundthemashecradledthegirlinthequietlight.

Iloveyou,shementallymurmuredtohim.Heleaneddownandkissedoneunhealedslashacrossherfaceuntilhefelt

itdisappearunderhislips.Hekissedthesideofherneckuntilithealedaswell.Shewouldpullthrough,hedecided.Shehadto—forhim.

“Me,too,”hewhispered.Hereyebrowsfurrowedslightlyathim,andsheshuthereyes.“You—you

weres-supposedtostayoutofm-myhead.”Herheadrolledtooneside.Hisdarkgazelockedonherfaceagainashesawshewasrestingnow.He

smoothedherhairwithonelonghandwhilehelistenedtoherbreathing.“Sleep now,Lottie.”Looking around the cell, hewracked his brain for a

waytogetthemoutalive.Or,attheveryleast,getherout.Valekinhaledthesmokeleftoverbythemorning’sexecution,breathingin

thedustofhisownkindashecradledhislittlelove.Hetracedtheoutlineofhersoftlips.Oncearuddysortofpink,theywerenowpalewiththebloodlossandmatched therestofherperfectlyplacidskin.Henoticeda traceofonesilverylittletear,stillleftononesideofherface,andhecaughtitonhisfinger.Heheldituptothemoonlightandwatcheditsparkle.

He stroked her face again and suddenly heard heavy footsteps echoing,

resonatingoffthestoneslikealarms.Hehadtothinkfast,butwhatcouldhedo?Helookeddownatthelittle,half-deadmortal.

The footsteps continued to advance. They were coming for him. A softsoundliftedoutofthesmallopeningbetweenCharlotte’slips,somethingValektooktomeansheheardthem,too.“Donotworry,love.”

Heneededtogetheroutofthere.He shotup fromwherehe sat, carefully slingingheroverhis shoulder in

one,fluidmotion.Hemadesureshewassecuretohim,beforedecidinghewasgoingtorun.

But itwas too late.He looked to see twoofficers, though this time, theywere the familiar fireElves that hadgreetedValek at his house in theOccult.Fire.TheoneelementwhichwasthemostdifficultforVampirestofightoff.IfValek had a heart, he imagined it would have dropped down into his lowerbowels.

Thefirstlaughed.“Hello,PaneRuzik.Goingsomewhere?”ThesoundmadeValek’sfleshcrawl.Whydiddoingwhathewasaboutto

dofeelalotlikesuicide?Theotherguardreeledhishandback,andthenslungagiantfireballtoward

Valek’s head. But he successfully dodged it, running under the fire, his fangsbaredandclawsout.Hesquintedthroughthelightandaimedforhiscombatant’sbody.

HecollidedintotheElf;knockedhimintothebarsofsteelwithsuchforcetheybrokeinhalfandcollapsedintothewaterpipingthatranabovethem.Waterraineddown,soakingValekandextinguishingtheElvenfire.

Angry,theguardpropelledhisfisttowardthesideofValek’shead,thoughhedodgedit,beforeitcouldcatchtheedgeofhisjaw.

Valek recoveredquickly, jammingone claw into the guard’s face.With agruesomesnap,theofficerdroppedtothefloor.

AnotherroarrippedoutofthebackofValek’sthroat.Hisdarkeyesfixatedon the other then, as the Elf lunged for him, more fire exploding from bothhands.ButValekonlywentthroughtheattack,grabbingtheElf’sforearms,andturnedthefiretotheguard’sownface.

Theofficerwithdrew,screamingashetriedtoextinguishtheflames,whichwere now melting the flesh from his skull. Valek pressed the burning managainst the bricks and leaned into his ear, careful the flames did not catchCharlotteorhim.

“Tell theRegime,wewillwin thiswar,”Valekvaliantlywhispered. “Tellthem,wearetheonlythingtheywillneverdefeat.”

He was off, darting through the dark corridors like a spirit who had

successfullyescapedthroughthegatesoftheunderworld.Hemovedsofast,theguardshepassedwouldnothaveseenhimiftheyblinked.Heplummeteddownbetweenflightsofstairs,dashedthroughthebuildingastapestries,lights,grandhallways,anddoorswhizzedpast.Charlotteheldtighttohim.Hecouldhearherwaninginandoutofconsciousness.

Valekranuntilhecametoapairofimmensedoubledoorsattheendofagrandfoyer.Boltedshut.Helookedabovetoseeagargantuan,garnetchandelierdangling from four ornate buttresses in the center of the ceiling.One buttresswascarvedintheshapeofaseaserpent,totheleft,adragon.Acrosstheway,agryphon, and finally, a Fairy. Therewere dead ends to Valek’s left and right,marked literally by the large, scathing torches and guards proceeding aroundhim.Hesearcheddesperatelyforadifferentexittothecapitalcity,butwassurethesedoorsweretheonlywayout.

“Stop!”Agaggleofofficersshoutedafter themas theyclumsilystompeddowntheresonatingfloorsofthelargefoyer.

Valek only quickly glanced back before running for the doors.Hewouldbreakhiswaythrough.

Oneofthepursuingguardssentaballofflamesfromthepalmofhishand.It spun pastValek, into the doors before him and ignited thewood. The onlyescapewascompletelyengulfednow,andValekwastrapped.

Hisbreathwasstagnantinhischest,mostlyforfear.Exhaustionwasneveran issue. If thatwerenot theway toescape, theywouldnothaveblockaded itthatway.Hewassureofthat.Butifhepushedthroughit,bothofthemwouldmost certainly disintegrate. The fire in front of him burnedmore violently. Itseemedliketheonlychoice.

The guards advanced closer and closer, his chance of escape becomingslimmerandslimmer,untilonemorepairoffootstepsclamoredstealthilydownthe corridor toValek’s right.He turned to seeAiden running toward him, hisface glistening with beads of sweat off the firelight. A new lump formed inValek’s throat. For amoment, hewas sure thiswould be the end, but then hetuned in to Aiden’s mind, though Elves were more difficult to tap into thanhumanbeings.

TheElfwatchedValekwithfeveredeyes,seemingtobedevisingsomesortofplan.Foramoment,ValekknewAidenthoughtaboutdestroyinghim.HesawAiden’s ideaaboutsendinganewballofflameshurtlingrightforhisface.HeknewtheyoungElffeltthesamewayaboutVampiresashisfatherandtherestof theRegimedid,but therewasadifferentsortofenergybuildinginsidehimnow.

*

Aiden sawCharlotte slung acrossValek’s shoulder and stopped short.Hewouldn’tdestroyValeknow,notwithCharlotte’slifeatrisk.Asurgeofenergyburst throughAiden’s arms,pulsating tohiswrists.TheElf relinquisheda cryandbenttheairaroundhimasheliftedhishandstowherethefireroaredbehindCharlotte’sunresponsivebody.Hewoulddo thisnow,buthewouldbesure tohuntValeklater.

A strong air current bolted from his fists, sending a wild wind rushingtoward the fire.But that onlymade the flamesbillowhigher to the ceiling.Awoodenbeamfromabovecollapsed,almostcrushingValekwherehestood.

Another wave of energy rushed through Aiden, one that felt morefrightened,becausewhathehadjustdonehadalmostkilledCharlotte.

*

Valek grabbed more tightly to his Lottie. The heat started to singe thecracks in his face. The smell of the burning wood and the crackling soundreflected down the marble halls. Everything seemed to be moving in slowmotionthen.SweattrickledfromAiden’sforehead.Heliftedhishandsagaintothe raging fire as a thick stream of water burst forth this time, successfullyextinguishingtheflames.

Thegroupofpalaceguards stopped,gapingatAidenasValekwastednotime and rushed through the disintegrated doors, out into the dark streets ofPrague.

Valekclosedhiseyesashe ran,not lookingback.Hecouldonly feel theheatfromwhatwasleftoftheburningdoorsfadebehindhim.ThankstoAiden,Charlottewouldbesafe,fornow.ButValekknew,themomentthesunclimbedback to its place in themorning sky, Aiden’s hunt for Charlotte would beginagain.

ChapterTwelveSafeHaven

Valekcareenedthroughthenightwithsuchaccuracythattheonlythingthemortalsnoticedonthestreetwasaslightbreezerufflingtheirclothesashespedpast.

Streetlightsflickeredontheshinypavementasthunderrolledabovethem.Hereveledinthecoolnessandclarityoftheairasheran,butwasstillpainfullyawarehisclockwasticking.HeadjustedCharlottedrapedmotionlesslyoverhisshoulder,hisconcerngrowingwitheachstephetook.Heknewexactlywherehewould go. Itwas their only chance of survival, and hewas sure therewas nootherchoice.TheOccultwouldsurelybeonsomesortofalockdown,guardsonhighalertforthefugitivethatimpossiblymanagedtoescapetheinescapable.Hejustprayedthespiredhousewiththeindigorooftopsandthelavenderwallsstillstoodwherehe remembered it.Francishadahabitofmovingeverydecadeorso,Valekrecalled.

“Valek…”Charlottemoaned.“Iknow,Lottie.You’resafe.”Hiscrystallineeyesshiftedthroughthenight

likeajunglecat’s,scanningthestreetforthewhiteporchstepsheusedtoknowsowell.

Finally, he foundwhathewas looking for at the endof the long, narrowstreet in Lesser Town near the banks of the glimmering Vltava. The familiarhome loomedoverhim.Being in the city instantly resurfaced several hundredmemories.Valekcouldn’tsuppresstheemergingsmilewhenhethoughtbacktothe night he found Charlotte, tucked in those pathetic rags. Those wondrous,curious eyes.Shehadn’t changed.Even though shewas capable of aging, shewouldneverchange.

Valekflewupthepolishedsteps,burstthroughthefrontdoor,andstoppeddead in the foyer. The place was dark and forsaken with pealing, lavenderwallpaper.Amirror to his right had been smashed, the shiny remnants on thefloor. A collapsed, wooden beam blockaded the entryway to the kitchen.Desperationovercamehim.Hesuckedinairthroughhisnose,tryingtosenseiftherewereanyonelefthere.Tohissolace,thescenthewaslookingforwasverymuchpresent.

“Francis!”Valekcalledout,exhaustedandpained.Heswiftlyreachedoverhisshoulder,pulledCharlotteinfrontofhim,and

carriedherinhisarms.Hesawhereyesclosedagain,herbreathingshallow.Herheartratewasvery,very,dangerouslyslow.

Hesuckedinairagain.“Francis!”Ashecalledoutthenameasecondtime,aVampire,decadentlydressedin

white ruffles and tight, black, satiny pants emerged from the shadows of thelong,thinhallwayjustinfrontofValek.Hislong,white,curlyhairhungneatlyabouthis carved features likeaFrench fop.He looked like something straightoutofthereformation—handsome,young,andeffeminate.

“Well,well,well.Who seems to have dropped in tomyperfectly, pretty,parlor? Look what the black cat drug in out of the rain.” Francis grinned,flashinghislongincisorsbeforeappraisingValek’ssoppingovercoatandmangyhair.“Filthy,filthy.”Hetsked.

“Francis,”Valekbreathed.“Theydidnotdiscoveryou!Howdid theynotfindyou?You’rerightintheblastedcity!”

“Comenow,dearestfriend.Howcould theyfindme?”Hechuckled.“Notwhen my house has been guarded by my indentured Witch.” He revealed ayoung woman, with tousled, brown curls and a face like a doll. She steppedaroundfrombehindhim.“Don’tyou think I’mawareofeverythinggoingon?I’m old enough to catch all of their tricks, my dear Valek.” His expressionchangedfromfabricatedjoytoimmediatedisapprovalasheliftedaneyebrowatthesightofCharlotte,hanginglimplyinValek’sarms.HetskedagainatValek,thenshookhisheadfromsidetoside.

“Please, Francis,”Valek implored, clutching the only thing he still lovedaboutlife,slowlyturningtodeathinhisarms.

“Oh,Valek.Please!Idonotreceiveavisitfromyouinalmosttwentyyearsandyoucomeback tome…afamilyman?”Francischortled like theCheshirecat.“You’resoft.”HelightlyproddedValek’schestwithaslender,silverfinger.

He sashayed over to a small table that held an elegant decanter, filledhalfway with deep, red liquid. The black and gold ornate walking stick heclutchedmadethumpingnoisesonthewoodenfloorashestepped.

HeslowlyapproachedValekwithaglasshalf-full,sippingitashewalked.Standingbeforehim,FrancisrantheglassunderneathValek’snoseandwatchedhisblueirisessinkundertheblack.Hesmiled.

“Valek.”He pulled the glass away. “Doyou knowhowmanyof us haveattemptedthingslike this?”Hegestured toCharlotte.“Areyouawareofhowmanyofushaveexperiencedthisverysamesituation?ListentomewhenIsayitisnotheryouareinlovewith.Itishermortality.Youmissitsomuch.Icanseeitinyou.That iswhatyouareinlovewith.The idea.”Hesippedat thebloodagain,swirlingitaroundasthoughitwereaglassoffinemerlot.

“Francis,youareignorantasyouhavealwaysbeen,”Valekroared.HehadhalfamindtoknocktheglassfromFrancis’hand,buthewastooexhaustedforanotherconfrontation.“Please!Ibegyoutohelpus.”

“Iamhelpingyou,sweetValek.”Francissighedandtwirledastrandofhisfriend'sdarkhairaroundhisfinger.“WhichiswhyIdon’twishtoseeyouhurt.”HeturnedhisgazeonCharlotteagainandsighed.

“TheonlywayIwouldbehurtisifyourefusedus.”Valek’svoicewavered.“IamhidingotherVampireshere,youknow.Youarenotmyonly friend.

Youwouldbesubjectingthechildtothem,andyouknowhowtestywegetwhenwe’rethirsty.”Franciscockedhishead.“Andshedoessmellsodelicious.”

Itwasn’t somuchof a threat as itwas a legitimatewarning.ButnothingFrancissaidwasabouttoswayValek.

“Surelywecan settle on someagreement.”Valek straightened, tighteninghisjaw.

“Verywell.”Francisshrugged.“ButofcourseIhaveconditions….”“Ofcourse.…”Valekfrowned.Hedidn’tlikethesoundofthat.“Yousee,myVampiresandI—wearelivinginthelowestformofpoverty

imaginable.MyhouseWitchstealsdonatedbloodfromthehospitalsinthecity,but she always brings it back cold. And sometimes we don’t even get thepleasure of partaking in that. Sometimes…it’s rats.” Francis’ gracefully longeyelashesbattedtowardCharlotteagain.

“No.”Valekhugged thegirl closer tohis chest. “You’remad.Absolutelynot.”

“Wewouldnotbekillingher,Valek,Iassureyou.Shewouldbethemostprotectedthinginthishouse.Butweneedfreshbloodinordertosurvive.It isthatdire.Wehavegrownweak.”

“Isaid,no,Francis!ThisismywholelifeIamholding.”“Thenshecannotstay!”Franciswhirledaroundabruptly.“Ifsheisnotour

bloodsource,thensheisnothing!Mywordisfinal.”TheeffeteVampireturnedontheblacktoeofhisshined,leatherboot.“Goodluck.”

“Wait.”Valek’sreactionseemedmorelikeareflex.Theworldoutsidethedoorbehindhimgrewlighter.Charlotte’sheartbeatgrewslower.Valek’schoiceswerenowevenslimmer.

Francispeeredoverhispointedshoulder.TheWitchgrinned.Valekcrumpled.“Fine.Butifanyofyouhurtheratall,Iwilltearyoulimb

fromlimb.”“Well…wecan try not to hurt her.Wewill be taking it straight from the

vein,ofcourse.”Hesmirked.Valekroaredangrilyathim.

Franciswagged his finger. “None of that.As I said, you arewelcome todeclinemyofferandleave.”

Valek’snostrilsflared,buthehadnowhereelsetogo.Aidenwouldsurelyfindheranywhereelse.Sadlyandfinally,heacquiesced.

“It’sgoodtoseeyouagain,myfriend.IactuallyhadafeelingIwasgoingto.”

Valekbreathedandnoddedhishalfhearted“thankyou”.“Sarah,showmydearestfriend,Valek,andhis—er—guesttothebasement,

won’t you? And then prepare a room upstairs for her.” Francis snapped hisfingersonce.

TheWitch cheerfully gestured for Valek to follow, Francis staying closebehind.Sheledthemdownthedark,brickhallwaydecoratedwithoddlyplacedoilpaintingsandflowerypastels—acleardisguise for theunlikelyeventanyhumanwouldhappentoenterthedingy,seeminglyabandonedhome.Inthefloorwasa trapdoor,withonlya rope for ahandle, though itwas soencasedwithdust,amortalprobablywouldn’thaveevernoticeditthere.

Sarahyankeditopen,murkyparticlescascadingintothedarkabyss.ValekpeeredintoitandglancedbackatFrancis.

“Afteryou.”Francisgrinned.ValekhuggedCharlotteclosertohimandsteppedforward,peeringintothe

blackness.Thetunnelwasthinandseemedtogrowthinnerashepeeredthroughit,thoughhecouldfaintlyseewhereitopeneduptoalitroombelow.HepressedCharlotteeventightertohimandjumped,hisshirtbillowinguparoundhimasheplummeted.

He landedgracefully, likeacat, feeling thedirt thudbeneathhis feet.Helooked atCharlotte,whowas trying towakeup, eyes twitching, small soundscoming from her mouth. He gazed back up into the hole from which he’dplummeted.Itseemedlikehehadbeenfallingforawhile.

“Lookoutbelow!”Francis’voiceechoedfromabove.ValekbrisklymovedoutofthewayasFrancislandedneatlynexttohim.“Well,hereyouare!”Valekassessedtheroom,whichwassimplyalarge,dirt-packedbasement,

perfect foragaggleof rogueVampires.Thecementwallswerecrackedwherewaterpipesandtreerootsemerged.Coffinslaynexttoeachotherinrows,theirlidsleftopen.Itwasdark,wet,anddreary;thefaintestglowoforangefirelightsmolderinginthehearthofamodestfireplaceagainstoneofthewalls.Theonlypossible way for one to tell if it were daylight outside, were if all of theVampiresintheroomstoppedmoving.

Valekliftedaneyebrow.“Coffins,Francis?Thatseemsalittlecliché.”

“Would you rather sleep on packed dirt? And in any case, it’s ratherimpossibletogetabeddownhere,”heexplained.“Besides,Ilikecliché.”

ThegroupofFrancis’“friends”satinchairsaroundthebrickfireplace.Itssmokestackmusthavegoneonforeverafterexperiencinghowlongthattunneldrop had been. They seemed to have been carrying on a conversation untilValek,quiteliterally,droppedin.Theywerenowallsilent,studying.

Francisopenedhisarmstothem.“Friends!ThisisValekRuzik,amedicalexpert from the Southern Bohemian Occult. He has escaped the walls of theRegime and has come here for salvation!He is one ofmy oldest and dearestfriends,andItrusteveryonewillshowhima…warm…welcome.”

OneVampire stood fromhis chair, a youngmanwho looked likehewaschangedatabouttheageoftwenty,withgoldencurlshetiedbackwithablackribbon.Hewassignificantlysmallerthantheothersinthegroup,hisframestillboyish,thoughhisfaceseemedolderandwise,somehow,andhiseyesseemedtopossessanindependentlife.

“Youwerecaptured?”heaskedinastonishment,gapingatValek.“ButhowcouldyouhavepossiblyescapedtheRegimewalls?”

Valek’s face remained hard and strained. “Itwas difficult,” he respondedquietly. “I hadhelp.”He sawAiden’s face in hismind, remembering the furythatseemedtoburnthroughhim.

The youngVampire blanched atwhat he saw inValek’s head. The othermembersofthegroupreacted,too.Afewjoinedinstanding.

“Aiden.”Oneoftwofemalesinthegroupspoke.“DanekPrice’sboy.Nextinline,”shemused.

“What?”Valekfrowned.“He’snextinlinetorule.AfterVladislov’sreignhasended,AidenPriceis

nextinlinefortheseatofpower.Thechosenone.He’ssupposedlyanElfthathasmasteredallof theelements.Fire.Earth.Wind.Water.Nottomention, themind—thesixthelement.It’simpossibletounderstandthemultitudeofpowerhepossesses,”shesaid,herlovely,palefeaturescontortedandstrained.

ValekthoughtbacktothebuttressesintheRegimepalaceandhowAidenhadseemedtomanipulatetheairaroundhimbeforeextinguishingthefirewithwater.Hewrinkledhisforehead.“No.Theremustbeamistake.HelivesinourOccultwithhismother.Ihaveknownhimforyears,”Valekcountered.

“Apparentlynotwellenough toknowwhohis father is,” the femalewiththe ravenhair explained, glancing at the girl inValek’s arms.Her pin-straighttressesreflectedthedimlightintonesofblue,liketheskyatmidnight.

Valek turned to Francis again. “Something happened before the guardsransackedmy home. Charlotte had been with Aiden. She came home crying.

Something happened between them. I remember seeing a few of her thoughtsbeforetheguardscametoourdoor.”

“Andwhatwerethosethoughts?”Francisasked.Valek’sfaceburnedwhenherememberedAidenkissingher,butnowitwas

trivialcomparedtowhatelseapparentlyoccurredthatnight.“Therewerepapers,alistofsomesort,Ibelieve.ItlookedtomelikearegisterofOccultinhabitantsemployedbytheRegime.TherewasaLycanguardingourborders,andIthinkAiden was trying to confide in her — perhaps to protect her after….” Hehesitatedtocontinue,recallinghismonstrousbehaviorthatnightonthecountryroad.“Aftertherehadalmostbeenanattack.”

“Youmeananaccident,”Francischastised.One particularly malefic-looking Vampire with short, black hair and a

broken nose rose from his place near the fire.He stood, analyzingValek andCharlotte.“Well,youshouldn’thavehadahumaninyourpossession,anyway,”hechastised.“That’stheproblem.TheRegimefoundoutyouwerebreakingthelaw!”

“Lusian,that’sbesidesthepoint,”Francisinterjected.“Besides,she’llbeavery beneficial little addition to our household.” He grinned and gestured forValektocontinue.

“ThenIrecallseeingsomethingAiden’smothersaidtoCharlotteaboutme,somethingthatbotheredher,”Valekexplained.

“I thinkwe shouldwaituntilyourCharlottewakesup. It sounds like shehasthefullstory.”Theotherfemalespokecalmly,inanairyvoice.Thisonehadwhite, ringlet curls that ran down to the small of her back and surrounded aseverelybeautiful face.Thoughshe loomedoversomeof themales,her limbswere delicate, like those of a ballerina. But even as she was beautiful, herfeatureswerehardandicyashergazetouchedCharlottecradledinValek’sarms.

Everything grew silent again as the group became painfully aware ofCharlotte’smortality.Itwasthewarmest,mostevidentscentintheroom.Valeksawafewoftheirthoughtsastheyglancedatheragain.Hisjawclenched.

“Noonewilltouchheruntilsheiswellagain.NoonewilleventhinkaboutheruntilIsayitisright.Isthatunderstood?”hegrowled.

Theyallobligedwithoutargument.TheirthoughtstoldValekthattheykeptallthebloodtheyneededinasmallfreezerthatsatagainstthewallfornow.Itwouldsufficeuntilthegirlhadregainedherstrength.

“Noonewill touchher,” theblonde female repeated,assuringhimwithasoftsmile.

Valek looked upon Francis, the concern forming creases in his forehead.“Shewasattackedbyagroupofusalittlesmallerthanthisone.Sheneedsfood

and some sort of supplement.Herheart rate continues todecline.Theywouldhave drained her if theRegime guards didn’t rip those parasites off her.”Hiseyeswelledupwiththememory,thelastofhiswordsbiting.

Francisonlynoddedbeforehe looked toSarah.Shesmiled,nodding,andflittedbacktowardthetunnel.ShewouldconcoctsomethingtohelpCharlotte.Valekhearditinhermindwhenshenoddedathim.

Valekturnedtofindthegroupstillstaringathim,someempathetic,somedisgusted.Butheacceptedneitherpitynordisapproval.Hedidn’tneedanymorefriends, especially if they were Vampires. There was nothing he cared moreaboutthanwhathewasholdinginhisarms.

Hewalkedovertotherowsofcoffinsandturnedonthegroupagain,allofthemstillwatching.

“Whichisempty?”heasked,coolly.“None,” the one called Lusian said just as evenly, though he pivoted to

snickerwithJorge,theyounger-lookingmalewithblondhairpulledbackbehindhishead.

Valek approached the group slowly again, eyeing the one that had justspoken. “We can do this the hard way.” He quickly pulled up his knee andshovedhisbootrightinthelargeVampire’schest,sendinghimflyingbackward,splinteringachair.“Iamnotheretomakefriends,”Valekmurmured.Helookedtotherowsofcrypts.“Iwillaskagain.Whichisempty?”

“The last three.” The female with the dark hair spoke this time as shehelpedLusiantohisfeet.

Valekmovedtotheoneinthecenterinthelastrowandkickedthelidoff.Theinsidewassuperfluouswithlayersofredsilkandlace.WhenFrancissaidhelikedcliché,ithadclearlynotbeeninjest.

“Recklessbehavior isnotgoing tohelpyour situation!”Francis sputteredfrantically.

Valek ignored him. He crouched and gently placed Charlotte inside —somethinghedidnotparticularlylikedoing.Hetriedtoimagineitwasjustlikeany other bed. He watched her face, still peaceful, as he removed his tornovercoatandwrappeditaroundher.

He sat on the ground beside her, one hand holding tightly onto hers.Hewouldcontinuetostaythereuntilshewokeup.Hewantedtobethefirstthingshe saw, so she would know she was safe. He thought back to the night theLycanattacked thehuman farmer justoutsideof theOccult again.He thoughtabout theway she’d looked at himwithdifferent eyes, as thoughhewere thefearedmonsterunderherbed.

Abouthalfanhourpassed,andSarahsoonreturnedwithcanteensofsoup,

bread,andotherthingstheWitchfoundinthemiddleofthenighttosustainthehumangirl.SheplacedasmallchocolatebeadinValek’shand.

“Have her swallow that. That will help her blood replenish,” she said,beforeflittingoff.

Charlottehadnotyetawokenfromhersleep,andValekcontinuedtowaitunabatedlybyherside,whiletheotherswhisperedthingsbythefirelight.Valekcould hear everything they were saying, and more. They might as well havescreameditoutatthetopoftheirlungs.

Disgusting, he heard one of them think.The way he lingers over her asthoughshewerehisdyinglover.

“I’ve seen this before,” Jorge whispered. “It becomes something like anobsession— the love betweenmortal and immortal. It’s compulsive—beingobsessedwith theirhuman lover’smortality.They fall in lovewith thatwhichtheylost.Thewarmth,thethriving,living,breathingfeeling.”HewasexplainingtoSasha,abeautifulmalewithebonyskin.“Itisnothealthy.Anditneverendswell.”

“But I thought the girl was something like a child to him.” Sasha’smanicuredbrowfurrowed.

JorgecockedhisheadtowardValek.“Well,itcertainlydoesn’tappearthatwayanymore.”Hemurmuredas thoughValekstill couldn’t hear,whichmadeValekburnevenmore.

Sashawentonponderingthis.Valeksnortedincontempt.Idiot,hethoughtinJorge’sgeneraldirection.

Afterawhile, theblondecametositnext tohim.Hedidn’t lookupfromCharlotte’s face.His features strainedwhenhe sensed theblondedrawnearer.TheVampirehadafullglassinherhandasshelightlytappedValek’sshoulder.

“What?”hesaid,withoutshiftinghisgaze.“You’vebeensittinghere forhours.Thesun’salmostup.You’re thirsty.”

Sheofferedhimtheglass,hervoicestayingasairyandlightasitwasbefore.Onlythendidhelookatwhatshewashandinghim.Hehadn’trealizedthe

achingthathadbegunagaininthebackofhisthroat,ortheburninghefeltinhiscenteruntilhesmelleditintheglass.Hegazedatherwithcompletelyenvelopedirises.Thetruthwas,heforgotcompletelyaboutwhathewas,becauseforthosehoursheprayedforCharlotte,hewashuman.

“Take it. If shewakesbefore themorning,youdon’twanther to seeyoulikethis.”

Valekapprehensivelytooktheglassfromher,searchingthroughhermind,findingnothingcruelorjudgmentalabouthim.Hesippedandwincedasthecoldambrosia ran down his throat. He had never had it cold before. It almost did

nothingtosatiatehim,andhefinallyunderstoodwhatFrancishadbeentalkingabout.

“Iknowit’sawful.Butit’sthebestwehaverightnow,until—”“Please,”heinterruptedher.“Don’tmentionit.”TherewasamomentofsilenceastheybothwatchedCharlotte’sface.“She’llbeokay.She’sdreaming,”theblondesaid.“Oh.”ValekstrokedCharlotte’scheek.“That’sgood.”“Don’tyouwanttoknowwhatshe’sdreamingabout?”“Yes.Morethananything.ButIpromisedherI’dstayoutofherhead,”he

explainedwithaslightsmilewhenhisLottiesighed.“Isee.I’mAndela.”Sheofferedherhandtohim.“Valek.”Heignoredthegesture.Andelawithdrewherhand.“Well,ifyouorCharlotteneedanything,I’llbe

here.”Shesmiledsoftly.“Shewillbesafe,Valek,”shesoothed,andwalkedbacktojointherestofthegroup.

HestudiedCharlotte’ssweetface,wantingsomuchforhereyestoflutteropen.Hethoughtbackjustacoupleofnightsbefore,whenshehadcrawledintobedwithhim—howherfacelookedthen,thewayshesmiledwhenshedreamt.Hewishedhehadn’treactedthewayhedid.Hewouldgiveanythingtogobackandrelivethatnight.Butevenwithalloftheinhumanityhepossessed,hecouldneverturnbackthehandsoftime.

Heliftedherhandtohis face, justsohecouldfeelherwarmthagain.Heclosed his eyes, inhaling her scent, allowing himself to be comforted by it,thoughtheguiltcontinuedtotwistathisinsides.

“Valek….”Herlittlevoicerosefromtheboxbesidehim.His eyelids flew open to see her watching him. Valek felt the group of

Vampiresaroundthefiregrowverystillagain.“I’m here, Lottie,” hewhispered. Everything else in the room seemed to

disappear.“Valek,” she repeated, her eyes closing and reopening like those of an

antiquedoll.“Arewesafe?”“Fornow.”Hesmiled.“I’msosorry,”shemurmured.“Forwhat?”“Forbefore.ForwhenIstoppedtrustingyou,”shesaid.“Thisismyfault.”“No.”Hehushedher.“No.Iwasverywrongaboutalotofthings.Youhad

everyrighttobeangry.”“Notwithyou.”Hergazemovedfromhisfacetohersurroundings—the

softsidesofthecasketaroundher.“AmIdead?”“No.” He chuckled. A few soft laughs resonated from the fireplace, too.

“You’refine.You’remyLottie.Youscaredmealittle,butyou’resafenow.”Heranhisfingersthroughpiecesofherhairandbegantohumherlullaby.

ChapterThirteenRogues

Charlotte slowly sat up, herhead still spinning.She clutched the sidesofthe coffin so shewouldn’t fall back again.Valek’s hand swiftlymoved to themiddleofherbacktohelpherkeepbalance.

Hiseyebrowspulledtogetherasheappraisedher.“Perhapsyoushouldnotgetupyet,”hewarned.“You’velostalotofblood.Youmayneedatransfusion.”

Charlotteblinkeduntilthespinningwentaway.Herheadstillpounded,butnothing else seemed to hurt. She could see all of her flesh wounds had beenhealed. She only felt weak. She turned to see several luminescent eyes thatmatchedValek’sstaringatherfromonecorneroftheroom.Shestaredbackatthemwiththesamecuriosity.

“Whoarethey?”sheasked,fightingtorememberwhathadhappened.Valekrushedtoexplain.“WeescapedfromtheRegime.We’reatafriend’s

house.He’sharboringrogues.Nowhereelseissafe.”Charlotteturnedhergazebackonhim.“The Regime? That’s where we were?” She was astonished as more

questions invadedhermind.Sherecalledeverydetailof theguard’s face,whofoundherhiding inValek’sbedroom,as thoughshehadknownit forever.Sheremembered feeling her mouth open to scream, but hearing nothing as theydraggedheraway,kickingandclawingthroughthemudandthecool,morningrain as it splashedontoher skin.Everythinghadgonehazy.Somethingheavyhadcomedownonherhead,makingherworldgoblack.ThelastthingshesawwasValek’sfearful,blazingeyesbeforeshewokeupinthedungeon.

“Doyouremember?”Valekfurrowedhiseyebrows.Charlotte saw him then.Really saw him. She analyzed his torn shirt and

disheveled hair about his dirty beautiful face. She grabbed onto him with asmuch strength as she could muster and pulled him close, wrapping her armsaroundwhoshethoughtshehadsurelylost.

“You savedme!” she cried. She saw the large doors on fire, though thevisionblurredinhermind.Sheheardthethunderousordersfromtheguardsandfeltthewindthatpulsedbyherwhentheywererunningthroughthenight.Itwasallverydistant.

“Yousavedme,”shewhisperedagain.Valeksmiled.

“Your face….”His skinwascracked, likebrokenmarble. “I tried to stopit.”Shereacheduptostroketheburnscars,buthemetherfingerswithhisandpulledthemgentlyaway.

“Iknow.Iwillbeallright,Lottie.”“Howdowehealit?”“Idon’tthinkwecan.”Hechangedthesubject.“Itisnotimportantatthis

moment.”Charlottegapedwide-eyed around thedarkbasement.Thewarm firelight

danced off the hauntingly beautiful, macabre faces that gazed back at her,studyingher,asshedidthem.Theremusthavebeentenortwelveofthem,eachhaving their own pair of crystal-colored eyes. She saw the ominous daggersgleamingintheirmouths,tastingthescentsheleftintheair.

Variouspartsofherbodystartedtopricklewiththememory.Sheshuthereyesagainst thevision, feelingas thoughshewereback in thedungeonof theRegime.Shesmelledthepollutedsmokeagainandsawthesinistershadowsthathissedather.Sheknottedherfistsinherhair,pushingtheimagesaway.Whenshe felt somethingcool touchherhand, she looked to seeValek regardingherwithworry.

“Lottie.Theyaresafe.”Heputherfingertipstohiscoolcheekagain.“Youaresafe.Iswearittoyou.”Hefrowned.

Charlottegapedathim,tearsstingingthebridgeofhernose.Sheknewshewassafe,buttherewassomethingelse—somethingshedesperatelyneededtotellhim.Shefeltitburneverytimehisgazelockedwithhers.

“Charlotte….”Andela’ssoftvoiceshatteredtheicethatseemedtoforminthesilence.

CharlottelookedattheotherVampire’ssoft,scarysmile.“Charlotte,thereissomethingverywronghappening.Wewerehopingyou

couldperhapshelpus.”Shespokecarefully,as if shewerespeaking toawildrabbit.“TheRegimeissendingtheirguardstodifferentOccultsacrossEurope,and it seems they are only seeking out our kind. Vampires. We need tounderstandwhy.EachofusescapedfromadifferentOccultcity,andasfarasweknow,thereareveryfewofusleft.”Andela’seyeswerejustasfrightenedandtearyasCharlotte’s.

Charlotte lookedbackat thegrouphuddledby the fire, and this time shesaw their faces.Shesaw thehorrifiedexpressions.Themortalemotions.Theyweren’tmonsters anymore.Theywerepeople.Adifferentkindofpeople.ShelookedbacktoAndelaandnodded.

*

SoonCharlottewascuddledupwithalargewoolblanketclosesttothefire,nursing a canteen of soup, though she could barely hold her head up. Valekhuddledtightlynexttoher,withtherestofthegroupcrowdingaroundinalargecircle. They listened intently as Charlotte told them about how the LycanguardingtheOccultgatesattackedherandEvangelineafewnightsbefore,andaboutthelistAidenshowedher.Theywatchedtheimagesinherhead,analyzingeverypicture.

“Charlotte, could you imagine again the list Aiden showed you for amoment?”Jorge,theyoung,blondVampireasked.

Shedidandtheyallsawitasshedid,tryingtoclearlydecipherthefuzzypicturesenoughtoreadthenamesonthepaper.

“So, the Regime hired that Lycan to guard the Occult?” The one calledDusanaaskedfromherperchona tornarmrest.SheandLusianmatchedeachother.A bitmore frightening than the rest,with chopped, raven hair about anangularface,cladwithmetalpiercings.SeveraltattoossnakedaroundDusana’sarmsfromunderhertorn,blackshirt.

“Yes,”Charlottereplied.“Butthat’sodd,isn’tit?”DusanalookedatFrancis.“Itattackedevenwhen

shewaswithDanek’sboy.”“That doesn’tmatter,” Lusian, the largeVampire, interjected from a dark

corner.“Ifthedogwastrainedtosniffoutmagic,itwouldhaveattackedAiden,nomatterwhohewas.Lycanshaveabsolutelynoself-control.”Hespatacidtothefloor.

“Continue,”FrancistoldCharlotte.“AndwhenMeredithfixedmylegontheeveningIwasattacked,shesaid

someverystrangethings,”shecontinued.“RacialslursagainstValekforwhatheis,likeshewastryingtowarnme.”SheglancedupatValek’shardface.“Ortokeepme.”

“YousaidAidenneverspokemuchabouthisfather,”Andelasaid.“EverytimeIasked,hejusttoldmehewasworking.Iassumedhewasjust

anotheraverageElf,”Charlotteadmitted,fiddlingwiththecanteeninherhand.Sheyawned,hercoherencywaningagain.Thesoftlightintheroomseemedtoblurbehindherheavyeyes.

“And about his mother?” Jorge asked. “What was it she said thatspecificallybotheredyou?”

“Something aboutValekbeingdangerous. In all the years they’veknown

eachother,sheneverspokeabouthimthatway.”Charlottefrowned.“ValekandMeredithhavebeenfriendsforyears.OrsoIthought.”

“It’sinterestingthatthisisstartingnow,”Lusiansaid.Thegroupgotsilent.“Whatareyougibberingabout,Lusian?”askedFrancis.“Do you remember that one crazy bastard?You know, theVampirewho

attacked Vladislov a few years ago, when the Wizard’s Regime first beganinstitutingtheirstupidlaws?”Heshruggedoffthewallandwalkedtothecenterofthegroup.

“Right!”Dusana jumpedup.“TheVampirewhosetout toassassinate theRegime.”Shelaughed.“Youreallyhadtohavebeencrazytotrythatone.ItwassplashedalloverOccultpresses.”

“Right.Howmanyyearsagowouldyouestimatethatwas?”Lusianasked.“Idon’tknow.Atleasttwenty,”shesaid.He stopped pacing. “Are two decades enough time to plot an entire

genocide?”Hiseyesflashed.“Awar,even?”“Iftherewasgoingtobeawar,therewouldhavetobeanopposingside.”

Francisrolledhiseyes.“Andweallknowhowone-sidedtheRegimeis.”“No,itisn’t.WhatkindofmagicaretheElvesandtheFae?Light.Theyare

lightmagic.Andwhatarewe?”“Dark,”Dusanamused.Lusianliftedhishandslikehehadsuccessfullyprovensomething.“Anyway,doyoureallythinkoneVampirewasenoughtoscaretheRegime

enoughintokillingusall?”Jorgescoffed.“Yes.Whynot?Theyneverfoundhim.Heescaped.”Lusianmoveddeeper

intothecircle,hisfeaturesmademoreintensebythefirelight.“Whynotgetridofthelotofusjusttomakesurejusticewasindeedserved?Andtheremightbemoreofusoutthere,tryingtogetatVladislov’sthroat.That’swhattheRegimeisbettingon.”

“Yes, but on what grounds do they stand? It would be considered massmurder.AndIdon’tcarewhatsocietyinwhichyoulive—lightordark.Thatiscompletelyunjust.”Francisdismissedtheideawithalaceywaveofthehand.

“Yes,Francis!Butwhocareswhenyou’re sittingat the topof thechain?Who’s going to punish them? ” Lusian’s voice was ecstatic. “Think about it.Thatoneincidentprobablyscaredtheoldguyenoughtoconductsomethingthisinsane.Thebottomlineis,wearedisappearing.ThereweremanyVampiresinmyOccult.Allwerecaptured,exceptforme.”

The group thought for a moment. Charlotte was amazed as she watchedthem all work together as one collective brain. Their faces carried the sameexpressionatthesametime.

“‘Weare theonly thingsyouwillneverdefeat,’”Valekmused,chucklingdarkly.Allofthemturnedtolookathim.

“YouknowthosewordsscaredVladislov,”Lusiansaid.Franciscontinuedtoargue.“Still,howwouldtheyjustifythis?Theywould

losetherespectofalltheOccultpeopleforkillingmercilessly.Creatureswouldrevolt.Thisgoescompletelyagainstthemagiccode,‘Harmnone,anddoasyouwill’.”

“We killmercilessly,don’twe?Wehunt forour food.”LusianglancedatCharlotte.TheyallglancedatCharlotte.

“Wekilltosurvive.Mostlivingthingsdo,”Valekcountered.“But we kill mortals, Valek. Even you do. People just like her.” Lusian

pointedhistalonatCharlotte.“Weareresponsibleformorehumandeathsthancaraccidents,and that’s thegroundonwhich theystand.That ishowtheyarejustifying all of this.The thing is—weare thevictimsnow!”LusianwalkedoverandcrouchedinfrontofCharlotte.“Thankstoyourpapahere,thehuntershavebecomethehunted.”

“Stepawayfromher,”Valekwarned,swiftlymovingbetweenthem.“Heisnotmyfather,”Charlottesaidquietly.Herflushedcheeksburnedin

aflurryofembarrassmentandrage.Lusian’smenacinggazeshiftedtoValek.“I’mnottheonewhoisthecause

ofallofthis.Itisyourfault.Weshouldjustturnyouinnow!”The rest of the coven gaped at Valek, completely and simultaneously

frozen.“Youcoulddothat,”Valekdismissed.“Butdoyoureallythinkthiswould

alljustgoawayinaninstant?Vladislovrulestheentiremagicalworld,andhe’sgotthembelievingourkindisevil.Myopinionis,insteadofusingyoureffortsto‘out’me,wefocusonfinishingwhatIstartedundertwodecadesago.”

Charlotte’seyeswidenedathim.WasValekthesameVampirewhonearlykilledVladislovtwentyyearsago?Shesawhiseyesflickertowardherforasplitsecond.

“Howdoyouproposewedothis?”Francisasked.“We have to fight. This isn’t going to be some peaceful revolution— a

simpleargument.Clearly,theydonotknowhowtoreason.”Lusianturnedtotherest of the group,making eye contactwith every one of them. “We’ve got toform an army.Asmany of us as they can’t catch.We fight to the death.”HewheeledbacktoValek,exceptthistime,aflashofadmirationlivedinhiseyes.“Becauseit’strue,isn’tit?Wearetheonlythingstheywillneverdefeat.”

Valeknoddedonce.Charlottelookedathimagain.“No,”Andelacroakedfromsomewhereinthebackofthegroup.

Allheadsjerkedtolookather.Oneofherclawsgrippedthechair,hernailstearingholesintheleather,theotherone,sheclutchedtoherchest.Thewhitesinhereyeswerecompletelyovertakenbyblackthen.

“Itisstartingagain.”Bloodspiltoverherlipsasshechoked.Francisblanched.“Whattimeisit?”“Eighto’clock,”Jorgesaid.“Damn. Okay, we continue this tomorrow night,” Lusian instructed. He

swiftlymovedovertohiscoffinontheothersideoftheroomanddrewalong,silverdaggerfromhisbelt.

“Don’t look,” Valek whispered, burying Charlotte’s face in his chest.Lusian’spainful,garbledcrywrungoutashepulledhimself intohis tomb,hisblackshirtstickyandwetatthecenter.Hereachedout,yankingthelidovertop,chokinguntilthecoffinclosedwithathump.

CharlottelookedupatValek,seeinghiseyesweredarkaswell.Hefrownedather.

“Sometimes, it’s justeasier toget itoverwith,”Valekexplained,strokinghercheek.Heliftedheroffthegroundintohisarms.

Cryingandmoaning resonated fromtheothersas theystarted likeLusianbeforethem,droppingonebyone.Somedraggeditout,holdingontolifeaslongastheycould.

“Donottakeyoureyesoffofme,”hewhispered.Sheobeyed as he carriedher over to the coffin he hadput her in earlier.

Charlottewoundherfingers in the tornmaterialofhisshirt,hidingherfaceinhischest.Thereitwasagain,hismostbeautifulscent.

Heknelttothedirtfloor,eyesstillfixedonhers.“Everythingwillbefine.Doyourememberthedayyousnuckintomybedroom?”Hissmilewasstrangeandcrooked,filledwithanintensesuffering.Charlottegulped,nodding.“Well,thisisgoingtobejustlikethat.Allright?”

Shenoddedagain.“Okay.”“Noreasontobeafraid.”“I’mnot.”Someoneshriekedfromtheothersideoftheroom,andCharlottejumped.

Valekloweredherinfirst.Whenheletgoofherhisjointscracked,andhecriedoutinpainliketherestofthem.

“Valek!”He placed both of his hands inside, trying his hardest to pull himself in.

Charlottegrabbedontohisshouldersandtuggedwithallhermight,untiltherestofhimwasinsidewithher.Helookedupwithanotherpainedsmile.

“J-just close it most of t-the way…” he stammered. “You have to b-

breathe.”Hestruggledtokeephiseyesopenashefoughttocontinuebreathing.Charlotte was about to reach for the heavy lid when she saw Francis

hovering over her. A lump formed in her throat and she grabbed onto Valek,knowinghewouldnotbeabletodomuchtoprotecther.

“Ihaveit.”Francissmiledsoftlyather.Shelaydownonherside,theonlywaytherewasroomforthetwoofthem,

andwatchedasthelidslidacrossthetopofthem,leavingonlyone,thinrayoflight across her face. She looked to Valek again. Always seeing him in thedarkness, she imagined what it would be like to see his face warm, in thesunlight.Shesmiledandplacedherhandonhischeek.

“I–IwishIw-wasn’tl-likethis,”hesaid.“S-scary.”“Youdon’tscareme,”shelied.“Don’t I?” He grinned painfully as he shook, his eyebrows drawing

together.She inched closer to himandpulled his arms aroundher, listening to his

staggeredbreathingashelaytheredyingagainsther.Thiswasthemomentshehadbeenwaitingfor.Shemustdoitnowornothingwasevergoingtochangebetweenthem.

“I don’twant you anyotherway,” shewhispered, slowly lifting her chinuntilherlipsmetthesideofhisjaw.Shecouldfeelhisbreathcatchinhisthroat,notsureifwhatshewasdoingwaswrong.

“Ch-charlotte,p-please….”Hebegantopullaway.Butshewasn’tgoingtostop.Sheinchedupfarther,pressinghertoestothe

backofthecoffinuntilshefelthiscool,softlipstouchhers.Herheartlurchedinherchest,jumpstarting,thuddinghardagainsthim.Itmusthavebeenagonizing.

Hishandsmovedslowlytoherhead,fingersintertwininginhercurls.Shesighedintohismouth,themusclesinhernecktensing,buttherestofherrelaxedthemostiteverhad.

Valek slammedon the sideof the casketwithhis fist,making a crackingsoundwiththeimpact.Shewassurehe’dbustedaholeinit.Charlotteknewitwasonceagainhistime.Hepulledhisfaceaway—aprecaution—yetalso,hepulledherbodyclosertohis.

Sherestedhercheekonhischestandlistenedtohisdeadheartslamhardagainsthisribs,growinggraduallyslower.Shestayedthatway,listening,untilitfinallystopped.

His arms stayed stiff around her.Hewas sleeping, she reminded herself,beginningtobepainfullyawareherwarm,livingheartwasbeatingsoloagainsthishollowchest.Looking for adistraction from the truth, sheclosedher eyesandfocusedonhissweetscentandthelingeringfeelingleftfromhislips.

ChapterFourteenAtALoss

Aidenpacedthefloorwithsomuchfirethewoodscorchedunderhisfeet.Hiseyesblazedbehindtheirshroudofblacklashesashisgazedartedabouttheroom,threateningtomeltthefirstfacetheymet.

Hecouldn’tstandtoeverseeCharlottehurt,ordead,nonetheless.Whenhesaw Valek standing before the fiery palace entrance with Charlotte slungmotionlessoverhisshoulder,simple instinct tookover. Itdidn’tallowhimthetimetoconsiderwhetherornothewasmakingtherightdecision.Hedidn’tcarewhathappenedtoValek,naturally,butnoonewasgoingtohurtCharlotte.Noteventhehighrulerhimself.

“Damnit!”Aiden’s roarshattered thesilenceabout theroom.Hesenthisfistflyingintothesideofaredwoodbookshelf.

“Calmyourself,my son.”DanekPrice’s voicewas smooth and eloquent,but somehowmanaged to unnerveAiden all the same. “Thiswill all be dealtwithintime.”

“Ihadher!”Aidengrowled,ballinghishandsupinhishair.“Shewasrightinfrontofme.”Hethoughtforamoment.“Whatiftheyrun?Whatiftheyfleethecountry?”Heturnedonhisfather.

“There isnoplace theycanhidesuccessfully.Not forvery long,anyway.NotwithValekbeingwhat he is, and the complicationshehaswith the sun.”Danekslowlystoodfromhischair.“WewillfindthisgirlCharlotte.”Hepouredaglassabrandy.“Butwemustkeepourwitsaboutourselves.”Heswiggedbacktheliquor.

“Those ticks think they’re so damn clever,” Aiden fumed, tightening hishandsintofistsathissides.Flamedexplodedjustabovehisknuckles.

Daneksaunteredovertohissonandplacedhisthickhandonhisshoulder.“Aiden,youhavebeenbestowedallofthispowerforareason.Nowisyourtimeto use it. You did the right thing by letting them go. She would have beenkilled.”

Aidenbitterlyshruggedhisfather’shandoffandstormedtothebookshelf.“That’sright!Becausethoseidiotsputherinthedungeonswiththosedisgustinglice!”Hegrowled.

“Ipromise,son.IfIhadknownanythingaboutit,Iwouldhavepreventedit.”

“Whodidknowaboutit?Whowasresponsible?”WaterstreamedfromthelowerlidsofAiden’seyes,thoughitwasnotnatural,salttears.Itfloweddownhisfaceandpooledaroundhisfeet.

Daneksetdownthebrandyglass.“TheplatoonfromthefiredivisionhadbeensenttocaptureValekRuzik.Idoknowthat.”

“Killthem,then.Whoeveritwas.”Aidenstormedout,slammingthedoorbehindhim.

Hetoredownthedourcorridor,eyesandfistsstillblazing.Thesoundofhisapproach bounced off the stone like chills off a spine.Windwhipped his hairaround his face as floods trailed from his feet. His powers were only ascontrolledashisemotionswere,andbeinganangryteenagerdidnothingtohelpthesituation.

AidenstompeddowntheNorthWinguptoVladislov’squarters.Astringofivy tendrils rippedfromunderneathhis fingernailsand latchedonto the lockeddoor.Ittoreoffitshingeswithsuchforcechunksofstoneflewwithit.Thelargehunkofwoodandmetalcrashedtothefloorinsplinters.

“Byallmeans,comein.”VladislovgloweredatAidenoverhishalf-moonspectacles.HepushedawayfromwhathewasreadingathisdeskandturnedtofaceAiden,onebiologicalhandcradlingonemetalone.“Whatisthematterwithmyprodigy?”

“Withallduerespect,sir,thisplanisn’tworking.Theguardsincommandarecompletelyincompetent,”Aidenraged.

Vladislov liftedhiseyebrowsat thegallofhisyoungapprentice.“Censoryour tone please,” he said with calculated ease. “I have not yet had a singleproblem.They’vebeencapturingandkillingVampiresbythehundreds.WeplanoninvadingtheGermanOccultsbynextweek.”Hesmiled,obviouslyimpressedwithhimself.

Aidenblanched.“TheyalmostkilledCharlotte!”“Who?”Vladislovapatheticallyshuffledthroughsomemapsonhisdesk.“Charlotte!Thehumangirl thatupirRuzikholdsasapet!”Aiden’schest

expandedwith rageand saliva spewed fromhis lips ashebellowed. “Thegirlwhowasmeanttobymywife!”

VladislovleeredatAiden,then.“Ahumangirlasawife?”Hespokeslowly.“Yes!”Aidenbreathed.“Iknowthatsoundsunconventionalbut—”“I’mnotquitesureIfollowyou,Aiden.”Vladislov’sforeheadcrinkledas

his eyebrowsdrew together. “Youwant to take commandofmy army to havethemcarryoutordersnotplausibletothewarIbegan.Youwanttocompromisethesafetyandsecurityof theOrderofMagic,simplybecauseyouhaveasillycrushonamortalgirl?”

“Iknowitsoundscrazy.”Aidengavehimapleadinglook.“Apprentice,” the elder began, and leaned his biological armon his desk

whilethemetalonetappedontheballofhisscepter.“Mattersoftheheartwillalways make us do things that are ‘crazy,’ but you are the next ruler of thegreatestempireintheworld,andIamafraidyoumustputmattersastrivialastheseintheverybackcornersofyourmind.Focus.”

“I’msorry,lord,butifyoucouldjusthearmeout,thereisareason—”“Aiden,I thinkitwouldbebest ifwespokeabout thiswhenyouareina

less,”Vladislovappraisedtheboy,“hormonalstate.”Aidensighed.Hecouldseehewasgoingtogetabsolutelynowherewithhis

argument tonight.Thatwas theendof theconversation,andheneeded to findsomewhereelse to turn.Henoddedhis thankstohismentorandquietlybeganoutoftheroom,theWizardwatchingafterhim.

BeforeAidencouldgetallthewaypastthethreshold,Vladislovcalledout,“Anddorepairthedooronyourwayout.”Heturnedhisattentiontothevarioussheetsofparchmentonhisdesk.

AidenthoughtofValekandCharlotte,hidingaloneinthedarkstreets.Likeratssomewhereinthemortalworld.Hecringed.Anapproachingguardstoppedinthemiddleofthehall,salutingAiden.

“Fix that,”Aidenordered, indicating the splintereddoor, and trottedbackdown the now flooded corridor, lost within his mind. The guard immediatelyrushed towork, thoughAiden continued to keep his burning gaze toward thefloor. How could he make Charlotte see Valek for what he really was? Howcould he find her so he could carry out the plan he had been refining sofeverishlyforyears?

It was ingenious. If magic married mortal, it would change the worldforever.Therewouldbenomorelivinginsecret.Nomorehiding.Peoplewouldbepeople,andthereforetheRegimewouldn’thavetonecessarilyruleoverthe“greatestempireintheworld,”butratherthewholeworld.

And he would be the greatest ruler that ever lived, because he had theformulanoneofhispredecessorshad ever even imagined.And thisone smallgirlwasatthecenterofallofit.Andonesingleleachwasstandingintheway.

Aidendidn’twalkdownthestairs,butrather,flewashismindswelled.Thecoolairbouncingoffthebrickswashedhisheadclearofeverythingexceptforhowtocarryouthisplan.Heplungeddeeperanddeeper,untilhewasbackinthebowelsofthepalace,infrontofthedungeon’sentrance.

The doors swung open from all of his angeredmight, the dank smell ofrottingcorpsesslamminghimintheface.Soundsofmoaningstruckhimlikeachoir of untuned cellos as he stalked past cell after cell of prisoners. They

weren’tonlyVampires.TheRegimecapturedanythingoranyonetheybelievedhad conspired against them. Anyone, including one, lonely Witch with long,chestnuthair.

“Getup,”Aidenorderedasheswungopenthebarreddoor.Evangelinegloweredupathimbehindherblack-stainedeyelids.Herhair

was a nest about her bruised face, from the fight of gettingher on thedefiledfloor. It clung to her bloody forehead, neck, and shoulders. The rest of heremaciatedappearancematched the rankstench that fumedfromherdistressed,grubbyclothing.

“Isaidgetup,Evangeline.”Aiden'svoicestayedevenandlow.Butwhenshestilldidn’tcooperate,hemovedswiftlyandsnatchedherbyhermattedhair,yankingherupward.

Shecriedout,clutchinghisarmforrelief.“When I tellyou todosomething, I expect it tobedone.”Hisvoicewas

liquidfireinherear.Shenoddedfrantically,bitingdownonherlipastearsstainedtrailsonher

cheeks.Aiden released her, and she stumbled backward into thewall of the cell.

“Evangeline.”Histonegrewquieterstill.Shegloweredathim.“DoyouexpecttolivemuchlongerifIkeepyoudownhere?”Sheshookherheadandheaved.“Doyouwanttolive?”Henearedher,hislargeshadowdarkeningherface.Evangelineonlylookedathimwithpleadingeyes.Theanswerwasclearly

writtenonherface.“ThenIwantyoutolistenverycloselytoeverythingIamabouttotellyou.

AndIwantyoufollowmyinstructionsexactlyasIgivethem.”

ChapterFifteenBeautifulMind

Valekfelthimselfinthecooldarkness,caughtinsomeundertowhecouldnot resurface from,andwheelingaround in this infinitespace.Nooxygen.Nosmell.Nosight.Somethingpoundedinhisears.Apulseherecognized,thoughitsoundeddrowned,likeitwassinkingjustnexttohiminthisdarkocean.Then,suddenly,itwasasifsomeonehadrippedagapingholeinhisuniverse.Allofthe blackwater flooded away, the sound overwhelming his ears as if hewerebeingwashedawaywithitthroughalarge,hollowtunnel.

It muffled the sound of the beating heart completely, until the rushingalmost deafened him. Hismouth opened, gasping for air, though he only feltsuffocated.Andthenheopenedhiseyes.

Dartingaboutthedarkcasket,hegaspedfortheoxygentoreturntohim,hisgazefinallyrestingonher.

“Lottie?”Hisheavingcalmedwhenhesawherfearfuleyes,heardherheartflutterlikeabirdinacage.Heimmediatelypulledherclosertohim,hishandsburyinginherhair.

Charlotte, who had probably been dreaming intently, woke with a frightwhen Valek jolted back to life. The smell of her fear instantly filled the tinyspace around them.Her pulsewas aweak, shallow throb in her chest, and heknewinstantlyitwasthesamepulseinhisearsbeforehewoke.Thememoryofthenightbeforecamefloodingbackasthetightspaceseemedtoshrinkaroundhim,andherdeliciousscentbecamealltoooverwhelming.Heclenchedhisjaw.She’d kissed him, Valek remembered. He heard the nervous lump form inCharlotte’sthroatashegazeddownather.Shestaredback,hereyesaswideandglassyastwofullmoons.Shelightlybegantotracethecontoursoflips.

“Lottie,”hewhispered,ashebegantorunhiswiryhandalongthelengthofherjaw.

Charlotte immediately pulled away,wrappingher hands aroundher neck.He frowned, knowing his eyes must have shifted in that moment. The samehollowfeelinghe’dfeltwhenCharlottehadbeenmadathimswelledinhischestagain.Hewouldsacrificeanythingjusttoshowhershereallywassafewithhim.

“No.Don’tbeafraid,”hesaid.“I'mnotgoingtohurtyou.”Charlottewaiteda fewmoremomentsbeforeshe releasedherhands.She

inchedclosertohimagain,andhissorrowmelted.

Hestrokedhercurlswithhisclaws,revelinginherpurity.Italmostmadehimwarm.“We’rereallytogethernow.”Hislipspressedagainstherear,smilingattherealityofwhathewassaying.

Valekmentallyheardhershockoverhowhereactedtoher.Charlottewasfrowning at him. She had been anticipating some sort of argument— like hemight tryandconvinceherhewasmuchbettersuitedasherfatherfigure,andherimpulseswereinsane.Butthiswasnolongerhowhefeltintheleast.Itwasthedifferencebetweennightandday.

Her thoughts were extremely loud as they circled in his head. Thechallengestheynowfacedwereenoughtoconvincehim,iftheysurvived,theywould survive together through anything. Even this confusing taboo. As hegazeddownather,hecouldseetheapprehensionburningalltooferventlyinhereyes.

Valekchuckled.Hecradledhercheek inhispalmandshifted so they laygazingateachother,nosetonose.“CanIcomebackinsideyourheadnow?”

Shegulpedonceandnodded.He tilted her head back so he could look at her directly. Tidal waves of

emotion flooded through open gates.All of her fears and fantasies he alreadyknew would be there, made themselves extremely evident to him in thatmoment.Hesmiledatthechagrinburninginhercheeks.

“Donotbeembarrassed,Charlotte.”Hegrinnedwhenhefeltherfaceheatagainsthispalm.Hebroughthismouthcautiouslyclosertohersandhesitated.

Hewastestinghimselfbeforepressinghiscoollipsagainstherwarmones.Shesighedintohismouthashemovedhishandstothebaseofherneck.

Theirlipsmovedtogether.Theache,whichhadburdenedthemforsolong,seemedtomeltawayinthatmomentinwhicheverythingelsedisappeared.Theworldandallofitsproblemswerelostsomewhereinspace.Charlottewasonceagain thepersonValekknewbest. In thatmoment, theyweren’tdifferent fromeachotheratall.

Valekpulledawayfirst,onesmallthoughtfightinghimintheoceansofhismind. But he continued to hug her close to him. He listened, enjoying thecomplicatedmindhehadbeenforbiddenfromforwhatseemedaneternity.Eventhough he couldn’t physically see it, he mentally heard the enormous smileCharlottehidasshepressedherfaceagainsthischest.

ThatwaswhenValekrememberedsomethingelseaboutwhathappenedthenightbefore—theevil,disgustingpromisehewasforcedtomake.Lottiepeeredathim,stillbeaming,butherfacedroppedwhenshenoticedhewasn’tsmilinganymore.

“Ineedyoutostaystrongformetonight,”hesaiddarkly.

Then, the thinsliveroforange light filtering in through theopencrack inthecoffinwaseclipsed.ValekquicklyreleasedCharlotteandglaredupat itassomeone’sfistlightlytappedattheroof.

“Valek?”ItwasFrancis.“Amoment,please.”ValekquicklykissedCharlotteontheforeheadbefore

gazing at her sadly one last time.He slid open the top of the coffin to revealFrancisstandingthere,alongwiththerestoftheroguecoven.Alloftheirfaceslookedharderandpalerthantheyhadthenightbefore.Valekslowlygottohisfeet,watching them.Charlottebegan togetup,butValekheldhishandout tostopher.

“Weneedtotalktothegirlnow,Valek,”Francissaidregretfully.Valekgrimacedas the rest of the coven stared atLottiewith their hellish

eyes.“What’sgoingon?”Charlotteasked,theblooddrainingoutofherface.He

frowned.Shehadalwaysbeensointuitive.“We have confirmation ofwhat the regime has planned. It’s exactly as I

thought.”Lusianwastheonespeaking.“Anall-outgenocideofourkind.TheyareplanningoncleaningoutOccultsallovertheworld.”

ValekglancedatCharlotte,tuningintohermindagain.“Well,thereisonlyonethingtodothen.”HelookedatLusianandtherest

ofthem.AndelastoodnexttoLusian,herdovefacestainedwithstreaksofred.“Wehave togainasmanyaswecanonourside.Buildourownempire.Thatmeansgoingto theotherOccultsbeforetheRegimecan,andconvincingotherVampires to join our forces. If theywant awar, I thinkwe should give themone.”

“Whystopthere?”Thistime,JorgespokefromhisstanceatDusana’sside.“WhynotgetanyLycanwhoisn’tonthesideoftheElves,andWitches,too.”

“No. That puts us at risk.What if theWizards send someone to be theirinsider?”Francisargued.

“How can theywhenwe are able to know everything they think?” Jorgearguedback.

Valek stepped forward, addressing the entire coven then. “They boast sowelltheyrulewiththelight,true?Theyhatethedarkness.Wearethedarkness.Theirsafehavenisbeginningtodividenowbecausetheyfailtorecognizebothpowershavetocoexist,orelsetheentireworldlosesbalance.Well,iftheyaretryingtoridtheworldofoneofitshalves,I thinktheyhaveofficiallylostourbalance!”

Lusiangazedthoughtfullyattheground.“Theyhavecreatedaworldinthelightandruledit.NowIthinktheremust

be someone to rule in the dark. If theywant a war, that’s what they shall beserved.”

CharlottesmiledatAndelaasshewalkedtowardher.Thetall,drawnwomanglareddownatLottie’sinnocentfaceasmoreruby

tears rolled downher cheeks.Anodd sort of fear shot upValek’s spinewhenCharlottetooktheVampire’scoldhandinhers,causingAndelatostiffen.

“Don’tworry.Wewillwin.Iknowit.”Thegirlsmiledagain.Andelastillwasnothappy,andshewithdrewherhandquickly.

ValekrushedupbehindLottieandpulledherbackagainsthim.“Notrightnow,”hewhispered,keepinghiseyeslockedonAndela’sstrainedface.

ValekcouldtellthattherealizationclickedinCharlotte’smindthen,assheslowlybackedawayfromAndelaandclosertohimagain.

“Charlotte?”Francisspokecarefully.“Doyouthinkyoumightliketostayupstairsfornow,withSarah?”

“Who?”Charlotteliftedaneyebrow.“Iwilltakeher,”Valeklamented,avoidingallthethirsty,angrystaresinthe

room.“Iwouldratherbetheonetotalktoheraboutthis,anyway.”HeshotanacidicglaretowardFrancis,whoonlygrinnedinreply.

ValekputhisarmaroundCharlotte’swaistandledhertowheretheceilingopened up to the tunnel. Hewatched as Charlotte peered into the dusty, darktunnel,reluctanceplayingonherface.

“Itwillbeallright,love.SarahisFrancis’houseWitch.It’sjustfornow.”Heglancedbackatthetestycoven.“You’lllikeher.Sheis…nice.”

Charlottefrowned.“I’mbotheringthem,right?”“It’sjustbecauseit’searly,”headmitted,andkissedherhead.Sasha,thetall,darkVampire,snortedindisgust.ValekscowledathimbeforehuggingCharlottesotightly tohischest that

her feet lifted off the ground. “Hold on.”He leapt up through the black hole,leavingtherestglaringafterthetwoofthem.

They shot ferociously through the trap door, sending clods of dust flyingeverywhere about the narrow, lavender hallway. The Witch, Sarah, who hadclearlyjustfinishedsweeping,frownedatthemess,stillclutchingthebroominherhandasshewatchedValeklandgracefullyonthefloorboards.

Valeksmiledapologeticallyather.“I’mjustgoingtoneedafewmomentswithher,thenshe’sallyours.”

Sarahsmiledbrightly,butdidn’tsayaword.Sheflittedoff tosomeotherpartofthehouse.Charlottefrowned,andValeknoticedhowshestrainedtosiftthroughhermemoryofthishouseorofthelittleWitchfromthenightbefore.

Heansweredherthoughts.“Youwouldn’tremember,Lottie.”

Valek led Charlotte up the stairs across from the Witch’s study, downanother,shorter,lavenderhallway,andintoanemptybedroom.

He noticed it had already been dressed towelcome someone, with cleansheets placed neatly on the bed, fresh-cut lilacs on top of the nightstand, andpresseddresseshangingneatlyinarowinanarmoireleftopen.Heknewallofthese accommodations were specifically for Charlotte. This was the placeFranciswouldhouseherduringtheirstay.Somethingrolledinhiscenter.Inhisperipheral vision, he noticed Charlotte glance up at him, and he attempted tocalmhisstrainedface.

“Valek?”“Sitdown.”She sat on the edge of the bed, not tearing her focus from him. Her

unyieldingstaremadeit impossibleforhimtolookdirectlyather.Heinhaled,trying to steady the warbling he knewwould appear the instant he started tospeak.

“Letmeprefacebysaying,nomatterwhat,youarecompletelysafehere.Iamconstantlyatarmslengthawayfromyou.”

“Okay….”“Lottie,therewereseveral…provisionswhichneededtobeagreeduponfor

Francistoletyoustayherewithme.”Charlottefrownedatthis.“Please.Idon’twantyoutobefrightened,butifIhadn’tagreedtothis,he

wouldhavekilledyou.Isawitinhismind.Hewouldn’tevenletmesearchforanotherplacetohidewithoutbackingmeintothisproverbialcorner.”

“Valek,whatisgoingon?”Hegottohiskneesinfrontofherandtookherhandsinhis.“Sometimes,in

ourworld,therearehumanbeings,likeyourself,whomwedeveloprelationshipswith.”

Charlottesmiledatthis.“No.WhenIuse theword‘relationship,’ that isn’twhatImean.Theyare

used as a sort of pet we keep.” Valek searched her expression to see if sheunderstoodwhathewasgettingat.“Wedonotkill thesehumans,butwefeedfromthemnightly.Thesortofnicknamewecallthesetypesofpeopleare‘blooddolls’.Theyarelike…personaldonors.”Hestopped,searchingherfaceagain.

Hereyesgrewwideandwateryasshegapedathim,inchingbackwardonthebed,grabbingonto thebedclothes for support. “You’rewhoringmeout?”shehollered.

“Charlotte,no.Itisn’texactlylikethat—”“Yes,it is!It isexactlylikethat!”Shefoughtandburiedherfaceintothe

pillow.“Lottie,thepointis,IhadtogiveintoFrancis,lesthekillyou.Iamnever

goingtoletanythinghappentoyou.”Shesatupandlookedathim,hereyesred.“WhatdoIhavetodoexactly?”Valekglancedtooneside.“Nothingreally.Youjustsortof…sitthere.”“Youmeantheytakeitstraightfromme?Youcan’tjustprickmyarmwith

asyringeorsomething?”Valekshookhishead.“Ipromiseit’sjustfornow.ImeantwhatIsaidabout

leaving, just the twoofus.”Hestruggled to find therightwords.“Charlotte, Iloveyou.”

She stayed quiet.When he noticed how tightly she clenched her jaw, hetunedintohermind.Heneededtoknowwhatshewasthinking.Hermindwasspinningasthedisgustingvisualizationofwhathewasaskingofherplayedoverandover again.Hewasgoing to let them feedoffher.Useher.Howcouldheloveherandstilldothis?

Valek silently agreed with her on that one. Suddenly, she began relatingherselftothefrozencorpsesthatrestedinValek’sfreezerbackintheirhomeintheOccult.

“Lottie,Ihavenootherchoice.Don’tyousee?FranciswasnevergoingtoletmeleaveonceIenteredthishousewithyouinmyarms.Hearticulatedonething to me, but his mind was saying something altogether different. Themoment Iwouldhavecrossed the thresholdbackout into thecitywouldhavebeen the moment he came after me to kill you. It wasn’t a threat. It was apromise.Thereisnotasinglelivingorun-livingthingonthisplanetthatmeansmoretome.Whenyouweredyinginthedungeonsof theRegime,sowasI.Iwillmakesureeverytimeyouarecalleduponyouwillbesafe.Ipromiseyou.Youhavetobelieveme.Iloveyou.”

Charlotte’s frightened gaze stayed locked on his face. Valek grabbed herclammyhandsinhisandtunedinagain.Shewasconsideringallofthis,fightingtwodifferent impulsesinhermind,oneof themwantingtohateValekandtheother,wantingtolovehim.Thehollowfeelingswelledinhischestagainashelistened.Wouldheeverescapefromhisroleas“themonster?”Finally,Lottie’smindrestedononethought;therewasnootherwayfornow.Shehadtogiveinifshewantedtostayaliveandstaywithhim.

“Iloveyou,Valek,”shesaidmeekly.“ButI’mafraid.”“Iknowyouare.AsamI.”Hewrappedhisarmsaroundher,pullingher

againsthim.Holding herwas themost comforting thing he could think of, though he

understooditwasnotenough.

“Iwantyoutobefirst,though.”He pulled away to look at her, gaping. “I don’t know if I am entirely

comfortablewiththat.”“Valek, I’m so afraid to do this. You owe it to me.” Tears streamed in

silveryribbonsdownherpaleface.Hebreathedinslowlythroughhisnoseandjuststaredather.Heglancedat

thefloor.“Lottie—”“Please?”Hervoicewaveredasheanticipatedmoreofherwarm tears to

come.Hesighed.“Iwantyoutoknowyouwon’thavetodothisforever.Thiswill

notbetherestofyourlife,Charlotte.”Graspingbothsidesofhisface,shepulledhimforwardandpressedherlips

firmlytohis.Shereleasedahotbreaththatsentatrailoffiredownthebackofhisthroat.Wrappingherarmsaroundhisneck,hefelthertonguebrushoverhisfangs.Shewasimpossibletoletgoof,aslingeringandintoxicatingasredwine.

Theyrolledbacktogethersoheloomedoverheronthebed.Hewhisperedhernameinherear,slidhislipsalongthesoftcontoursofherjaw.Shesighed.Heopenedhismouth, lettinghiscoolbreathprickle the tinyhairsonherskin.Sheexhaledagain,ahappysound.Itsentajoltofelectricitythroughhiscenter.Herfingersknottedinhishairasheskimmedonlythetipsofhisfangsdownonesideofherneck.

“Doit,”shewhispered.He swiftly pulled away and looked at her, his breathing still heavy and

staggeredinhischest.“You’re thirsty.” She grazed her fingertips across his purple lids. This

newfound daringness in her was completely foreign to him. He had neverthoughtLottiewouldbethisway—passionate,sensual.

Hishandtrailedupherarmuntilhefoundherpalm,mouthopen,tastingthescentsheleftintheair.

“Doit,”shechallengedagain.Shemethimwithacorruptsimper.“Itrustyou,”shewhispered,kissinghimdeeplyagain.

Hebreathedherin,butitwastoomuchthistime.Heturnedhisfaceaway.“I'mnotperfect,Lottie.Icouldn’tlivewithmyselfifIever—”Butshedidn’tlethimfinish.

“Please.”Valeklookeddownatherunderneathhim,bothofhismarblearmskeeping

his upper half perfectly steady on the mattress. He thought for a moment,thankful she was unable to hear exactly what he was thinking. He smiled.“You’regoingtobeverytiredlater,”hewarned.

“Idon’tcare.”Shebitherlowerlip.Itwasenoughtosendaslighttremordownhismiddle.

Hesmiledandliftedawayfromherslowly,somethingmaliciouscurlingtheendsofhismouth.Hemovedoutofthelight,lettingtheshadowsplaytricksonthecracksinhisskin,beforedisappearingcompletely.

HeheardCharlotte’spulseleapintoherthroat,thoughshelaugheddespiteherfear.Shelookedbehindher.“Valek?”Hervoicecrackedalittle.

A soft, inhuman hissing rumbled deep within Valek. But unlike theminatoryhissingthathadwokenCharlotteinthedungeonoftheRegimepalace,Valekdidn’tmeanfor thissoundtobe threateningatall. Itcameoutcalm.Heknew it allured her, and just as she sat up on the bed, he dashed through thedarkness,grabbingherarms,pinningthemtohersides.

“Don’tmove,”hewhispered,hismouthpressedtoherearoncemore.Thesoftthrobbingofherheartquickenedinhisears.Hemeasurediteverytimeheinhaled.When her pulse quickened, so did his breathing. It was driving himmad.Hereachedaround,gentlypullingadark,redringletawayfromherpallidthroat.

“Valek?”Hervoicecameouttrembling.Herepliedwithanotherinhumansound.Hishandstraveleddownherarms

toherwristsandforcefullypulledherbacktothemattress.Herheartthumpedinherchestashiscoolbreathheatedoverhercollarbone.

Hesawhimself,reflectedbacktohimfromhermindthen;eyes,shroudedunderneathhishair,glinteddimlyather.Hisentirefaceseemedtobeone,largeshadow,withonlyhisfangsglisteningatherinadevastatingsmile.Shewatchedhim with wide eyes, finding suddenly she really was afraid. But she was sonumb,abodycaught ina ripcurrent, thatshefailed tomovenow,even ifshewantedto.

He carefully lowered himself again, letting his face hover directly overhers. A sound, like thunder, quaked low in his chest as he listened to herbreathingaccelerate.Hemovedhismouthdownuntilitwasdirectlyunderneathher ear and searched her throat until he felt the pulse living under the bed ofivoryskin.Hislipspartedthesametimehereyelidsdid.

Sheinhaled,graspinghisarmsforsupport.Then, with one hot breath, he pushed downward. Warm, thick wine

explodedoverhisgumsandslammedagainstthebackofhisthroat,swimmingintotheconcreteveins.

He heard Charlotte gasp. Her heart fluttered wildly, like the sound ofAfricanwardrumspummelinginhisears,solouditdrownedoutthesoundofherscreaming.Therhythmsgrewlouderandmorerapidwitheachsecondthat

passed,hissanityslippingfurtheraway.“Valek!”Shepushedwithallofherstrength.“Stop!Valek!”Butitwastoomuch.Therhythmragedonasthefocusoftheroomwashed

overwithdeepred.Lightmeldedtogetherwithdarknessandhisconsciousnessslipped to the current of some stormy sea, tugginghim indifferent directions.The warmth of her pooled over his lips and it was as though her pulse hadsomehowbecomehis.Hypnotic.Sinkinghimintoatrancethatwouldkeephimlockedtoheruntilitstopped.Butsomethingelsebegantogrowinhismind.Adistantlydifferentsoundthatpulledhimbackfromaroaringtyphoontoshore.

“Valek!”Finallyhearingher,hepushedaway,therushinginhisearslulled,andhe

couldfeelhiseyesshiftingbacktonormalcy.Humanitytookcontrolofanimalinstinct,ashelookeddownatgreen,fearfulwateryeyes.Shelaythere,stillasshecould,mouthopen,barelybreathing.Herbloodpooledinapuddleofredinthewhitesheetsbeneathher.

“Lottie?”Hechoked.“OhGod.”Hequicklymovedawayfromher,yankingherintohislap.“Igotcarriedaway.”Hebrushedthehairoutofherface.

“It’s not your fault,” she said, still shaken. It was too soon after herexperienceinthedungeon.“Itwasn’tagoodidea.”

“No.Ishouldhaveknownbetter.”Thetwosatthereinsilenceforafewmomentslonger,nowstaringateach

other,reelingfromtheexperience.Valekwastheonetospeakfirst.“DidIhurtyou?”“Alittle.Iwasjustscared,mostly.”Shenuzzledunderneathhischin.“I’m

okay.”Helookedatherlovinglyandplacedastraypieceofhairbehindherear.He

kissedthewoundatthesideofherneckclosed.Is that what I am to endure, Valek heard her think. He didn’t respond,

knowingthatwassupposedtobeaprivatethought.“Itwasnottherighttimeforus,”hewhispered,andkissedherforehead.Arappingcameabruptly fromoutside thebedroomdoor. Itwas followed

bySarahswingingthedooropen,herexpressionsadandapologetic,asFrancismovedinafterher.Aweboflong,featheredeyelashescradledthirstyblackeyes.Hispallidcomplexionwasevenmoreashen thannormal, thesidesofhis faceseeminglyabletocutglass.

“Excuseus,Valek.”Valekturned,helpless,tohisfriend.“No.Notnow.Francis,please.”“Iapologizeinadvance.”Francisswiftlymovedforward,hisgazefixedat

the base of Charlotte’s throat where blood still dried. The normally dazzling

whitehair,neatlycombedtohismidbackwasnowsheenlessanderraticabouthisshoulders.

“Valek!”CharlotteyelpedwhenFrancisgrabbedherbytheshoulder.Valekstoodbeforethem,hisfeaturesstrainedintoaforsakengrimace.He

couldn’t stop this from happening as much as he wanted to. “I know you’rescared,Lottie.YouneedtorememberwhatIsaid.Youaresafe,nomatterwhat.Iwillbehere.”HeglaredatFrancis,whoonlysneered.

“Dowhatyouplease,Valek.Watch.If that iswhatcontentsyou.”Francisgave a final smile toward his comrade and turned to see his reflection in thegirl’sglassyeyes.“Ahoj,my littledoll.”He flashedhis large incisorsand toredeepintothetopofCharlotte’sshoulder.

Charlotte gasped, her jaw falling open but no sound escaped. Her handsflewtoclutchFrancis’back,ballingupinthewhitesatinasValekwatchedherredwarmthoozedownthemiddleofherspine.

Valek flinched away from the sight of it, his eyes overflowing with redagain.Itpainedhimsomuchheshieldedhisface.Hewantedtostaystrong,tobethereforher,butthepainsmearedclearacrossherfacecausedhimtostumbledesperatelyoutoftheroom.HenoticedSarah,leanedupagainstthewallinthehallway,listening.Hecouldseeshewasupsetaswell.

She looked at him, shaking her head, and covered her mouth with herhands,crying,too.

Valek straightened up, his hands fisting tight at his sides. “It is not yourplacetoregardmeinthisway.Howcouldyoupossiblyempathize?”Hegrowledandbegantoplummetdownthestairstothefirstfloor.

ThehordeofVampiresthatonlythenightbeforeremainedsubmergedandhidden in the depths of the basementwere nowbeginning to ascend, burstingthrough the trap door, gathering together on the landing. All of their stareslockedonhisfaceatonce.

“No,”Valeksaidthroughhisgrit.“Thiscannothappenthisway!”Andelawas the first to approach him.Her featureswere not beautiful as

theywerethenightbefore.“IpromisedyoulasteveningthatCharlottewouldbekeptalive.Noneofuswishtokillher,Valek.”

“Don’tyourealizethisisharmfultoher?”Hebroughthisknuckleuptohisteeth and twisted topeerbackup the stairway.Francishad finished.Charlottewaspetrified.Valekcontinuedtocry.

“There is no other way.” She placed her hand on his shoulder but heimmediatelyshruggeditoff.“Sarahiscaringforhernow.That’swhatshe’sfor.She knows how to keep Charlotte sustained between feedings until the timewe’refinished.Thenshewillbeabletohealhercompletely.”

ValeklookedatAndelaandgaveup.HecoveredhisfaceinhishandsandknelttothefloorasthetallVampiresilentlymovedpasthimupthestairs.

Beforehecouldfollowher,SashaandJorgeappearedoneithersideofhim.“Valek, we apologize in advance for this, but we cannot risk you

interfering.Ifyoudonotallowusthis,itcouldthrowtheweakerVampiresintoafrenzy,”Jorgequicklyexplained,beforenoddingtoSasha.

ThetwogrippedValekaroundthetopsofhisarms,andthoughhescreamedandprotestedtotryandgetaway,hecouldnotfightoffthestrengthofthetwoofthemastheydraggedhimbacktowardthetrapdoor.

“Please!”hebegged.“Ineedtobewithher!”“Sorry,friend.”SashasmirkedasJorgeopenedthetrapdoor.Theypushed

Valekinandsenthimplummetingthroughthedarknesstothebasementbelow.He landed stealthily, like a cat, on his feet. From above, he heard somethingclickshut,likeapadlockbeingfastenedandheknewthecovenwasnotabouttolethimescape.

“Lottie!”hecalledout,buttherewasnoresponseback.Shecouldn’thearhim.

Hewasshockedtosee thesmall,dirt-packetroomhadbeenransacked.Itwas completely dark, the little fire burnt out in the hearth, dead sootwhere itusedtobe.Mostoftheupholsterywastorn,afewchairsmissingarmsandlegs.Thesplinteredwoodonthegroundsuggestedtheywerebittenoff.

*

Afewhourshadgoneby,andValekremainedcrouchedonthefloorinthecenterofthebasement.Hedidnotreleasehisfacefromhishandsbecausehedidnotwant to see his reality.His other senses showed him enough as he stayedfixed,listeningtohisLottie’smind.Shewastalkingtohimfromtwostoriesup.Reassuringhim.Shewasnothappy,obviously,butshewasbeingcaredfor.Inthedeeperpartsofherthoughts,hefelttheslightamountofblamesheheldforhim.Heputenoughblameonhisownshouldersforthebothofthem,anyway.

SomeonetouchedValek’sbackverysoftly, thoughitstillstartledhim.Helookeduptoseewhomthetouchbelongedto.Sarahstoodtheremeekly.

“Valek—”“What?”Hehadn’tnoticedSarahcome to joinhim in thebasement.Hepeeredup

fromhishandstoseelightfilteringdownthetunnelfromthehouseabove.Thedoorhadbeenopened.

“Valek,she’sokay.Sheisrestingnowbutshe’saskingforyou.”TheWitchlookedathimwithpityinherbright,browneyes.“I–Iwantedtogetstartedonher…butIfigureit’sbestifIwait.”

Valekavertedhisfocusfromher,hisfaceblankanddistant,likehehadjustwitnessedahouseburningdownwiththefamilystill inside.Heslowly,fluidlyrosetohisfeet.HeregardedtheWitchagain,noddingatherwithafaintsmile,beforehe slowlybeganbackup to thehigherpartsof thehouse.HehadbeendrainedasmuchasCharlottehad.

Heroundedthecornertoherbedroomtoseeherlyingtherepeacefully.Herhandsresteddelicatelyonherstomach,herfaceawayfromhim,gazingoutthewindow.

“Lottie?”“Yes?” she answered quickly, sitting up in the bed. “What are you doing

here?Don’ttheyneedyoudownstairs?”shewhisperedalittlebitterly.Herprettymouthcontortedinaslightgrimace.

Heknelttothefloor,graspingoneofherhandsinhis,seeingthatwhileshehadbeencleanedup,thebedclotheshadnot.Thesightofherlyinginthemiddleof all that dryingbloodwasboth tantalizing andhorrifying, a reactionhe hadneverexperiencedbefore.“Yes.ButIwantedtomakesureyouwereallright.”

Sheloweredhergaze,hereyebrowsmashingtogether.“Iamnow.”“I’msorry.”“Didn’tyouhearme?I’mallright.”Hertonewasslightlyflat.Valekthoughtforasecond.“Charlotte?”Hewrappedhisgianthandaround

bothofhers.“Yes?”“Lottie,”hebeganagainnervously.“Thisisn’t…wrong…isit?Thewaywe

arenow?”Tensionbegantofillthespace.Shepulledherhandawayfromhim,andhe

heardhermindbegintoraceagain,thefrownreturningtoherface.Imagesfromthenightbeforewhenshehadkissedhim,flashedbeforehimagain,thoughshestayedsilent.

“I onlymean….”He continued to search forwords. “Lottie, you know Iloveyoumorethananything.You’remyworld,myangelonEarth.Iwantyoutobehappy.IhadnootherchoicebuttomakethisagreementwithFrancis,lesthekill you. You know our world is a dangerous one, but you could still have anormallife.Itisnottoolate.”

Charlottesatup,worrycreasingherforehead.Howcouldhebetalkinglikethis,Valekheardherthink.Shestartedtopanic.

“Lottie.”Hesighedandstoodup.“Iamonlyconcernedaboutyou.Iwould

hatetothinkIamdoingthewrongthing,ortakingadvantageofsomesituationinwhichIshouldbeactinglikeafather.”

Charlottewincedattheword“father”.Hiseyeswidenedandhekneltbesidethebedagain.“Iloveyoumorethan

anything.Whatdoyouwantmetobe?”Shestaredathim,searchingthroughhiseyesforwhathewasthinking,but

cameupempty.“Iwantyou tobewhateveryouwant tobe,”shesaidsimply,lookingathimagain.

Hethoughtaboutthis,climbingnexttoheronthebed.Herestedherheadonhischest.Holdingtherestofhersecuretohim,heclosedhiseyesandinhaleddeeply.

He opened one eye, peeking down at her and smiling. “I think I like theplacethatyouhaveputmeinmostrecently.”

Shenuzzledhercheekagainsthim.“Good.”Hisclawrestedoverapatchofdriedbloodleftoveronherclothes.

ChapterSixteenBewitchments

“Ihaveafeelingyou'llbemorecomfortableupstairswithme,anyway,”theWitchsaidinahigh,musicaltonewhenValekfinallyleft.

Thetwoofthemstartedwalkingdownthestairsuntiltheymetthesecondfloorofthehouse,whichseemedlikeadifferenthouseentirely.Thelandinghadalivingroomofitsown,completewithseveralcushy,greenchairsandabrickfireplace,andanothersmallhallwayCharlottesuspectedledtoseparaterooms.

ThiswaslikeahousethatbelongedinthatoneBritishfairytalewiththegirlandthe“drinkme”bottles.Itjustseemedtoextendonandon.Shelookedattheindigo-colored apartment walls encrusted with what looked like bits ofmoonstone and jade spiraling in a complicated mosaic. She scanned thenumerous oak bookshelves stacked high with volumes and scrolls of thingsenchanted.

“Stayhere,”Sarahchirped.Shebouncedoutofthesmall livingroomandaroundthecorner.

Charlottewalkedovertooneofthesagging,velvetarmchairsandsatdown,sinkingdeepwithinitscushion.Despitethenightmarishordealshehadjustbeenthrough, she felt strangely at home in this curious labyrinth house. Sarahemerged from the small kitchen with two mugs of hot drinking chocolate,smilingpolitely,andhandedCharlotteamug.

“Drinkthis.You’llfeelmuchbetter.”Charlotte smiled, wondering if the first sip would have her shrinking or

growing.Shyly,shetookasmallsipandfeltthesweet,hotliquidrundowntheback of her throat. Within only a few moments the emaciated, weak feelingvirtuallydisappeared,andshecouldalmostfeelthenewlifereplenishinginherveins. Itwasanodd,warm,pulsing sensation that seemed to flare specificallynearherthroatandwrists.“Thankyou.”Shesmiledandsippedatitagain.

“The licoriceandchocolatebeadsbetweenfeedingsdoesn’thelpasmuchasthatstuffdoes,butittakesalotlongertomake,”Sarahexplained.

A small fire crackled in its place as Charlotte apprehensively sankbackwardintothedarkgreencushions,hereyesshiftingwondrouslyaroundtheroom. Shelves that held grimoires and jars of unrecognizable things hunghaphazardlyfromthewalls.Chartsofmoonphasesandstarpatternscoveredtheotherflatsurfacesentirely.Spidersandtheircapturedpreyclungtothecobwebs,

and there were even several trinkets Charlotte guessed the Witch used tocommunicatewiththedeadscatteredonthefloorinonecorner.Charlotte’seyesslowlymovedbacktoSarah’scheerfulface.

“Doyouloveit?”TheWitchbeamed.“Idecorateditmyself.”“It’sfantastic.”Charlottesmiled,gazestillwandering.“I’mgladyoulikeit.Now,givemeyourrighthand.”“What?”But before Charlotte could get an answer, Sarah had already grabbed it,

analyzingherhandoverthecrookedcoffeetablebetweenthem,heldupbysmallwoodengnomes.

CharlottewatchedtheWitchtracethelinesinherpalms.Sarahlookednoolder thaneighteen.Shewasn’tanything like the two-facedWitches sheknewfromtheBohemianOccult.ShedecidedSarahlookedalotlikeadollshe’donceowned. It had the same brown curls, petite nose, and rosy cheeks. Sherememberedhowshe’dbeenplayingwithitwhenshewasaroundsixorsoandhaddroppedit,smashingthefacetopiecesonthefloor.

“Curious.”Sarah’svoiceshatteredCharlotte’sreverie.“What?”“Nothing,”Sarahgrumbled,stillclutchingCharlotte’shand.“Yourlinesare

notmatchingwithanyofmyhumancharts.”CharlottepeeredintoSarah’slapatthecrumpledpiecesofpaper.“Humancharts?”Sheliftedaneyebrow.“Yes.”Sarahletgoofherhandandstretchedouttheparchmentinfrontof

her face. “Every type of person has a differentway of reading the patterns intheirhands.”Shecontinuedtostudy,lookingforananswer.

“Every type of person? But I thought everyone’s palm looks different,anyway,”Charlottesaid,analyzingherownhand.

“Well, yes. That goes without saying. But do you see how there areabsolutelynolinesinyourhand,exceptforthatsillycriss-crossinthemiddle?”Sarahexplained.

“Yeah?” Charlotte brought her hand really close to her face,making hereyescross.

“Well,everyotherhumanbeinghasalotmorethanthat!Imean,where’syour life line? Your love line? Your line of success?” Sarah prodded, as ifCharlottewerepersonallyinsultingher.

“Mywhat?”“And have you ever looked at Valek’s palm?” Sarah lifted an eyebrow

indicatingCharlottewasmissingsomethingobvious.“No.”

“Vampireshaveadifferentpatternthanhumansaltogether.Theydon’thavealifeline,becausetheirlivesarecontinuous.Theyonlyhaveonelinetosignifywhentheywillmeettheireternalmate.Youknow,likethebrideofDracula,orhowever you recognize the legend. But that’s only exclusive to certainVampires,” Sarah continued,without taking a breath. “Elves andWitches justhavelittlestarsandX’s.”

“Oh.”Charlottecockedherhead.“So,whydoesminenotmatchahumanpattern? It looksgood tome,”shesaid, finally lettingherhanddropback intoherlap.

“Idon’tknow.PerhapsI’mjusttired.”Sarahsighedandpushedthegraphstooneside.“I'monlyhalfwaythroughmytraining.Let’sdotea-leavesinstead.”Shegrabbedasilverteapotfromthecenterofthetableandgotuptohangitonahookoverthefire.

“Whatexactlyareyoutryingtofindout?”Charlotteinquired.Sarahturnedtofacethegirlagain.“Ijustwantedtoknowstuffaboutyou,I

guess.”Sheshrugged.“You’reveryinteresting,Charlotte.”“Youcouldjustaskme.”“Yeah,Iknow,butit’swaymorefuntodoitthisway.”“Oh.”Charlotteleanedbackagaininthearmchair.The teapot started to whistle after a few moments, and Sarah gracefully

slippeditoffthehookandflouncedbacktoherseat,heremeraldskirtbouncingaroundherknees.She started topour the steamingwater into two small cups,addingtheleavesasCharlottewatched.

“So,howlonghaveyoubeenstudying?”Charlotteasked.“Fortune telling? Since I figured out that was my niche. Most Witches

preferhealing.Notme.”Sarahshookherhead.“I’vebeenstudyingforaroundonehundredyearstoperfectit.”

Charlotteblinked.ShehadnoideatherateatwhichaWitchwassupposedtoage.ShethoughtaboutEvangelinethen.

Sarah sat back in her chair, staring expectantly at Charlotte who staredback.“Well?”

“Drinkit.”Shepointedherfingerattheteacup.“Howmuchofit?”Charlottequicklypickedupthelittlemug.“Allof it.Until the liquidpart isgone.Butdon'teat the leaves.You'llbe

throwingupformonths.”Sarahsmiled.Charlottewinced,andshestartedtocarefullysipat thenowpurplewater.

When she realized the taste, she immediately pulled away, forcing herself toswallowwhatwasalreadyinsidehermouth.

“Gross!”sheblurted.“Whatisthis?”

Sarah rolled her eyes. “It’s tea fortuna, used only for leaf readings. Youhavetodrinkitall.Comeon,”sheurged,andgotupfromherseattoCharlotte,andpinchedhernose,forcingtherestoftheteadownherthroat.

Charlottesquirmedandgurgleduntiltheteawasgone.“Great!”Sarahclappedhersmallhands togetherandwalkedbackover to

thefireplace.“Thatwasunnecessary,”Charlottegrumbled.“Hush!” Sarah spat. “Come here.” She beckoned her to stand beside her

before the crackling little fire. Charlotte did so apprehensively, all the whileshootingslightlydirtylooksattheWitch.

“Whatarewedoingnow?”Charlottefoldedherarms.“Quiet,”Sarahshushedagain.Sheclosedhereyes,grippingthesmallcup

inbothofherhands.ShechantedsomethingCharlottesuspectedtobeLatin,andchuckedtheleavesintothefireplace.

Theflamesexploded,billowingall thewayup into the lowerpartsof thechimney.The fire hissed andwhirled as purple and green electric sparks flewfromit,somefizzlingoutonthecarpet.Thefirelightseemedtocometolifeasthe flames formed into recognizable shapes, unfolding its prophecy before thetwo.

“Isthissupposedtohappen?”Charlotteliftedaneyebrow,andSarahbattedahandathertoquietheragain.

Thefiremorphedintoseveralthings.Thefirstwasafigureholdingasmallinfantchild.Then, it tookontheshapeofaFairy,andthefrightenedfaceofalittlegirl.

“Whatisitdoing?”Charlotte’seyesgrewwideattheimages.“It’sreadingyourpast,”Sarahwhispered.“That’showitcanpredictyour

future.”The fire continued to dance, taking on the shapes of various memories

Charlotte possessed as the two continued towatch in amazement. Sarah evenwhispered the word “interesting” a few times, causing Charlotte to glancecuriouslyoverather.Itcontinuedtodothisuntiltheflamesturnedfromorange,toblackwithgoldrimming.

“It’spredictingyourfuturenow,”Sarahwhispered.Itshowedseveralinterestingthings.First,therewastheimageofCharlotte

andValek together.Shortly after, the imageofValek seemed to disappear andthenreappearagain.

“Whatdidthatmean?”Charlotteasked.“Shh.”Then,thefireturnedintotheshapeofwhatappearedtobealionwithtwo

tails, and then another one, this one a mirrored image with the color of theflamesreversed.Goldwithblackrimming.ThelastthingthefiredisplayedwasCharlotte’sfacebeforeitslowlyfizzledout,smokefilteringupthechimneystackintothenight.Sarahturnedaroundtofacetheroom,herhandclaspedtoherchinasshemadeherwaybacktoherchair.

“Very,veryinteresting,”shemused.“What?”Charlotteurged, still standingbefore the fireplace, searching the

dyingembersforananswer.Sarah brought one hand up to her forehead. “Nothing. It was just very

vague.Ihateambiguouspremonitions.”TheWitchseethed,gettingupagainandwalking over to a row of shelves. She started to skim over a stack of books,fingeringeachspineuntilshefoundtheoneshewaslookingfor.Sheyankeditofftheshelfandstartedflippingthroughitspages.

Charlotte slowly made her way to theWitch’s side and peered over hershoulder.Sarahsearchedfordifferentsymbolsinachapterthatexplainedtealeafpredictions.

“Hmm…that’s evenmore interesting.” She squinted at the page. “It sayshere, if an image is mirrored back to itself, it either means death or extremechange.”Charlotte drew in her breath asSarah turned another page. “But, theweird thing is it doesn’t mention anywhere here what it means if the flameschangecolor.Odd.”

Charlottesighed.“Howlongdidyousayyou’vebeenstudyingthis?”Sarahrolledhereyesandclosedthebook,asmallcloudofdustpuffingout

frombetweenthe tatteredpages.“Comeon.”Shestarteddownthehall.“Let’sgetyoulookinglikesomethingotherthanadrownedcat.”

“Excuseme?”CharlottehurriedafterthehouseWitch.“Blood dolls are supposed to look presentable at all times. And looking

presentableismyspecialty.Besides,Valekisgoingtobecomingbackupforavisitanytimenow.ThatmuchIcanpredict.Andyoudon’twanttokeeplookinglikethat,doyou?”

Charlottelookeddownatthetorn,bloodstainedover-shirtfromValekanddirt encrusted jeans. “No. I guess I don’t.Youknow,Valekwouldnever evenhavemebeoneofthoseawfulthingsifitweren’tforyourFrancis.”

“Sure,”SarahsaidlightlyashereyesscannedCharlotte’sclothes.SarahledCharlottebackintoheradoptedbedroom.Charlottegazedaround

atthefresh,whitelinens—nolongerblood-splattered—andcrispcurtains.Thewholeroomsmelledofjasmineandlilacs.Prettygreenvinestwistedinspiralsinoneofthecornersbytheceiling,andwhatlookedlikerealstarstwinkledabovetheblack-ironspiralingbedposts.

“Howarethey—arethoserealstars?”Charlottewatchedinwondermentatthe tiny, twinklingsphereswhileSarahwasbusyrummaging through the largewardrobeagainstthewall.

Sarah glanced over her shoulder and wrinkled her nose. “No, you sillything.Ofcoursenot.ThosearejustlittlebewitchmentsIplacearoundthehousesometimes tomake it pretty.” She turned back to the openwardrobe. “I lovenature. There isn’t enough of it in this city.” She pulled out several flouncyarticlesofclothingandfoldedthemoverherarm.“Here,you’lllikethese.Ican’twearthemanymoresinceIlostallthatweight.”

Charlottesighedandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.Sarahstoppedinhertracksandfrowned.“What?Icanputthesebackand

youcancontinuetodresslikethatifyouwant.”Charlotterolledhereyesandunfoldedherarms.“Fine.Sorry.”“That’swhat I thought.”Sarah smiled. “Besides, Iwasn’t callingyou fat.

Notabit.I’mstillgoingtohavetotaketheseinforyou.”Shethrewtheclothesonthebedandturnedquickly,tearingoffCharlotte'sblouse.

“Hey!”Charlottegraspedforthetoptocoverherself.“Ohplease.”Sarahsnorted,rolledhereyes,andpulledoutsomethingpink

fromthepile.“Putthison.”ShethrewitatCharlotte,whocaughtitinaflailingfist. “There is a bathroom right there since you’re so embarrassed.” Sheindicatedawhitedoorbehindher.

Charlotte’scheeksflushedasshebreezedpastherandshutthedoor.“You know, because we don’t have the same parts or anything!” Sarah

calledafterher.Within a fewmoments, Charlotte reappearedwearing a clean, pink dress

thatfelljustaboveherknee,withlaceydetailsaroundtheempirewaistandhem.Shelookeddownatit,fiddlingwithcornersofthefabricthathungalittletoofarawayfromherwaist.

“Well?”Sarahliftedanexpectanteyebrow.“I love it.” Charlotte smiled. “But it’s a little big around this part.” She

stretchedouttheopeningsunderherarms.Sarahwentbackovertothewardrobeandyankedopenoneofthebottom

drawers.Shepulledoutatiny,silveryneedleandturnedback.“Thread?”Charlotte asked, stillwith the sides of the dress stretched out.

“Forwhat?”Sarah held out the needle, tip pointed at the dress and chanted, “Smael.”

Fibers of the dress immediately pulled in tighter to fit more correctly aroundCharlotte'sbustandmiddle.Lookingbehindhers,shemarveledathowwellitfitnow.

“Thankyou.”“Noproblemat all,mydear.”And inaFairyGodmother sortof fashion,

shewaved the needle through the air toward the other dresses still left on thebed.Soundsoffabricpullingreactedfromthesecondincantation.Sarahturnedand placed the little bodkin back in its place, continuing her conversation. “Ishouldleavenow.Youhaveavisitor.”TheWitchcheerfullyskippedoutoftheroomwithaswiftwinkatthetallshadowthatloomedinthecorner.

Charlotte turned to see him, and blushing, she greeted him with a faintsmile.“Hi.”

He looked down at her, eyes bright from the silvery-blue moonlightstreakinginthroughthefrostywindow.Heslowlyslinkedpastwhereshestoodandopenedthewindow,sendingthecoolharvestairthroughhercurls.

Shewalked over and sat on the cushionedwindow seat beside him and,wrappinghisarmsaroundhermiddle,hebreathed in thecleansmell fromherhair.

CharlottethoughtbacktoherconversationwithSarahthen,andtakinghispalmfastinherhand,turneditover.JustasSarahhadsaidearlier,therewerenolinesinhishand.Notevenonethatmarkedwhenhewouldfindhissoulmate.Disappointed,shereleasedit.

“Whatareyoulookingfor?”heasked,examininghispalmhimself.“Nothing.”Shepoutedandcrossedherarms.“What?Mymatingline?”Hechuckled.“Iwritewithmylefthand.That’s

theoneyouhavetolookat.”Hehelduphisotherpalmtoshowherthesmall,indentedcreasethatranthroughtheleftcorner.

“Oh.”Charlottetracedit.“So,whatdoesthismean?”“I don’t know. Ask your new enchantress friend.” He got up from the

windowseat.“Whereareyougoing?”shewhispered,shifting tositonherknees.“You

justgothere.”Heglancedtowardthewindow.“Ishouldleave.”Hesighed.“Ijustwanted

tostopinandwishyouagoodmorning.Andanyway,wewerejustinthemiddleof forming some kind of plan when I snuck off. They’ll wonder where I’vegone.”

“Theyaregoingtoknowassoonasyougobackdownstairs.”Shesmiled,tappingherforeheadwithherindexfinger.

“Iknow.Butyoureallyneedtotryandgotosleepnow.You’vehadaverylongnight.SohaveI.”

“Stay.”Afusionofsadnessandpanicswirledinsideher.Sheneverwantedhimtoleavehersideagainafterallshehadbeenthroughthatevening.Shebit

herlowerlipandblinkedupathimwiththemostdolefulgazeshecouldconjure.“Staywithme.”

He chuckled. “Enough, Lottie. Maybe tomorrow evening. Go to sleepnow.”

Shepouted,buthewasalreadyonhiswayout.Heopened thedoor, andbeforeleaving,turnedbacktolookather.“Iloveyou.”

“Iloveyou,”shesaidquietlyback.Hesmiled,closingthedoorbehindhim.She padded back over to the bed, her head hitting the pillow, the joy

crawling up through her skin and seeming to explode out of the tips of herfingersandthetopofherhead.Ifshehadtosuffersomuch,atleastsheownedthis—hislove.Onceandforallitwashers.Shepulledthecoversaroundher,continuing tobeamas she thoughtabouthim.Shemighthavechosen to thinkaboutalltheawfulscarythingsshehadbeenthroughthatnight,butwhyshouldshe,whenshehadfinallygottenwhatshewantedforsolong.

Eternitywithhimwouldneverbeenough.

ChapterSeventeenChildrenoftheRevolution

Theatmosphereinthebasementwashotandthick.Thegroupyelledovereachother,eachbrainseemingtoworkindividuallynow.Valektriedtolisteninon each point, but decided it was impossible. It was like watching somecomplicatedtwelve-persontennismatch.

“We’vegottostrikenow!”Lusianroared.“We have to bust down thosewalls!” Sasha yelled from the back of the

group.Valekheardsomeofthemagreeingwithhim,raisingfistshigh.None of them were silent, except for him. He sat very still in a chair,

watchingthefiredance.Hiseyesweredistantastheflamesmeltedtheirnormalicycolor.Hismindswamwiththevariousconflictscirculatingthroughtheroombuteverysooften,thenoisefusedintothebackgroundandthoughtsofCharlottewould spring up in his mind. Her glassy eyes, her lips, her cheeks. She wassleeping.HeblinkedawayfromCharlotte’smindandtriedtolistentotheroomagain.Tofocus.

“Quiet!”Francis’voiceshatteredtheyellingaseveryoneturnedtofacehim.He stepped away from the corner and pushed through the clump of roguestowardwhereValeksat.

TheyalllookedtoValeknow.FrancisbentuntilhewaseyetoeyewiththeotherVampireandstayedthatwayforafewseconds,listening.

“Well?”LusianfoldedhisarmsexpectantlyatFrancis.“Holdon.Holdon.”TheflamboyantVampirebattedaclawatLusianand

continuedtogazeatValek.“Valek,”hespokesoftly.Valekgloweredathim.“Ifthegirlisgoingtobeadistraction,sheneedstogo.Itooknowwhatit’s

like to lust for someone you should be a father figure to.” Francis placed asolemnhand onValek’s shoulder. “I understand how confusing it is, but evenwhen you and I had our little situation, I was at least able to focus on otheraspectsofmylife.”Hebackedawayandstraightened.

“I’mnotgettingridofher.”“Well,ofcourseyouaren’t.Weneedherhereasmuchasyoudo,butI’m

askingyoutopleaseconcentraterightnow.”With his elbows on his knees, Valek rubbed his face into his hands.

Somethingawfulflashedinhismind.

“No. You cannot change her. We are keeping our promise. We are notharmingher.”Francisspokequickly.“Asidefromthat,doyouknowhowstupidit would be to have a newly created Vampire with us now? I need yourleadership,myfriend.It’stimetostartthinkingclearly.”

Valek grimaced and looked away, trying his hardest to guard where hismindwas and to focuson the task at hand.Thewar.What ifSarah couldputsome sort of enchantment on the house? Something that would attract rogueoccultcreaturesofthedarkwhiletheymovedawayfromPragueandupintothemountains? They could increase their numbers by the hundreds. They couldbuildanarmyandbegintheuprising.Asecretsociety.

Abruptly, Valek slammed his eyes shut when he heard the sound ofCharlotte screaming fromupstairs.Hequicklygot tohis feet andspun to facethetunnel.

Francis sighedand rolledhiseyes. “This isexactlywhat Imean!When Ineedyouheremost,youarealwaysrunningtoher!”

“Sheisinpain.”Hiseyesscorched,blinkingviolentlyforthesoundtofadeinhismind.

“She’s not. She is simply having a nightmare,” Francis explained. HegrabbedValekbytheshouldersandsteadiedhimbackdownintohisseat.“Thesuniscomingup.Youdon’thavetimerightnowtogotoher,anyway.Weneedtoestablishasolidplanbeforethedaycomesagain.IneverthoughtIwouldbesayingthis,butwearerunningoutoftimetolive.”

ValeklookedupintoFrancis’faceandquicklybegantomentallyunfoldallofhiswarstrategies.HemappedouteachsteponebyoneasFrancisandtherestofthemlistened.

A new, ghastly shriek suddenly permeated the clan’s sensitive ears.Immediately,theyalllookedtotheupperlevelsofthehouse.Valekwasthefirstone who took off toward the gaping hole in the ceiling. Francis frowned butgesturedfortheresttofollow.

Theyascendedonebyone,eachlandingstealthilyandsilentlyontheupperfloor.Valekstoodfrozen,listeningforanothersign.Whenhesensednothing,heboltedinthedirectionoftheclosestbodywarmthhecouldfeelandfoundSarahinherden,sittinginfrontofacracklingfireplace,her tinywhitehandclaspedfirmly over her mouth. Her eyes were wide and shiny, fixated on the dyingflames.

FrancispushedpastValekandranovertotheWitch,gettingdownononekneebesideher.“Sarah.”Heshookher.“Sarah,darling.Whatdidyousee?”

Sarah’sfacestayedfrozen.Hereyesdidn’tevenshift.FrancislookedupatValekandtherestofthecoven,nowcrowdingbehindhim.

“Thisonlyoccurswhenshehasaprettyseriousvision. Ihaveneverseenheroutthislong.”HisgazemovedagaintoSarah,andhestrokedherhair.

“Vision?”Valekquestioned.“Sarah only gets them once in a while. A perception of the things to

definitely come.An intervention of fate.”He lookedworriedly back atValek.“Thesevisionsnormallyarenotsomethingpositive.IfIwereyou,I’dgocheckonyourpreciousgirl,”Francissaiddarkly.

Valek squinted at him before turning and pushing past the rest, flying asquicklyashecouldupthestairs.HegottoCharlotte’sdoorandthrewitopen.“Lottie!”

Charlottewaswrithinginthecenterofthemattress,clawingviolentlyatthebed sheets. She screamed his name, and then something completelyunintelligible.

Heranovertoherandshookher.“Charlotte!”Her eyelids shot open and she froze, looking at him, her breathing

staggered.“Charlotte,areyouokay?”Hermouthopenedinasilentyelp,andsheshookherheadbackandforth,

tearsstreamingdownherface.Hesatontheedgeofthebed,cradlingherinhisarms.Hestrokedherface.

“Itwasjustadream,Lottie.That’sall.”Herockedherbackandforthandsawwhat she saw. “Just a dream.” A horrible dream about a thousand mouthsclinging to every part of her body.Draining her.Killing her.Valek closed hiseyes,theguiltdrowninghim.

Charlottemovedherheadtorestjustatthebaseofhisthroat.“Idon’twantyoutofeelbadly,”shesaidquietly,fiddlingwithhistousledhair.

Helaynexttoher.“Lottie,Ineedtoyoutoknow,nomatterwhathappens,youandIwillneverbeseparated.Doyouunderstand?Wewillbesafetogetheragain,likeweusedtobe.I’mnevergoingtobreakthatpromise.”

Shewiggledhigheronthebedtokisshimlightly.They were interrupted when Francis cleared his throat in the bedroom

doorway.Theybothpeeredcuriouslyathim.“Sorry.”Helookedatthefloor.“Ithinkyoubothshouldcomedownstairs.”InSarah’sden,ValekfoundSarahhadfinallycometo,beingcomfortedby

Andela and Lusian. She continued to stare into the empty fireplace as Lusianheldher.

“Issheokay?”Valekasked,steppinginfrontofCharlotte.Sarahslowlylookedtowardthem.Shegottoherfeetandstumbledoverto

him, grasping at his shoulders with all her force. She choked out her words.

“YouhavegottogetheroutofPrague!”“Whatdidyousee?”Valekasked.SarahblinkedbacktearsandturnedtoahorrifiedCharlotte.“Iknowwhat

your linesmean, Charlotte! In your hands. I know everything.” The way shespokewassplitbetweenpleadingandwarning.Shehadthishorrible,crazylookin her eyes as she grabbed her hand. She held the palm up to the coven ofVampires.“Yousee?Doyouseeit?”

“Sarah,explaintomewhatyou’retalkingabout,”Francisdemanded.“Shedoesnothavethefatesofanormalhumanbeinginherhand.There

aretwolinesthatdeliberatelycrosseachother.”SarahbroughtCharlotte’spalmclosetoherface,tracingonefaintlinewithherfingernail.“Valek.”Andthentheother.“Aiden.”

Charlottesquintedatherpalm.“Idon’tunderstand.”Sarahflexedhersharpindexfingeratthefireplace.“Isawyou…Isaw….”

TheWitchstoppedsuddenly.Her facewentblankagain in frontofCharlotte’sglassyeyes.“Isawyouinaweddinggown.ThatiswhatIsaw.”

Everyone grew eerily quiet. Valek watched as Charlotte looked aroundnervously,herheartspinningfasterthanherthoughts.“No.Therehastobesomemistake. Who would I be getting married to?” She glanced nervously up atValek,theireyeslocking.

“Sarahnevermakesmistakeswithvisions like those,”Francis interjected.“Visions like these are sent toherby some sort ofdivine forcewebelieve—thingswearemeanttosee.”

Charlotteclaspedherpalmwithherotherhand inaneffort to shamefullyhidethelinesfromeveryone.Valekremainedsilent.

“Whoelsewasinthevision?”Charlotteasked,moretoValekthananyoneelse.Hecouldn’tsayanything;animmenselumpinhisthroatsilencedhim.ButCharlotteknew,ashissorrowfulexpressionmusthavetoldthestorybetterthananyofhiswordspossiblycouldhave.

“Charlotte,I’mnotsayingyouwouldmarryhimoutoffreewill….”Sarahbeganmorecomfortinglythanbefore.Shewastoreturningtohernormalmentalstate.

“Youguyshavetobelieveme.I’minlovewithValek,”CharlottepleadedwithSarah, somehowcausing the lump inValek’s throat to swell larger. “Youknowthat.”

Sarahputahandonthegirl’sshoulder.“Wedo.”“But what about the line that belongs to Valek?” Charlotte asked, hope

coloringhervoice.“Thatmustcountforsomething.Valekcanpreventthisfromhappening,can’the?”

“Itmatchesthelinehehasinhispalm.Thatistrue,”Sarahwhispered.“Youarelinkedtoeachother,butI’mnotsurewhatitwillallmeanwhenfacedwithasituationlikethis.”

To Valek’s surprise, Andela, the tall blonde Vampire who had givenCharlotte such a wicked look earlier that evening, walked over to her,surroundingCharlotteinherwiryarms.

“This is all going to get better, Charlotte.” The deep, jagged edges ofAndela’sfacewerepaintedwitheerieshadowsbythefirelight.Itmadeherlooklikeanangelofdeath,cradlinghisLottie inherarms.“I think I speak for thewholegroupwhenIsayweconsideryouapartofourclan.”

Charlottelookedaroundtheroomattheotherswhoregardedheralotmoresoftlythantheyhadatfirst.Jorgewasnoddinginagreement.ThebalefulSashawasevensmiling.

“Foryoutobeasbraveasyouweretoday,thatsaysalot.”Dusanaspokethistime.“NoneofthehumanbeingsIeverknewwereasbraveasyouare.”

ThiswasenoughtocauseValektocrackatleastafaintsmile.Alltheysaidweretrue.HeglancedatFrancis.Hiswastheonlyfacethatwasn’tkind.Ithadtakenonasickly,greenshade,andValekknewexactlywhy.

“Thesunisahalfanhouraway.”Andelaturnedbacktotheothersbeforesmiling atCharlotte one last time. “Wewill figure this out.” She bent to kissCharlotteontheforeheadandwithasmiletowardValek,shewalkedout.

“Dobryden,Charlotte,”Dusanarepeatedaswell.“Dobry den,” Lusian chimed in. So did a few others on their way out.

Francisonlynoddedpolitely at the twoof thembeforehedisappeared aroundthecorneraswell.

“Sweetdreams,”Charlottesaidquietlytothefloor.Sarah gave her a tight hug around themiddle. “I never sawyou coming,

Charlotte.ButIamsogladyoudid.WhichiswhyItoldValekweneedtogetyou out of here as soon as possible. You’re not safe in this city.He will belookingforyou.”

“Whatisthepoint?Whatyouseeisinstone,isitnot?”Valeksaidgrimly,andwalkedoutoftheroom.

Thehallwayswere a blur of dark indigoes and lavenders as he spedpastandupthestaircasetoCharlotte’sbedroom,knowingshewouldn’tbetoolongafter. A sick feeling wound his gut around what felt like steel rods. Thepossibilitiesofkeepinghersafeseemedtogrowslimmerandslimmerwitheachpassingnight.Valekcollapsedontothebedandstartedmassagingthebridgeofhis nose. Where could they leave to now? He could skip countries. Go intoGermany.TheycouldrunallthewaytoSpainandhopthenextboattoAmerica.

Yes, it would have to be a boat, he thought. People on a plane might starehorrifyingly at theman smoldering in his seatwhen the sun came up.Or, hecouldwaitforAidentofindthem.Thevisionofhis teeth tearingout theElf’sjugularcausedhimtosmirkabit.

Charlotte sheepishly crackedopen thebedroomdoor then.Valekheldhisoutstretched arm to her as she padded to the bed and slid in next to him.Heturnedonhissidesohecouldencasehermorecompletely.“Ijustwanttohideyoufromthewholeworld.Justhideyousomewherewherenoonewouldeverthinktolook.AndthenIwant todisappear, too,sonoonecouldeverfindmeandaskmewhereyou’vegone,”hewhispered,hislipspressedtoherforehead.

“You’vegothalfanhour.”“Iknow.”Hesighed.“Idon’tthinkIcouldfindagoodenoughhidingplace

thatquickly.”“Valek.”Shetookhislefthand.“Theotherlineinmyhandmatchesyours,

Sarahsaid.”Hesmiled,thoughthefeelingcamebitterwithaslightjabbinginhischest.

“Sowhatdoesthismean?Ihavetoshareyouwiththatlunatic?”“No. I think itmeans, nomatterwhat happens, you and Iwill alwaysbe

connected. That’s good news, right?” Charlotte lay straight on her back andstudiedherhandoverherface.

“What is the bad news then?Good news always comeswith bad news.”Valekshuthiseyestight.

“Thebadnewsis,Aidenwillalwaysbetryingtochangefate.”“Aidenwon’thavean‘always’ifhe’sdead.”Charlottedidn’tsayanything in response.Sheonlycontinued to trace the

lineinValek’slefthandbackandforth.“Youcannoteverleaveme.IwasalostsoulbeforeIfoundyou.I’llbelost

again.”“Iloveyou,Valek,”shesaidquietly.“Thisisallentirelymyfault.”Hesighed,rollingontohisback.“Whatdoyoumean?”“Charlotte,Ihavetotellyousomethingnow.HowwouldyoufeelifItold

youIwastheonesingularlyresponsibleforallofthis?WhatifIsaidthiswarthe Regime is waging was entirely my fault?” Valek gazed, tortured, at theceiling,absentlyfollowingsomeofSarah’stwinklingstarbewitchments.

“Valek—”“My intentionswere good, Lottie. I did itwith the idea of liberating our

entiremagicalworldfromthedictatorshipthatistheRegime.ItwasthenightIfoundyou.IwascompletelydrunkoffthefactIhadn’tfedindays.HowcouldI

whenIcouldnoteverleavetheOccultborders?Ihadtobesocareful,consumedby my visions of seeing Vladislov fall from his throne.” He paused. “I wasexperiencingthisstrangeboutofrage.”

“Valek.”Charlotte leaned on her elbow. “You are theVampire theyweretalkingaboutinthebasement?TheonewhotriedtokillVladislov?”

“Yes.”Helookedather,afraidtomakeeyecontact.“IamthatVampire.Iamtheonewhogotaway.Theonetheyarestillsearchingfor.”

She reached over to trace the delicate cracks on his cheek left by thesunlight.Her fingers ranall thewaydownthesideofhis face tohisneckandstoppedjustatthecollarofhisshirt.

“Didthishurt?”sheasked.“Some people wonder if death hurts. I imagine that moment was quite

similartoamortaldeath.Thereisabrightlightyourecognizefromsomedistantmemory,butyoucan’trecallthelasttimeyousawit.Youonlyknowitappearedjust as beautiful in yourmemory as it doeswhen you’re finally facedwith itagain.Youfeel thedesireandyoumustgo toward it,all thewhile it iskillingyouslowly.”

Shewithdrewherhand,andhemissedthewarmthofherfingertips.“Valek,I thinkwhatyoudidwasverybrave.AndIdon’t thinktheothers

blameyouatall.Ionlythinkyoublameyourself.”“Ionlythinkyougivemetoomuchcredit.”“Perfection is blind and so is love,” she said, and rolled away fromhim,

pullingthecoversuparoundhershoulders.“Whatisthatsupposedtomean?”Hereachedtoturnherbacktowardhim.“Itmeans,”shepausedforamoment,“youcan’tseehowperfectyoureally

aretome.”Heleaneddownandbarelykissedher.“Iwasthinkingaboutsomething,”shesaidwhenhepulledaway.“Youalwaysare.”Hesighed.“Iwanttobewithyouforever,but—”“Lottie, we don’t have to talk about that right now. I don’t want you to

worryaboutit.”“I know it doesn’t have to be right now.But I justwanted tomake sure,

whenthatdaycomesthatIdowanttobelikeyou,you’llstillwantme.”“Charlotte.”He kissed her again. “Nomatterwhat happens, I am always

goingtowantyou.Whenyou’reready.”Herolledontohisbackthen,foldedhishandsneatlyonhisstomach,closedhiseyes,andwaited.

“Isthesuncoming?”sheaskedafteramoment.“Yes.” The muscles in his neck tensed, but the rest of his body stayed

totallyrelaxed.Hefelthersettleinnexttohim,grabbingtightlyontohishand.“I’mhere,

Valek.”“Charlotte?”“Yes?”“I’mgoingtoneedyoutoclosethecurtains.”

ChapterEighteenRefugee

Evangelinewaspackingseveralthingsintoalarge,canvasbagthatsatinaheapontheedgeofanelegantbedtrimmedinwine-red.Someofthecontentsincludedseveralvialsofpotions,andabrandnew,velvet-linedgrimoirewithagold-leaf pentacle on the cover. She packed the things in a hurry and jumpedwhen she saw Aiden standing in the threshold, watching her.“Goodmorning,Evangeline.” He smirked, his arms crossing tightly over his thick chest. Helovedpossessingtheabilitytointimidate.

Evangeline stopped what she was doing and nodded at Aiden. “Goodmorning.”

“YouunderstandalloftheinstructionsIhavegivenyou?”heaskeddarkly.Shenodded.“Good.Come.”He turned andwalkedout of thebedchamber and started

downoneoftheRegime’slong,stonycorridors.Evangelinefootfallssoundedclosebehindhim.Shehadwrappedherlong,

washedhairinaneatbunbehindherheadandthenewclothestheRegimehadgivenherwereneatlypressed,as instructed.Thescrapesonherarmsandfacehadalsobeenimmaculatelyhealedbytheirlightmagictodestroyanyevidenceofforceortorture.Thiswouldgoexactlyasheplanned,Aidenthought.

“Thesunhasonlybeenupforthelasttwentyminutes.”Hespokequicklyashewalked.“Sunsettonightisapproximatelyatsix-thirty.Youhaveuntilthentolocate thehidingplace.I trustyouknowwhere that is.”HeglancedbackatEvangeline.

“I know Valek has an old friend that lives in the city,” Evangeline saidquietly.

“Good.Whenyoufindthem,Iwantyoutoreportbacktome.ThenIwantyoutotakesheltersomewhereuntilIgiveyousomesortoffurtherinstruction,”Aidensaidasthetwodescendeddownadankspiralstaircase,dodgingcobwebs,andthroughadoorthatledintotheRegime’smainfoyer.

OfficerswerestillworkingonreconstructingthefrontdoubledoorsofthepalaceAidendestroyedonlyafewdaysearlier.Thememoryplayedoveragainin his mind like a record on a broken needle, a few of the smaller detailsskipping.Valekstandingjust infrontofhisseemingdemise,frightenedforthefirst time in his miserable existence. Charlotte slung hopelessly over his

shoulder, her heart slowing — near death. He remembered how the energypulsed inwaves throughhis body.Hewanted to killValek, of course, but theonlythinghecouldfocusonwashowhewasgoingtosaveCharlotte.

Aiden looked one last time at theWitch, a gust of self-manifested windblowinghishairaroundhis face.“Idon’twant tokillyou,Evangeline.Pleasefindherforme.”Hiseyes,slantedandemerald,werethatofadragon’s.

Evangelinewalkedsilently,withoutalastlooktohim,outofthepalace.Hewatchedherleave,throughthelargehall,throughthedoorinrepair,out

intothebrightlylitGoldenCity.Aidenturnedaroundtoseehisfatherstandingdirectlybehindhim.“Tellme

something, son.Whyareyou fighting sodiligently for a singlemortal child?”ThetallWizardwasreadyinhisnewrobesforthatmorning’sexecution.

“Charlotte is special, Father. I can’t explain it.”Aiden clenched his rightfist,feelingtheonelineinhishandcrease.Anothermemory,oneofthetwoofthemsittingtogetherinhisdarklivingroom,flashedbeforehiseyes.

Daneksighed.“Wouldyouliketowalkwithmetothecourtyard?Vladislovwantsyoutositnexttohiminourboxthismorning.”

Aiden’s eyes widened. Perhaps Vladislov was ready to finally turn thepowerovertohim.

“Absolutely.”Aidensmiled.The twobeganwalking in thedirectionof thecentergardens.Theguards

theypassedinstantlysalutedthetwountiltheyhaddisappearedintothedaylightoutside.Danek andAiden, on theirway to the highest box in the arena,weregreetedby a gallantly-dressedMeredithPrice and the rest ofAiden’s siblings.Shekissedhereldestsononthecheek.

“Goodmorning,mydears!”ShebeamedandleanedinclosertoAiden.“IheardVladislovisgettingreadytomakequitethespecialannouncementtoday!”Hervoicetrilled.

Aidensmiledpridefully tohimselfas thewhole familycontinued towalktogether.TheOccultcreaturesthathadalreadyfoundtheirseatseyedtheyoungElfashepassed,asthoughtheyknewsomethinghedidnot.Theyleanedintoeachother,whisperingthingsandpointingoccasionally.

“Iamsoproudofyou,son.”Meredith’srosycheeksflushedanevendeeperpink.“Vladislovwillannouncetodayinfrontofeveryonethatyouareofficiallyhis next in line.” She clapped her hands in front of her face. “Just think howsplendidourlittleplanwillturnout,mylove.”

Aidensmiledruefullyathismother,wholedhimwithherhandonhisbackalong the floor of the arena. “Everyone seems to have an idea already.” Hecontinuedtoobservehisfuturepeoplewhisperandstare.

“Theydon’tonlyjusthaveanidea,myson.”Danek’svoiceboomed.“Theyareexcited.Theyknowhowwellyouwillruleinthelight.”

AidenconsideredthisaswellasCharlotte,whowastobehisbrideassoonashefoundher.Heregardedhowfondlysheadoredthenight—howsherarelyappearedduringtheday.Herecalledthelasttimehetalkedtoher.Inthenight,when themoonwaspresent,andsowasherVampire.Hegrittedhis teeth.Helookeduptothewarm,morningsunhoveringabovethem.Shewouldcometorespecttheday,hedecided.Shemaynotloveit,butshewouldrespectit.

ChapterNineteenNightmarish

Charlotteawokethenextevening,startledtofindValekloomingoverher,watching.

“Goodevening,”shesaidfaintly.“Sorry.Youweres-screamingagain.”Hisbreathsdrewindeepandeven.

Controlled.Hiseyeswerewideandfixed,and theydidnotblink.“I thinkI’mgoingtogotothebasement.”

Hestartedtogetupfromthebed,butshegrabbedforhisshirt.“No.Pleasedon’tgo.”

Hefroze.“Iunderstand,Valek.”Shesatupinbed,pullingthetopofherdressoffher

shoulder, and brushed the hair away from her neck. She looked at himexpectantly.

Hestaredatherforafewmoments.“No.”Hewinced.“Lottie,Ican’tkeepdoingthis.”

“Valek?”Shepulled thecollarofhisshirt tobringhimclose toheragainandpressedherlipstohis,kissinghimdeeply.

Hepulledawayfromher.“No,Charlotte.”Theystaredateachother.Sheknewverywellwhatwouldkeephimthere.TheneedleSarahhadused

to takeherclothes inwascarelessly lefton thebedside table. Itglinted in thedarknessasCharlottemarkedlyreachedovertoit.

Valekgrappledfortheneedleinherhandwhenhesawwhatshewasabouttodo.“Lottie,don’tbesoignorant!”

Charlotteshudderedwhenthetipofthethingsucceededinprickingthetopof her index finger anyway and it fell to the floor. She looked to see the tinyblooddropletcreepfromherskin.Valeksawit,too;hisnostrilsflared.

“Lottie.”Hegroanedsoftly.“Youshouldnothavedonethat.”Charlotte smiled provocatively and rubbed her bleeding finger over her

bottomlip.“It’sjustalittlecut.Kissitbetter?”Valekcouldn’tresistnow,andsheknewit.Heleanedintoher,hismouth

slightly open. Shemet him halfway and crushed her lips firmly to his again,lettinghimtastethebloodstainthere.

Hesighedandshovedherback into theheadboard,continuing tokissher

deeply.Hishandsballedinthematerialofherdress,andshefeltawarm,slickriverofbloodseepoutfromonecornerofhermouthalongthesideofherface.It flowed down her neck as he continued to pull it out of her. Her heartdrummed,but itwasn’t fearful like ithadbeen the last time. Italmostseemedsyncopatedtosomesortofrhythmashismouthcontinuedtopullatherlife.Helickeditfrombehindherlips,offhertongue.

It was amazing that even though she did not possess Valek’s specialinhumanabilities,her senses seemed just asheightenedaswhen shewaswithhimlikethis.

Shesuddenlyfeltthevacuumingpressurefrominsideherbodystop.He finallypulledaway fromher, both theirmouths stained red.Charlotte

lickedat thecoppery stain that tasted like rust andsalt.Valek stayedbalancedoverherforwhatseemedlikeanhour,theirfacesclose.Theyjustgazedateachother, breathing.Theywereboth thinking the same thing, sinking the emotiondeeper.

Doyouthinknowistherighttime?Charlottethought.“No. Idon’t.”Valek’s face stayedmystified,hisvoicealmostcarryingno

emotion.Sheexhaledabreathshefelt likeshehadbeenholdingforagoodtwenty

minutesatleast.Shedidn’tknowwhy,butthatthoughtseemedscarierthananyoftheothernightmarishthingsshehadbeenfacedwithinthepastweek.

“IthinkIshouldleavenow,”Valeksaidstiffly.“Willyoucomeback?”Shepressedherforeheadtohis.“Yes.Ialwayswill.”Hegotupfromherbedandflewsoquicklyoutofthe

room,hewasnothingmorethanamereblurtoCharlotte’shumanvision.Shesmiled,wipingherhandoverhermouthtomopuptheleftoverblood.“I’llgetthat.”Charlotte looked up, surprised to seeDusana and Lusian standing in her

doorway.Of course she didn’t hear them coming. So that’swhyValek left soabruptly.Thehurtandblamequicklyreturnedtohermindthen,andshehopedValekcouldfeelit.

“Ifyoudon’tmind,LusianandIwillbediningtogether tonight.”Dusanasmiledassheapproachedthebed,Lusianclosebehindher.

Charlotte pushed straight up, gaping at them. It wasn’t so bad yesterdaywhen they came in one by one, so fast they seemed to blend into the samemonster,butthisseemedmoreintimidatingsomehow.Ifsheboreitaloneonce,shecoulddoitagain.

“Howareyouthisevening?”Lusiansmirkedashesatonthebed.Dusanasatdownontheotherside.

Charlottelookedwarilybackandforthatthem.“Fine.Thanks.”“That’s what we like to hear.” Dusana flashed a deadly grin, lifting

Charlotte’s left wrist close to her nose. She inhaled. “Smells delicious.” Thecolorinhereyesflickeredfrombluetoblack.

Lusian was quick to take Charlotte’s other hand. “Salud! ” he said toDusana.

As they were about to bite down, something large hurtled through thebedroomwindow,smashingtheglassintoamillionshards.Charlottescreamedas the two Vampires immediately flew backward, clinging to the back wall,readytolungeatwhateveritwas.Theyhissedatthemassiveblackshadowthattriedtostraightenitselfupinthedarkness,grumblingsomethingincoherent.

“Charlotte, watch out!” Lusian commanded, preparing to slaughter theinvader.

“Whoeveryouare,youhavefivesecondstogetoutofthishouse!”Dusanahissed.

Charlotte squinted through the shadows to try and catch the face of theassailant. She immediately recognized who it was from the glint off hisspectaclesasthetwoVampirescrouchedtoattack.

“Stop!”Charlottejumpedoutofthebed,herhandsoutstretchedtoLusianandDusana.“Don’thurthim.Iknowhim!”Sheturned,smilingtogohelpMr.Třínožkaupfromthefloor.

Hislargespider’slegsslidoverthebrokenglassashemumbled.“Confounded…”hemuttered.“Mr.Třínožka,letmehelpyou.”Shetriedtostabilizehim.“Icangetup,girly.Iain’tthatold,”hegrumbled,hiseightlegscontinuing

toslideeverywhichway.“You’rehurt.”Charlottepulledherhandawayfromonelargehairyleg,goo

makingherfingerssticktogether.“Yeah.I’llbefine.IjustneedmeoneathembandagesandI’llbegoodas

new,”hesaid.“Let’sgetsomelightinhere.”Asifoncue,Sarahrushedinwithherwand,abrightbewitchmentonthe

end,lightinguphalftheroom.“Iseveryoneokayinhere?”Valekwassoontofollow,andsowereFrancis,Andela,Sasha,andtherest

oftheVampires.“It’sallright.CharlotteandIknowhim.He’sfromourOccult.”“That’sright.”ThePhaserwasfinallyabletogettohisfeet,andCharlotte

couldseehisfaceclearlyinthemoonlightnow.Hisspectacleswerecrackedinone corner, askewon his face.Therewas a good amount of black soot in hismustache,andhispocket-watchspunonitschainasithungcarelesslyfromhisvestpocket.

Charlotte wrapped her arms around his front leg. “I’m so happy you’reokay,Mr.Třínožka.”

“Barely,”hegrumbled.“Thosewizardsarenothin’buttrouble.Nothin’buttrouble.Theysetfiretoyourhouse.Thewholeplacewasburningtotheground,andwhen I rushed in to try and save you, well, I thought the worst ‘cause Icouldn’tfindyouorthedoctoranywhere,”hefinishedsadly.

CharlotteandValeklookedateachother.“Well,we’reokaynow,”shesaid.“Youare.ButIcan’tsaythesamefereveryone.Ifoundthislittleguy.”The

spiderliftedalifelesspileofragstuckedwithinhisvestandsethimonthefloor.“Edwin!” Charlotte got on her knees, straightening the burlap form. The

stitchesinthefacesoullesslysmiledatupher.“Hetoldme,‘foresomeonedidthistohim,youtwohadbeenkidnapped.

So I left theOccult to see if I couldn’t tryen findya.Well,mynose is awfulsensitive there, Charlotte. I smelled your blood all the way from VodickovaStreet. Thought you must’ve been in an awful amount of trouble.” He eyedeveryoneelseintheroomfrombehindhiscrow’sfeet.“Can’ttellifI’mrighternotyet.”Hismustachebristled.

“Won’tyoustayplease,Mr.Třínožka?”TheentireVampirecovenglaredattheaudacityofCharlotte.“AndEdwin,too.”

“Pardonme,darling,but Idon’t think it’syourplace to just invitepeopleintomyhome.”Francisbattedhiseyelashesather.

“Please?YousaidyouneededmoreOccultinhabitantstostartanuprisingagainsttheRegime.Thesearemyfriends.”

“Idon’treallyseewhatanoldmanandapotatosackcandotohelp,”Sashachided,inhisdeepvoice.

“Whatever happened to manners? You’d better learn some before I startthrowin’punches.”Mr.Třínožkawheeledhis front two limbs around in a fewcircles.

Sashacontinuedtoantagonize.“Agebeforebeauty.”“Okay,everyonejustshutup,”Sarahchimedin.Shethreateninglypointed

herwandatSasha.“IagreewithCharlotte!”“Well, I ain’t about ta stay any place I’m not welcome,” Mr. Třínožka

grumbled.“You’reverywelcomehere.”Sarahwalkedoverandtookoneofhishands

in hers. “These snobby Vampires have to learn how to get along with otherOccultcreatures.”

Hervoicedisappearedaroundthecornerassheledhimoutoftheroom.Charlotte stayedon the floor, cradling the lifelessEdwin inher armsand

lookeduptoValek,whowasregardingeveryoneelsestillpresent.

“Well,Ithinkitisagoodidea.”Heshrugged.Francissneered.“You’vegottenverysoftovertheyears,Valek,andyougo

andstooptothelevelofahumanbeing!”Francissteppedclosertohim.“Ihadvery different intentions when I created you, darling.” He grabbed one ofCharlotte’swrists.“Ifshewasn’tkeepingusfed,youbothwouldbeoutonthestreetfightingtokeepeachotheralive,foryouarejustasbadasshe!”

HesankhisteethintoCharlotte’sskin,andshecriedoutassheclaspedhisarmwithherotherhand.Thefeelingwasharshandcold,likeicepicks.

“That is a lie,” Valek said darkly. “You’re not getting rid ofme for tworeasons.”

FrancisdroppedCharlotte’sarmandlookedupathimexpectantly.“You’d never win against the Regimewithoutme and you know it. The

secondisyoustillwantme.Youalwayshaveandyoualwayswill,andIamjustnevergoingtobewhatyouwantmetobe.”

Charlotte looked at Valek, eyes wide. Did she really just hear what shethoughtsheheard?Valek’sgazeshiftedslightlytowardherandbackatFrancisagaininsilence.

“And we like Charlotte!” said Andela, rushing over to tourniquetCharlotte’swrist.

ShehardynoticedasshecontinuedtogapeatValek.“Verywell.Youareall justpinnedagainstme,and that’s fine. Igiveyou

myhome,andIamrepaidwiththis.”Francispushedhiswayoutoftheroom.Sashafollowedquicklyafterhim.

ThecovenlookedbackatCharlottehungrily.Shesmilednervouslyatthem.“Ifyouallcouldjustgivemeafewminutes.

I’msuddenlyfeelingalittlelight-headed.”ShepickedEdwinupinherarmsandeyedValeksourlyasshewalkedoutoftheroom.

ChapterTwentyTakingPrecaution

CharlottelaidafireinSarah’sfireplace.SarahwasnexttoheronthefloorpickingglassoutoftheShape-shifter’sappendages.

“WhathappenedtoEdwin?”Charlotteaskedasshefinishedanddustedoffhersootyhands.

“Dunno,”saidMr.Třínožka.“OnedayIwastalkin’ tohiminhisshoppe,thenextdayIcameback,Ifoundhimonthefloorlikethat.”

“It’sagoodthingyouleft.”Sarahfinishedfasteningthebandagetogether.“IftheyeverfiguredoutyouknewCharlotte,theywouldhavecomelookingforyou,too.”

“Thankyouthere,missy.”“Aww.” Sarah grinned. “How cute are you?” She turned to Charlotte. “I

lovecountrymonsters.”Sheskippedtothebackoftheroomtoputherfirstaidaway.

“CanyoufixEdwin,Sarah?”Charlotteasked.“I’llseewhatIcando.Theremustbesomeway.”Shesteppedbackoverto

thefireplace,hangingasmallblackcauldronoverthehook.“Hotciderwillbeready in ten minutes. Those testy mosquito people are just going to have towait.”

Charlottesatcross-legged in frontof the fire.Thewarmth felt sogood tohercheeks.Shewonderedwhenshewouldeverseethesunagain.Mr.Třínožkasatbehindherwithathump,hiseightlegsstretchingout.Dustfromtheoldrugflickeredthroughtheairintheflamelight.

“Feelsgoodtobesafefornow.”Hepushedthebridgeofhisspectaclesuponhisnose.

“Yes.”Charlottesighed,notbelievingitwouldlast.ShewonderedexactlyhowlongitwouldtakeforoneofAiden’smentofindher.Allshehadtodonowwasplaythewaitinggame.Shepeeredoverhershoulder.“Sarah?”

Sarahwasflippingthroughherprizedspellbook.“Yes,love?”“Inyourvision,allyousawwasmewalkingdowntheaisle?”Sarahstoppedandlookedather.“Thefatesareverytricky,Charlotte.You

neverwant to question themor second-guesswhat they are trying to tell you.ThevisionIsawisetchedinstoneandsure tohappen.Theyonlyshowyouasmallpieceofwhatistocome,butit’suptoyoutohandletherest.”

“Butwhatexactlywasthebityousawagain?”“Enough,Charlotte.ThemoreItalkaboutit,themoreupsetyou’regoing

toget.”TheWitchdugherpointy,littlenosedeeperintothebook.Charlottesighedand,restingherchinonherknees,watchedthefireagain.

Mr.Třínožkaplacedahandonhershoulder,whichmadeherfeelevenwarmer.HesmelledtoCharlottelikeoneofthosebutterscotchcandiesyouforgotaboutinyourpocketforayear.Theolder,thesweeter.

“Nomatterwhat,we’regonnasticktogether.”Hismustacheruffled.Charlottesmiledsobighereyescrinkled.“Thankyou.”Hegrumbledsomethingincoherentbehindher.“Okay. I think I founda spell forEdwin,but it’sgoing to takemea few

daystoproduce.Itrequiresalotofthingsthataregoingtobeslightlydifficulttofindinthecity.”Sarahpaced,stillsquintingatthepages.

“Who’sleftintheOccult,Mr.Třínožka?”Charlotteasked.“Notmany. The Elves are still sittin’ pretty like always, but a lot of the

Fairies left town. And with lunch gone, most of the Shape-shifters go.” Hebristled.“ThatoneWitchyfriendayers.She’sgone.”

“Evangeline?”Charlottespuntofacehim.Shehadn’tthoughtaboutherindays. She remembered the promise Evangeline made the morning they werecaught.

“Yessum. That’d be the one,” hemuttered. “They arrested her. Took herawayinshacklesthroughthetownsquare.”

A lumpstarted to form inCharlotte’s throat.Theyhad tohavekilledher,she thought. She silently turned back around to the fire, sorry for all the badthingssheeversaidtoher.Thecontentsinthepotstartedtobubbleinfrontofher.

“Whoops!Cider’s ready!”Sarahsprungfor thecauldron, taking itoff thehookwiththehemofherskirt.“Excuseme.”Sheplacedthepotonthecrookedgnomecoffeetable,thenpulledasmallceramicmugfromherapronpocketandfilled itwith thehot, russet liquid.Shehanded it toCharlotte. “Thereyougo!Drink it up. If you keep them waiting any longer I’m afraid they might gofishingforrats.”Sheabsentmindedlyflippedherspellbookopentothepageshehadleftoff.

“You’renotoneofthose…oneofthose….”Mr.Třínožkasearchedfortheword.

“Ablooddoll?”Charlottedownedthecupinonegulpandclosedhereyes,waitingforthedizzinesstogoaway.“Yes.Iam.”Shegrittedherteethlikeithadbeenashotofwhiskyandwalkedoutoftheroom.

Valekwaswaitinginthehallwayleaningagainstthewall.

Charlottestopped.“Hi.”“Hello.”Hedroppedhisgaze.“Well,IfinallyunderstandwhyFrancishatesme.”Shebitherlowerlip.“Hateisthewrongword.”“Enviesme,”sheamended.“He does, but I know for a fact he doesn’t dislike you asmuch as he is

lettingon—becauseyouaremakingmehappy.”Charlotte recalled the night they first got to Francis’ house, when he

coveredthecoffinlidforher.Sherememberedhowkindhisfacelooked.Valekchangedthesubject.“Areyoureturningtoyourroom?”“IfigureI’dbetter,beforesomeonekillsme.”ShemeantitasajokebutValekdidn’tcrackasmile.Hepressedbothhis

hands to thewallbehindher, entrappingher there.He leaned inclose. “I loveyou,Lottie.”

Iloveyousomuch,Valek.“Iwanttocomewithyou,”hesaid.“Youcan’thandleit.”Sheduckedoutfrombetweenhisarmsandstartedup

thestairs.“No.Ican’t.”Heturnedtofollowher.“ButifIsitthereandwatch,Iexpect

theywouldbelessinclinedtotakeadvantageofthesituation.”Hesmiled.“Howareyoufeeling?”

“Fine,now.ButIthinkit’sbetterifIjusthandlethisalone.”Shestoppedonthesecondtofinalstepandlookedathim,herhandonthebanister.“Youkeepalotofsecretsfromme,Valek.”

Hisfacefell.“I’mgoingtomakeallofthisuptoyou.”Charlottepressedherforeheadtohis,shakingherheadlefttorightinasort

ofnuzzle.Shepulledaway,leavinghimsmiling.“Whatwasthat?”heasked.“Iwasattachingmybraintoyours.Iknowitalreadyis,butmaybeifIkeep

doing that, I’llbeable to readyourmind,and thenyouwon’tbeable tokeepanythingelsefromme.”Charlottesmiledandcontinuedwalking.

“Lottie?”Charlottestoppedandlookedathimagain.“Nomoresecrets.”Hesmiled.Shesmiledbackbeforedisappearingdownthedarkhallwayintoherroom.Dusana was already sitting on the bed, waiting. Broken glass still

shimmeredonthefloorlikethefangsinhermouth.“Wheredidweleaveoff?”“Where’sLusian?”

“Youseemedalittleapprehensivebeforesowethoughtitwouldbebetterfor you if we did this separately.” She opened her arms wide, beckoningCharlottetoherside.

CharlotteglancedbehindhertoseeValekhaddefiantlyslippedinafterher.Hestoodwithhisarmscrossed,staringatDusana.

“Howtheguardianprotectshisvirgineversofervently,”thedarkVampiresaidmusically.

Charlotte could have sworn something red swelled under the moonstonesurfaceofValek’sface,butthatwasindeedimpossible.

*

Dusanawasbeginning to finishup.Valek sentawaveofanger smashingintoherconsciousnessfromhissideoftheroom.Sheopenedhereyes,glaringupathim,asshepulledawayandlickedthewoundonCharlotte’swristclean.

“Done.” She smiled and got up from the bedside. Shewalked out of theroomwithastainedgrintowardValek.

Onceshewasgone,hehurriedovertohisLottie,takinghersmallhandinhis. Shewas tooweak to get up, or to even lift her head to look at him.Hescoopedherupinhisarms.

“Youwereright.Icannothandlethis,”hemurmuredashedashedoutoftheroom.

“Whereareyoutakingme?”Herheadrolledbackontohisshoulder.“To finishmy conversationwith Francis.”Valek flew down the lavender

hallwaysandstaircasestothehallwaywiththebasementtrapdoor.“IneedSarahfirst.”Hereyelidsslitopenassheappraisedwheretheywere

going.“No,my love.You’ll be okay.Hemust see you like this to understand.”

Valekkickedopenthewoodendoorandplummetedintothedarkness.He landed easily, interrupting Lusian mid-thought. The coven turned to

lookathim.“Ah,Valekyou’re just in time,myfriend.”Francisdramaticallyextended

hisarmsashestood.“Andyouhavemadeadelivery.”Helickedhischopsatthesightofthegirl.

CharlottegrimacedandrolledherheadtowardValek’sshoulderinanefforttohide.

“Francis,I’msorry,butthisisgoingtoendnow.NotevenSarah’spotionscankeepherhealthyanymore.Perhapsiftherewerelessofus.Butforhersake,

Iamtakingbothofusawayfromhere.Thankyouforyourhospitality.”Valekturnedtoascenduptothehouse,buthewasinstantlymetwithFrancisblockingtheway.

“I’m afraid we had an agreement, Valek.” Francis’ jet eyes shifted oncetowardLusianandback.

“Well,I’mrevokingit.Ifyoucouldkindlystepaside,”Valekordered.“Iwillkillher.”“Iamstrongerthanyou.”Therewassilenceforamoment.Franciskepthisthoughtsguarded.“Iknowyouwon’thurther,”Valekfinallyspoke.“Lookather.Shecannot

liveanothernightlikethis.Wemustfindanotherway.”Francis frowned and looked at Lusian again. “You…cannot leave us.We

won’tsurvive.”Valek smirked. “Doyou thinkbecause I survived theRegimeonce, I can

overthrowtheentirecourt?”“YousurvivedtheRegimetwice,”Andelamurmeredfromherseatnearthe

fireplace.“YouaretheonlyVampiretohaveeverdonethat.”Valekloweredhiseyes.Hethoughtforamoment.“Fine.Westay.Butthere

mustbeanewagreement.Iinsistit.Charlotteisnottobeconfined,orfeduponlikeacagedrat.”

“Then you cannot feed on her either,” Francis proclaimed quickly, thebottomofhiscanestrikingthedirtfloor.

Valek’snostrilsflared.“Iagree.”“Good.Also,Iownyouagain.Iwillbeyourmaster,aswhenIfirstcreated

you.”Francisraisedhiseyebrows.Valek’sfacequiveredatthis.“Iwasonceyour liege. Imadeyou. Ishallbeagain. Ifyoudonotagree,

then you are free to go, but I cannot promise your safety once you cross thethresholdofthishouse.”

“Fine,”Valekconcludedfinally.“ThatmeansyouwillfollowmyordersasIgivethem.”“Fine,”Valeksaidagain.“ButCharlottewillsleepdownherewithme.If…

shewishes.”Hisvoicebrokeonthelastpart.“Fine,”Francisfaltered.“Good.”“Good,”saidLusian.“Valek,thereareplanswehavebeendiscussingthat

wewishtosharewithyou,ifyouloversaredonequarreling.”

ChapterTwenty-OneEtTu,Brute?

AshroudedfiguremadeherwaythroughOldTown.Inthedanknessofthelateautumnevening,noonenoticedher.Beggersonthestreetdidn’taskherforpettychangeasshewalkedpast.Hershoesseemedtomakenosoundonthewetcobblestone. The astronomical clock pointed its long, antique-gold arm atAquarius.

Thecloakedwoman,whohadmanyasatchelslungatherside,slidaroundcorners of the large buildings to the dark alleys. The face of the moonilluminatedherfresh,pearlskinwhenshegazedupatit.Itwouldbefullatthebeginningofnextmonth.Aharvestmoon.Shesmiledandletherhoodhideherfaceagain.

She slipped back out onto a main street. Now inWenceslas Square, sheeffortlessly dodged mortals passing around her. Like a cat, she kept to theshadows and avoided the bustling streets and the golden illumination of thestreetlamps.Shewasamasteratkeepingherselfcompletelyconcealed.Soundsofmortalautomobileswhizzedpasther,butsheignoredthemasthecityignoredher.

Onceagain,findingthatshewasinthebowelsofanotheralley,shewasmetbytheonlyhumanwhodidpayheranymind.Thedrunken,burlymangrabbedher delicate shoulder and spun her around to face him. If shewere human, itwouldhavebeenviolentenoughtosnapherarmoutofitssocket.

“Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing,woman?”Hehadanearlyemptyflaskinhishand,andshesawmostofhisteethweregone,too.Whenhelookedintoherflawlessface,heinstantlyfelltohypnosis.

“Pardon?” Her voice was delicate and musical, like a single lilac in theharshnightair.

Themanremainedsilent,continuingtostareintohercat-likegreengaze.“ThatiswhatIthoughtyousaid.”Herhandplungedintooneofthesacksat

herhip,andshequicklypulledoutasilvery,crystaldagger.Sheplungeditintotheheartoftheman.

Hecriedout,hismassivehead rollingbackashe fell tohiskneesbeforeher.Therewasnoincantationtoenchanttheman.Thiseffortwasmeanttokillhim.Thewomantooksomethingelseoutofherbag—anemptyglassbottle—and held it below the hemorrhaging wound, collecting as much as she could

beforestowingitawayagainandcontinuingherjourney.ShefinallymadeherdissentiontoJosefov,Prague’spreviousJewishghetto

whentheNazioccupationstillheld thecity tight in its fists.Thesmallareaofthecapitalhadnotsinceimprovedmuch,andthewomandecidedifthereweresomethingthathadtheintentionofhiding,itwouldbeinthispartofthecity.

A smart notion, she thought, when she closed her eyes and the familiarscent of lavender and death filled her nose quickly. The undead were in theimmediatearea.

Before taking another step, she ran her pointed nails across her chest,finding the small amethyst amulet strung there by pure silver. She smiled andcontinuedwalking.

*

Charlottefoundherselfbackin the lowest,dankestpartof thehouseonceagain.Thistimethough,shewasn’tbeingstudiedferventlyliketheoutsidershewas.The feeling this timewasmuchmore inclusive, though thehungry staresdidstillexist.Shetriedherbesttoignorethem.

Sarah sat next to her, underValek’s orders, to ensurewhatever spells shehad to perform to bring Charlotte back to full health would be done. Mr.Třínožkasatontheothersideofher.Valek,however,wasboundbytheirverbalcontracttostaybesideFrancis.

CharlottedidnotunderstandtheVampiriccodebeingconductedbeforeher.HerentirelifewasspentwithValek,butshewascomingtofindshetrulyknewnothing at all about his culture. Shewatched him carefully behind her frown.Whydidhenotmeethergaze?Hewasavoidinghereyes,shecouldtell.

Valek’s eyes quivered once. If Charlotte had blinked, she wouldn’t havenoticed this all too slight reaction to her thoughts. She knewhewas listeningintently to her. Francis, however, was smirking. Hemust be loving the silentexchangebetweensheandValek—howshewastryingtogethisattentionfromacrossthecircle.Charlotte’sstomachflippedasitdidwhensheusedtothinkofEvangeline,whenFrancis ranhisclawsonce through thebackofValek’shair.HesmiledwhenCharlotte’sgazeburnedintohis.

“We had an idea,Valek,” Lusian began. “Overthrowing theRegimewithjustthemembersofthiscovenwouldn’tbeimpossible.WejustneedtoclearthepathtoVladislovwithoutgettingkilledbyAidenfirst.”

“I’ll entertain any idea. I can’t stay here much longer, or I fear for mysanity.”HemumbledthelastparttowardFrancis.

“WhatifweletthemfindCharlotte?”Lusiancontinued.“What?”Valektensed.Charlottedidaswell,untilSarahputahandonher

shoulder.“Listen.Give the little bastardwhat hewants for now. Itwill buy us the

timeweneed.WekillVladislov,we’vekilledtheRegime.”Valekstood,lookingLusiandeadintheeyes.“Doyouknowwhatit’slike

to love something more than yourself, you sniveling, insignificant leach? Iwouldsoonerwatchmyselfburnindaylightthanuseherasbait!”

“Youalreadyhave,Valek.”Francissnorted.Herubbedatthisbridgeofhisnose.“Forwhathasshebeentousallthistimethanmerebait?”

“Itwouldbeouronlyhopeofsucceeding,”Lusiansaid.AflashofangercoloredValek’sfaceforaninstantbeforeitwentbackto

delicatethought.“You’reaskingmetorisktheonlythingthathasanymeaningformeinthisdarklife.You’reaskingmetoplaceabetonmydaughter.”

“Yourlover,”Franciscountered.“My world.” He glanced out of the corner of his eye to Charlotte then

turnedhisback toher. “But I suppose Iwouldbemaking thatbet anywaybydoing nothing. We must make sure to finish it before daybreak. And I wanteverythingundermycontrol.Howdowemakeheraccessible to themwithoutrevealingourselves?”

Charlottestared,horrifiedastheycasuallycontinued.“We’llthinkofsomething,”Lusianmused.“If theycaptureus,ourplanwill fail,”Valek instructed. “Theymust find

heratnight,whenitiseasierforustohide.Inthedarkness,itislessdangerous.”Mr. Třínožka put a protective hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. Her gaze

traveled fromface to facearoundher,and foundnonewere lookingback.Shekeptherthoughtsquietthough,tryingherbesttosteerawayfromthethousandsof questions she had. She looked back to Valek again, exhaling very slowlythroughhernose.Itmadehereyeswater.

“I am tired already of this debate.” Valek sighed. “It is growing early.Perhapswecontinue thisdiscussion tomorrowevening.”Heclaspedhishandstogetherbehindhisback.

“The night is still young, darling Valek.” Francis laughed, conceitedlyfoldingonelegovertheother.Hegesturedforhiscreatedtotakehisseatagain.“AndIamthoroughlyenjoyingthisconversation.”

“It’sawondertheRegimehasnotyetfoundusyet,”Andelamused.“This house is a safe haven. It has been specially protected for years by

magicmorepowerful thanmine.Itwouldtakethemostexperiencedenchantertonoticeanythinginhumanaboutit,”Sarahsaid.

Aknockrappedatthefrontdooronestoryabovethem.Particlesofthedirt-packedceilingsnoweddownaroundthem.Theylookedatoneanother.

Sarahsilentlygatheredherselfup.Sheappraisedthestartledmacabrefaces.“Probablyjustanothersalesmengoingdoortodoor.”

“Atthreeinthemorning?”Andelaasked.Sarahdidn’tbelieveherselfeither.Sheleaptupthedarktunnel,leavingthe

Vampiresaroundthecracklingfire,theonlythingmakinganynoisewhatsoeverinthebasementbesidesCharlotte’spulse.

Theywereall listening for thoughts, their faces turned slightlyupwardatthe exact same angle. Even Valek’s, Charlotte noticed. She suddenly saw hisfeatureschangefromthoughtfulness,toastonishment,toamistrustfulwariness.

Theothersinthecoventurnedtohimaswell.“WhoisEvangeline?”Jorgesaidthenameasifitwerefromsomeforeignplanet.

Charlotte’s eyes widened, and she stood immediately up. “Evangeline?Evangeline from our Occult?” She looked at Valek. They finally locked eyeswitheachother.

“Andtheplotthickens….”Franciswrappedhisclawstogether.“Ithoughtshewasdead.”Charlottecouldfeelanewwaveoffearsqueeze

herthroatclosed,thoughshecouldn’tunderstandwhyshewasafraid.“Sheshouldbe,”Valekmumbled.“Maybesheescapedlikewedid.”Sarahandthefamiliarcloakedwomanplummetedintothebasement.Valek

frozeasheappraisedher.Thedust settled,and thewomanremovedherhood.Indeed,itwasEvangeline.

TheWitch’seyesswelledwithoverwhelmingjoyassherantotheVampireandwrappedhiminawiryembrace.“Valek!”Shechokedoutfrombehindhertears.“Iwassosureyouweredead.”

CharlotteandMr.Třínožkaglancedateachother.Thespider-manwrappedoneofhislongarmsaroundhermiddleinanefforttokeephercalm.

“Iamsohappytoseeyouarealive!”Valek pulled immediately away from her with a polite smile. He looked

over at Charlotte. “It is good to see you are alive as well, Evangeline.PaneTřínožkatoldusthefateofourcity.”Hegesturedatthespider.

EvangelinespunonherheelstoseebothCharlotteandthePhaserstandingsidebyside.Onceagainherfaceswelledassheranover.“Oh,Charlotte!”SheburiedCharlotte’sface inherbosom.“Icannot tellyouhowhappythismakesme.Iamsogladtohavefoundyou!”TheWitchpulledawayandbrushedthehairoutofCharlotte’sface,butdidnotreleasehergrasponCharlotte’sarm.

CharlotteglancedbackatSarahonce,wholookedalittlemorethanslightly

confused.“Youescapedthepalace?”Charlotteasked.Evangeline’s features turnedhard,butshemaintainedherbeautiful,warm

smile.“Yes.HowluckyIwastheguardsdidnotnoticetheextrateleportingspellI carried on my belt.” Her smile stayed, and so did the grip she had onCharlotte’s arm. She gazed into Charlotte’s eyes for a few moments longer,before something watery tricked from behind her lashes. She turned quicklybacktoValek.

“Buthowdidyoufindthishouse?”Sarahasked,disappointed.“Well, you are surely a Witch of the thirteenth generation?” Evangeline

asked.Sarahnodded.“AsamI!Wearelikesisters.Icansenseourspellsfrommilesaway.”She

foldedherhandsdelicatelyinfrontofher.“Well, good!” Francis stood gallantly fromwhere he sat. He clapped his

hands in front of his face. “Now we have twoWitches to ensure Charlotte’ssafety,”hesaidwithafangygrin.

“Pardon?”Evangeline’seyebrowsrose.“WeareplottingouruprisingagainsttheRegime,”Lusianexplained.“And theonlyway for any sort of breakin tobe successful is ifwe send

Charlotte in as a distraction.But you know yourway around the palace now.Perhapsyoucouldhelpus,”Valeksaid.

Evangeline’semeraldeyesdazzledashermouthtwistedupinanoddsortofsmilethatCharlottedidn’tquiteunderstand.“Ofcourse,Iwould—Iwoulddo anything to help my Charlotte.” She wrapped her arms around Charlotteagain.

Sarah grumbled something incoherent and walked to the middle of thecircle. She yanked a long, silver chain from her pocket. At the end of it,Charlotte recognized her small, silver whistle. She grabbed for it, but Sarahpulleditoutofherreach.

“Mywhistle!Wheredidyoufindit?”sheaskedamazed,studyingitsdetailsinthefirelight.Itwastarnished;thegroovescakedwithdirt,butotherwisejustasbeautifulasithadalwaysbeen.“IthoughtIhadlostitforever.”

“IfounditthenightyouandValekcame.Itwasmixedamongthebrokenglassnearthefrontdoor.Ifiguredyoumusthavedroppeditwhenyoubrokein,”Sarahexplained.Evangelinemarveledatit,too.“Ihaven’tgivenitbacktoyouyet,because Iwanted toclean itup foryou. Itwascakedwithbloodanddirt.Andalso”—shestrung itaroundCharlotte’sneck—“Ihada feelingaboutyou.I’vebeenworkingonthespellsfordays.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Charlotteasked.“You’llsee.”SarahsmiledandglancedtowardEvangeline.“Itwillcomein

handywhenyouneeditmost.”“Asin,onceI’minsidetheRegimewalls,”Charlotteconcluded.“Thankyouverymuchforthat,Sarah,”Valeksaid.“Ofcourse,”shereplied.“Charlotteis,afterall,oneofus.Idon’tlikethis

anymorethanyoudo.”“AndI’msure there’ssomethingIcando tohelp inaddition.Therearea

fewotherspellsIcanthinkof,”Evangelineadded.SarahgrimacedoncebeforesmilingattheotherWitch.“Wellgood,then.It

willbeapleasuretoworkwithyou.Westartinthemorning.”Shesharplyturnedononetoeanddisappearedquicklybackintotheupperportionsofthehouse.

“Morningisanhouraway,”Evangelinesaidtotherestofthecoven.“Wesuggestyougetyourrest,then.”Francissmiled.“Ifyou’llfollowme

backuptothehouse,you’llfindseveralemptybedrooms.Isuggestwefindyouonemostfitting.”Hesmirked,catchinghistongueonthetipofonefang.

ChapterTwenty-TwoPromisesUnkept

Therestofthecovenlingeredaroundthefireplace.Someofthemsilentlywatched itdieout.Someof themchatteredout loudaboutwhat theyhadseenandtalkedabout,allthewhileglancinginthedirectionofthesouthwallofthebasement,whereValekandCharlottesatclosetogether,theirfingersintertwined.

“Iknowyou’rescared,”headmitted.“Iam.ButIwoulddoanythingtomakeyourworldsafeagain.”“Ourworld.”“YouknowwhatImean.”SheputherforeheadagainstValek’scheek.Her

facelitup.“Igettostaywithyoutonight!”Valekdidn’tsayanythinginresponse.Hesmiled.“UnlessFranciswillmakeyoustaywithhim,”shecontinued.Helookeddownatherandstoppedsmiling.“Howintuitiveyouare.”“Willhe?”sheasked.“Wearechangingthesubject.”Valekpulledhisfaceawayfromhers.Shelookeddownandstartedtofiddlewiththehemofherdress.“Doyou

liketheclothesSarahhasgivenme?”“Yes.Verymuch,”heanswered,butdidnotlookather.“HowlongdoIhavewithyoubeforetheymakemeleave?”Valeksighedandpulledherby thewaistontohis lap tofacehim, likehe

usedtowhenshewasachild.Onlythistimeitmadethemusclesinhismiddletighten.“Idon’tknow,Lottie.AslongasittakesEvangelineandSarahtocomeupwithawaytomakesureyouwillbeprotected.”

“Sarahdoesn’ttrusther,”Charlottedivulged.Valeklookedather,surprised.“Areyoumind-readingnowaswell?”Shesmiled,nervouslystraighteninghistatteredascot.“No.Callitwomen’s

intuition.Itdoesn’ttakeimmortalpowerstosensethat.”Shelookedathim.“Doyoutrusther?”

“Shehasnodeviousthoughts.Forme,thereisnoreasontonottrusther.”Hethoughtforamoment.“Iwillkeepmydistance,however.”Hechuckled.

Charlottedidnotfindthisfunny.Sheletherhandscollapseinfrontofher.ThescarValekhadleftfromthatfirstnightstartedtoachefaintlyonthesideofherneck.Shewincedasshebroughtherhandtoit.

“Whatisit?”heasked,worried.Hepushedherhandasidetoexamineit.

“Nothing.Itjustburnssometimes,”sheadmitted.Valekfrowned.Hehadneverheardofthatbefore.“Burns?”“Justalittle.Verylightly,andonlyonceinawhile.”Shesmiledathim.“I

likeit.Itmakesmethinkofyou.”“Tellmeifitgetsworse.”Sheleanedintokisshim.Buthedidn’tkissherbackthistime.Shelooked

athimexpectantly.“It feels inappropriate, Lottie.” He glanced toward the gaggle at the

fireplace.Sheacceptedthisandleanedinagain,onlytoputhercheekonhisshoulder

thistime.Hernosebrushedagainstthecoolskinonhisneck.“You’remyhero,Valek.”

“Andyouaremine.”She could feel Francis’ stare burning into the back of her head still. She

onlyglanced foramomentoverher shoulderbeforecradlingValek’scheek inherhand.“Tellmeaboutit.Howdidithappen?”

Valekfrownedanddelicatelyremovedherhand.“Itisaverylongstory.”“Tellmetheshortversion,then.”He sighed, a small smile returning to his lips. Francis continued to listen

from the distant corner. “It was the beginning of World War One.CzechoslovakiawasaculturalwastelandheavilyoppressedundertheweightoftheIronCurtain.Ourlanguage—ourverynationalidentitywasonitsdeathbedwiththestartoftheFirstWorldWar.

“IhadjustmovedtothecityfromasmallvillageinEasternMoraviawithmyyoungwife.Wewereverypoor.ThereweremoreopportunitiesinPragueforadoctor.”

Hiseyesweredistantandfoggy.Charlottecouldtellhewasn’tintheroomwith her anymore. “She didn’t want tomove.” He laughed, but there was animmensesadnessthatunderscoredit.“Shetoldmelifewouldbemoredifficultinthecityawayfromherparents.ButIwasyoungandstupid.Iwasexcitedtobegin my life and to establish who I was. But the winter was very cold thatyear….”Hissentencetrailedoffandhestoppedtalkingaltogether.

Charlotteloweredhereyesandclimbedoffhim.Shestayednexttohim,hishandinhers,andwaitedforhimtocontinue.

“Ididn’tknowwhatelsetodo,soIcontinuedtoworkandliveinthecity.WhatelseshouldIhavedone?”TheglazeinhiseyesdisappearedandhelockedhisgazewithFrancis.Hestoodupinblazingfury.

Francisstoodatthefarendofthebasementalso,smilinghowever.“Iwishyouwouldstopwhining,Valek.Ihandedyoutheworldonaplate.”

Inablindinstant,ValekwasinfrontofFrancis,hisfangsbared.Heslashedthe side of his creator’s face with his claws, but Francis only continued tochuckleasthewoundshealedinstantaneously.

“You’vealwaysbeensoangryValek,”Francistaunted.“Yougivemegoodreason,”Valekseethed.“Ihavehadveryfewregrets.”

Heturnedontherestofthecoven.“IdoregretwhatIam.”HelookedatFrancis.“I donot regret doingwhat I did for you.Since I savedyou from starving todeath in this city of gutters, you have done nothing but try and cage me. Ifthere’sanychanceof redemption forourkind, I at leastknow thatmightbeapossibilityforme.Butnotforyou.Ishouldmakeyousufferinturnformakinghersuffer….”Hereachedbackandrippedawoodenarmfromthenearestchair.He set flame to the thing from the fireplace before holding it against Francis’throat.

Charlotte leaptupand raced to intercept them.GrabbingValek’sarmandwith a hand outstretched to Francis, she yelled, “Stop! You don’t want to dothis.”

Francisbeganlaughingagain.“Youwantedmetodoit,Valek.Isawit inyourmind.Thecuriositywassothick,ItasteditwhenIdrankfromyou.”

“Mywifeperishedforwhatyoudid.”Valek’sjawsclenchedtogether.“No,dearValek.Shediedbecauseofyourneglect.That’sthething.Youdo

haveregrets.Manyofthem.Iwasjustthecatalyst.”Valekdroppedthestake,theflamesextinguishedinthemoistdirt.“Either

way,youowemehappinesswithCharlotte,”hesaidquietly.“Mywife’sdeathwaspartiallyyourfault.IfInevermetyou—”

Francis interrupted. “If you’d never met me, you would be dead, andCharlottewouldhaveinallprobabilitygrownupinanorphanage,unbeknownsttoanyofthis.”

“Inreturnforsavingyourlife,youwillreleasemefromthiscageandletmehavehappiness.I’vefinallyfoundasourceofitinherinthismiserablereality.AfterallofthisisoverandtheRegimeisoverthrown,youwillletmegoandletmeliveout therestof thisdamnedexistenceasIwish.I’ll followyour idioticrulesunderyourroof,butIcanpromiseyouIwon’tbehereforever.”

Francis ruefully foldedhis armsand smirked.He shruggedhis shoulders.“Youmayhaveherwhenyouleave.Butwemadeapromisetoeachother.Untilthisisover,youaremine.”

Charlotte thought foraminuteand turnedherhead to lookup toward thethin shaftsof light falling from the tunnel. “It’s almost time.Canwecontinuethisargumentadifferentevening?”

Valekstiffened.HeandFrancisstayedglaringateachother like twotitan

statues.ThefirelightglintedoffthegarnetbroochatthebaseofFrancis’pearlythroat.TheideaofdecapitatinghimwasextremelyappealingtoCharlotteinthatmoment.

“Takemebackuptothehouse.”CharlottetuggedsoftlyonValek’sshirt.Franciswalkedaway,yawning.Hemadehiswaytooneof thecoffinson

theothersideofthebasement,andwithonelast,evilglaretowardCharlotte,hecloseditwithathump.Therestofthecovenavertedtheirattentionawayalso.Theexcitementwasover.

“Hewantsmedead.Hewillkillme,”shewhispered.“No, Lottie, he won’t.” Valek turned her gaze back to him again. “He

knowsIcannotstayawayfromyouasabelovednomorethanIcanstayawayfromyou as a life source.”He leaned in so his nose brushed at the tip of herneck.

“You’retorturingyourself,youknow,”shesaid.Hesighed,pullingaway,hiseyesblack.Charlottefrowned.“ShallItakeyouupthen?”heaskedsadly.“Holdon.”Heleanedbackonhisheelsandwaited.“Whathappened?”sheasked.“Youdidnot…finishthestory.”Shetreated

herwordslikesteppingstonesatopdelicateice.Heopenedhismouthtoanswerandthenshutit.“HowdidyousaveaVampire’slife,whenyouwereonlyhuman?”Valekmovedforwardandtracedherspinewithhisfinger.“Thesameway

youdid.Iallowedhimtofeedonmesohewouldnotstarve.”She frowned. That wasn’t the answer she expected. “Is that how you

becameone?”Hesmileddarkly.“No.”Hefellsilentthenandsteppedbackfromher.He

playfullyheldouthishand.“Shallwe?”“Valek?”Hestayedsilent,hisarmouttoher,waiting.Whenshestubbornlyrefused

totakeit,hebegantowalkinthedirectionofthetunnel,anyway.“That’sallyouhavetosay?”shepried,followinghim.“Yes,” he answered. She could see the muscles in his neck tense as his

hands wound into fists. His nostrils flared and she could tell he stoppedbreathing,probablyinpainfromtheonslaughtofthecomingmorning.

“Valek,whywon’tyouanswerme?”Hislipspeeledbackoverthetopsofhisincisors,whichinstantlymadeher

recoilawayfromhim.Hewrappedhisarmtightlyaroundhermiddle, leaptupthe thin, dark shaft of dirt and exploded to themain floor of the house. The

hallwaywasempty.Hequicklypulledawayfromher.Shegrimacedathim.“Dobrounoc.”Her“goodnight”wassour.“Dobryden,”heofferedbacktoher,alovingandlight“goodmorning”.He

gazedatherafewmomentslongerandgrabbedhershoulders,butonlykissedher very lightly. “Do not be angrywithme,” he acknowledged finally, beforejumpingbackdowntothebasement,leavingherstandingtherealone.

Toolate,shethoughttowardthebasementbelow.Thedustinthewhitemorninglightsettledacrossthelavendershadowson

thefloorboardsbehindher.Sheturned.Light.Warmth.Herfingersitchedtograbthebrassdoorknob,toletitinthehouse,andonherskin.Shehadn’tseenitindays.Shewalkedslowlytowardthefrosteddoorwindowthatmadethemorninglightlooklikeitwasinafoggydream—asifitwasn’treallythere.Shepressedher righthandup to theglass, feeling it juston theotherside.Butwinterwasnearing.Andthewarmthshethoughtmighthavebeentherewasnot.

“Whatareyoudoinguphere?”Asmall,irritatedvoicechirpedfrombehindher.

CharlottejumpedandspunaroundtoseeSarahstandingthere.TheWitch’sshoeshadn’tmadeasoundonthedustywoodoftheenchantedhousehidinginplainsightinthemiddleofthemortalcity.“Where’sEvangeline?”

“In thestudy.Shehasnotshutupallmorning!”Sarah leanedononehip,clearlyfrazzled.Herbun,whichwasstillintact,hadsmallfrizzingwispsflyingoutfromthesidesofit.

“Apparentlymyhousekeepingskills—oranyotherskillofminefor thatmatter—donotkeepupwithherridiculousstandards.”SarahleanedclosertoCharlotteandwhispered,“Shecomplainsabouteverything!”Shegrabbedtightlyat Charlotte’s hand and pulled her quickly down the hallway to the study,grumblingthingslike,“Atleastyou’reherenow.YoucandealwithherwhileIfocus.”

Intheden,Evangelinesatcross-leggedinfrontofthefire.Variousvolumesofspellssurroundedheron thefloor.Shekeptoneof theminher lap.“Sarah,how do you even practice at all? These grimoires are five generations old atleast!”Shethumbedthroughthepages.

“Evangeline….”SarahsputteredandshovedCharlotteout in frontofher.“Charlotteishere.Shewantstohelp.”

Evangeline turnedand liftedaneyebrowatSarah.“Andwhatwillyoubedoing?”

“I just need to run a few errands for Master Francis.” She grinnedsarcastically and spun on her heels. “And I need to get away from you,” shemuttered,andtrottedbacktotheotherpartsofthehouse.

“Dobryden,Charlotte,”Evangelinegrumbledintoherbook.“Goodmorning,”Charlottesaidquietlyfromwhereshestood,eyeingher.Evangeline turned oncemore.Charlottewas still lingering at the edge of

thestudy.“Whatareyoudoing?Come in!”Shewavedherhandatoneof thesmall,woodenstools in thecornerand the thingcamealivebeforeCharlotte’seyes. The legs of it ran over behind her, scooping her up in an instant andbringingheroverdirectlynexttowheretheWitchsat.“So,youwanttohelp.”Evangelinelickedherindexfingerandflippedanotherpage.

“In anyway that I can,”Charlotte respondedgingerly. Shewasn’t lettingherguarddownjustyet.

“Andwhatwayisthat?”Evangelinesquintedather.“Well,youtellme.”Evangeline looked up from her book. “It is notwhat I can tell you. It is

whatyoucantellme.”TheWitchgrabbedCharlotte’slefthandandhelditoutinfront of her face. “What of these spectacular lines I’ve been hearing somuchabout?”

Charlottetriedtopullherhandback.“Whydotheymattertoyou?”Evangelinesmiledwhenshefoundwhatshewaslookingfor.“Ah.Valek’s

line.Thereitis.”ShepickedupanalreadyinkedquillathersideandscribbledsomethingdowninoneofSarah’stexts.

CharlotteignoredthethoughtthatSarahprobablywouldn’tlikeEvangelinewritinginherbooksandasked,“What’sthebigdeal?”

“Well,don’tyoualreadyknow?ItsaysyouareValek’ssoulmate.”Charlottesmiled.Shecouldn’thelpit.“Iknow.”“ItissignificanttoknowwhenI’mmakingspellstoprotectyouonceyou

are inside the Regime walls.” She eyed the whistle around Charlotte’s neck.“Thatlittlethingwillhardlyaccomplishanything.”Shegrewsilentforaminute.“Butwait….”Evangeline caught sight of something else onCharlotte’s palm.“Thereisanotherlinehere.”

“Yes.Iknow.”Charlottefrowned,thinkingofSarah’svision.“YouhaveAiden’slineaswell.”Athoughtflickeredthroughhereyes.She

continued. “It crosses directly over Valek’s. But there is something differentaboutAiden’sline.”ShekeptCharlotte’swrist inherhand,butturnedherfacebackdowntothebook.

“Ihaveneverseenthatbefore.”Charlottepanicked.“Whatdoyoumeanitlooksdifferent?”“Itjustlooksdeeper,somehow.”

*

“It’smorevivid than theotherone.”Evangelinewasgenuinelyconfused.She could tell it was not a natural line in Charlotte’s hand, but rather a scarpurposefullycarvedtherebysomeone.AidenmadeEvangelineawareofmostofhis plans, but never mentioned anything to her about this. At some point inCharlotte’slife,oneofthecreatures,perhapsAiden,scarredherwhenshemusthave been too young to remember. It looked to her like he did it by magic.EvangelineevenrecalledtheactbeingillegalinmostOccults.Butthefactwas,itwasn’tarealfatelineatall.Itwasputtherebyforce.

Evangelinethoughtofjustleavingthen.Thisdidn’tseemworthitanymore.ShecouldseenowthatAidenand theotherswere truly thedarkones.Hehadbeenplanningthisforalongtime.PerhapsifshehidliketheVampiresdid,theRegimewouldforgetabouther.She lookedbackupatCharlotte’sfearfuleyesandrealizedshehadbettercalmtheexpressiononherface.“Youknowwhat?IthinkI’mjusttired.Ithinktheshadowsofthefirelightareplayingtricksonyourhand.”SheletCharlottego.

“Sowhatdoyou think itmeans— that Ihave two fate lines?Sarah saidthatwasn’tnormal.”

Evangelineneededtothinkofsomethingquick.“I’mnotsure.Thefatesaretricky.It’sbeyondme,Lottie.”

“Don’tcallmethat,”Charlottesaidquietly.“Charlotte.”Sarahwalkedbackintotheroom,Edwininherarms.“Anyprogress?”“What is that?” Evangeline looked up at the grotesquely shaped hunk of

burlapandyarn.“Thatwouldbeyourfriend,Edwin.”Sarahtossedthelittlepiletothefloor

besideEvangeline.Ahorriblememoryflashedbeforehereyes.Itmadehersoftfeaturestwist

intosomethingelse.“T-thereisnow-wayforyoutofixhimthough?”SarahlookedtoCharlotte.“We’llfigureoutaway.”The three grew quiet. The two Witches flipped through their books as

Charlottestaredintothecracklingfire.“I’mgladyouarealive,Evangeline,”shewhispered.

TheWitchstoppedreadingbutdidnotlookupather.“Me,too.”“It’shard to imagine it’sdaylightoutside rightnow.Therearehardlyany

windows in this house,” Charlottemused distantly, balancing her chin on herhand.

Sarahpulledher enchantedneedleoutofherhair andwaved it in the airabove Charlotte’s head. To her delight, a small bewitchment mimicking aglowingsunbegantogrowagainsttheceiling,castinganotherwarmglowabouttheroom.

“Francisasksforthisbewitchmentalot,”Sarahsaidassheflippedapage.Stillsmiling,Charlottelookedagainatthelittleenchantedsun.“Couldyou

leaveithereforValektonight?”“Absolutely,”Sarahchimed.“Well, Sarah. It appears Charlotte is indeed fated to Valek, just as you

guessed.”Evangelineflippedanotherpageinherbook.“Ididn’tguess.Iknewit.”“Good.Yousucceeded.Now tellmewhatyouused toenchant that rusty,

littlewhistle?”“Thewartsoffyourmother’sa—”“Hey!”Charlotteinterjected.“Wearenevergoingtogetanythingdonelike

this.”“Charlotte’sright.”Sarahstoodupagain.“I’lltakecareofeverything.I’m

donepretendingtolikeyou.”Shestormedout.Thestudywasquietagain.“Evangeline?”Charlottestartedagain.“Yes?”“HowdidValekbecomewhatheis?HowdidFrancisdoit?”sheasked.“IsthatwhatyouandValekwerearguingabout?”“Weweren’targuing.”Charlotteliftedhereyebrow.“Please,yourauraisputrid.”“It wasn’t really an argument,” Charlotte huffed and dropped the

conversation.“AllIknowisValekwaslivingaloneintheBohemianOccultyearsbefore

Iwasalive.MostVampiresarelikeFrancis.They’remoody,overtlysexual,andextremelyconceited.Valekwasalwaysdifferent.Hekepttohimselfmostofthetime.”

“SoValeknevertoldyouhehadawife?”Charlotteasked.“No,”Evangelineconcludedabruptlyandturnedanotherpage.Charlottegatheredupherburlapfriendinherarms.“Iwishtherewasaway

tosaveEdwin.”Shefiddledwithoneofhisloosebuttoneyes.Evangeline stayedveryquiet.Her eyes shiftedalong thebook in frontof

her, but shewasnot reading.ShenoticedCharlotte yawn. “Youdon’t need tostayupherewithmeallday,Charlotte. Ifyou’re tired,whydon’tyou tryandsleep?”

Charlottegotupfromtheuncomfortable,woodenstoolandcollapsedintoSarah’soversizedgreenarmchairwithEdwinstillinherarms.“I’llbefine.Youmightneedmeforsomething.”

Evangelinesnorted.“Likewhat?Youcan’twieldmagic.”“Yeah…butwhatifyouneedmysacrificialbloodforsomething?Everyone

needsmyblood aroundhere.”Still holdingEdwin as thoughhewere a teddybear,Charlottecurledupwithherkneestoherchestandclosedhereyes.

Evangelineturnedherheadbacktowardthefire.Thesweatwascoldonherface.Theguiltsopalpableshecouldhavehelditinherhand—abloodydagger.AndValekwasCaesar.

ChapterTwenty-ThreeTheFates

WhenCharlotteopenedhereyesagain,expecting to find the roomasshehadleftit—Evangelinestudyingbythefirewithbooksopenallaround—shesaw instead she had, in actuality, slept the whole day away. Evangeline wasgone.Instead,Valekstoodinherplace.Hewasstaringatthesmall,circularballof light burningoverhead. Just standing there, staring in complete captivation.Charlottewonderedwhat itmust have been like; not to see something he hadyearned to see again for such a long time. Something so glorious taken fromhim.Something,giventhechoice,heprobablywouldn’thaveevergivenup.

“Breathtaking,”hemused.Charlotte liftedherheadupoffofEdwin’s.Shehadbeenusinghimas a

pillow.Sherubbedthesleepawayfromhereyes.“Sarahleftitthereforyoutosee.”

“Iknow,”hewhispered.“Almostasgoodastherealthing.”Hereachedonefingerdelicatelytotheballoflight,butupontouchingit,thethingshatteredintoamillion crystal pieces, softly fading away to the real cobwebs of the room.“Almost.”

Charlottepushedupononeside.“Whereiseveryone?”“Sarah and Evangeline went out hunting,” he explained. “You were

screamingagain,”hesaidsadly.“Idon’tremembermydream.”“Whymustyouwhenitisyourreality?”Shechangedthesubject.“Whataretheyhuntingfor?”“Foranythingthatwillkeepuspacifiedforthenight.Rats.Ravens.Dogs.”Charlotte shuddered. “They are…all downstairs.” By they, shemeant the

coven.Valekshovedhishandsinhispocketandlookedatthefloor.“Crowbarred,

youmightsay.”Hisfangsflashedonceinadarksmirk.Charlotte’sstomachlurched.“What?”Sheleaptoffthecouchandranoutof

thestudy.Whenshegotdownthehallway,shesawValekwasalreadythere,leaning

against the wall by the trap door. Sure enough, a long, iron crowbar hadpadlockedtheentryfromthecoven’sbasementtotheupperfloorsofthehouse.She could hear themurmurs of the coven from beneath the hollow under the

floorboards.Valekpushedoff thewall andglidedover to stand in frontofher. “They

havebecomeaddictedtothetasteofwarm,humanbloodnow,afternothavinganyforsolong.Ithasmademostofthemmadthismorning.”

Somethingunseen slammedagainst thewood just in frontofValek’s feetandhowledotherworldly.CharlottejumpedandclungtoValek’sshirt.

“Theironisenchanted,”Valekassured.“Somehow,Sarahknewthiswouldhappen.Theywon’tbeabletogetthrough.”

“Willtheybeokay?”“Oncetheydrinksomething,I thinkthey’llbefineenoughnot towant to

killyou.”Hechuckled,thoughsomethingdarkresonatedbehindit.Charlottegulpedasthetrapdoorcontinuedtobumpandrattle.Theawful

screechingwouldnotletupeither.“Comebackto thestudy.Standing thiscloseseemsrather inhumane.”He

pulledCharlottebythearminthedirectionshecame.“Whyaren’tyouaffectedlikethem?”“I am.Butwhat Iwant fromyou isn’t the same aswhat theywant from

you. And you are right next to me, so I suppose I’ve already gotten what Iwanted.”He flashed a bigger fanged grin at her as he drew her back into thestudy.He sat in Sarah’s armchair.Charlotte climbed into his lap. “I apologizeaboutearlier.”

“Sohowdidhedoit?”sheaskedagain.Shewasnevergoingtoeaseup.He sighed. “It’s a process. I let himdrink fromme. Iwaswalking home

fromthehospitaloneeveninginDecember.Itwassnowingsohardamancouldbarely see the street in frontofhim. I rememberhow freezing itwas. I foundFrancis then. In thenight,he looked likeahomelessman in theguttersof thecity.ButwhenIdrewcloser,Isawthetruthofhim.Irecognizedthepaleskin—mostlythefangs.”

“You weren’t afraid?” Charlotte’s mouth fell open. “But how could youhaveknownwhathewasifyouweremortal?”

“Becausebackthen,therewerenosuchlawsastherearenow.Monstersranrampantinmortalcities.Granted,humansdidn’tbelieveweexistedtheneither.Buttherewereaselect,verysuperstitiousfew,likemyfather,whodid.WhenIwasaboy,heusedtoputmetobedeverynightonstoriesandlegends.Icannotfullyexplainit,butIjustknew.”

“Whathappenedthen?”“Iapproachedhim.Iwasverycareful.HespokeFrenchtome,butIbarely

understoodaword.Youmustknowhedidnotcarry thegallant imagehedoesnow.His black eyeswere sunken and hazy.His skinwasn’t pearly, but rather

pallid,likeanonion.Forwhateverreason,hehadnotfedinaverylongtime.Iknewhewasstarving.

“I sat down next to him on the curb, and rolled up my coat sleeve. Irememberedhowhelookedatme,unsure.ButInoddedathim.‘Itisallright,’Isaid.‘Doit.’

“He bit down on my wrist. It felt like shards of glass, ice in my veins,pullingthebloodoutofme.Afewsecondswentby,but theyfelt likehours.IwasgettingweakerandweakerasIcriedoutinpaininthestreet.Itriedtofighthimoff,butitwastoolate.Hehadtakentoomuchforme.Iwasnearlydead.

“Francispanicked.Iblackedoutafterthat,butrememberwakingupinanapartmentsomewhere.Therewasafireplace.Iwaswarm.Iwasstillmortal,butIwas so close to death.Hewas there, hoveringoverme, speaking inEnglishthen.Iunderstoodpiecesofit.Hewasaskingmeaquestion,givingmeachoice.‘I’msorry,’ I rememberhimsaying tomemostofall.He repeated itoverandover.”

“Hewasgivingyouachoicetodieorbelikehim,”Charlotteconcluded.Hiseyesflickeredtoherfaceonce.“Yes.Iwasnotreadytodie.Ianswered

‘yes’towhateverhewasaskingme.ThenIrememberhimslicingopenhisownneckandhavingmedrinkfromhim.Heclutchedmyheadtohimasthoughhewereanursingchild.”

Charlotteswallowed.Valekstayedlostinhismemories.“Buttheprocesswasn’tcompleteuntilIdrankfromahuman.Iwouldbein

limbountilIcommittedtheultimateact.”“Yourwife?”“No.”Valek’sgazedroppedtothefloor.“No,Icouldn’tbearit.OfcourseI

wantedhertobewithme.Ionlyrevisitedourapartment,unbeknownsttoher.Iwatchedoverher.Shewasinmourning.ShethoughtIwasdead.TherewasnowayIcouldfaceherasIwas.IpreferredshethoughtIwaswithGod,thanwithLucifer.”

“Youaren’t,Valek.”Charlottetouchedhiscoolcheek.“YouaremoregoodthananyoneelseIknow.”

He glanced at her again, a pained smile coloring his features. “Everyoneyouknow isdamned just as I am,Lottie. It is the truth. Ihavecome to termswithit.”

Charlotte frowned and rested her head on his collar. “How did she die,Valek?” This woman had existed a little under a century ago, but Charlotteempathizedwithhermorethanshehadwithanyonebefore.

“Shediedlaterthatsamewinter.Pneumonia.Iprobablycouldhavehelpedher.”Heabsentmindedlybroughthishandtohischin,eyesswellingabit.“Butit

wasjusteasierformetowatchhergo.Shehadnoone.Herheartwasbroken,asminewas.Somehow,itseemedbettertojustlethergo.”

Charlotteclungtightlytohiminanefforttoremindhimshewasstillthere.Valekstrokedupanddownherarmandkissedthetopofherhead.

“Iamconfidentherangelsentyoutome.ThewayIfoundyou,allaloneinthecity. Itwas similar to theway I foundFrancisand in turn,mynew life. Itseemedasthoughsheleftyouthereforme.”

Perhaps, thatwas true,Charlotte thought.Humanbeingscouldbe justasresponsibleformagicalhappeningsasmonsters.Theyjustweren’talwaysawareofit.“Doyouthinkmaybesheisstillwatchingoveryou,asyouwatchedoverher?”Charlottemused.Theyhadneverspokenofguardianangelsbefore.Itwassomethingshewantedtostartbelievingin.Somethingsheneededtobelievein—especiallynow.

“Yes,”hesaidconfidently.“Andshe’llprotectyou.Shewillbringyoubacksafelytome.”

Charlotte foundherself extremely comforted by this. She closed her eyesandlistenedtotheairgoinandoutofhishollowchest.Thescaratthesideofher neck began to burn again though, and she brought her fingers to it. ShewincedalittleandsatupfromValek’schest.

Hefrowned.“Itbothersyoustill?”Onlythe tipsofhisfangsbehindhis lipscaughthereyeashespoke.She

didn’t hear completelywhat he said.Dazed, her vision stayed on his lips, hishandlingeringatherneck.Shefeltsomethinginherthroattighten.PerhapstheVampiresdidnothavetheonlyaddictioninthehouse.

“Lottie?”Sheremovedherhandfromherneckandwithonlythetipsofherfingers,

touchedhislowerlip.Shestayedsilent.Themarkonherneckwasblazing.Hermouthwatered.

Hewrappedhishandaroundherwrist,pullingitawayslightly.“Charlotte.”Sheheardhim this timeand lookedathim.The scardidn’t stopburning.

Shetriedtoblinkawayherdizziness.Shestillcouldnotremovehereyesfromhismouth.

“Whatisit?”Heplacedahandaffectionatelyononesideofherface.“Areyouthirsty?”Thequestionwasmadeofair,asifsomeonehadstolen

hervoice.He squinted at her and tried to speakwithout revealing toomuch of his

teeth.“Ican’t.Remember?”Shewasfinallyabletolookawayfromhim.Insteadshefixedhergazeon

her hands in her lap. “Right.How stupid ofme.” She flinchedwhen her scar

ragedagain.Valekputhishandsonthesidesofherneck“Charlotte,what’sthematter?”

Hebroughthisfacelowertothescar.Theintenseburningbegantogoawaythecloserhegot.Shecriedsoftly.“I

don’tknow.”Butwhenhebackedaway,shecringedworse.“Ifyoudon’ttellmeexactly

what’shurting,thereisnothingIcando.”Hekepthishandonherneckasiftoextinguishthepain.

She pressed her chin down against her chest, the burning becoming soharsh.Herfistclenchedherearwhiletheothergrabbedatthecollarofhisshirt.“Biteme,Valek.Canyou?Please?”Thewordswerehardtogetoutthroughherclenchedteeth.

Hestaredasherbodyballeduptighter.“Lottie,I’mnotsureif….”“Please,Valek!Iwantyouto,”shecried,hernailsdiggingfurtherintoher

scalp.

*

Hequicklyliftedherchin,andataloss,hisfrontcaninessankquicklyintoherartery.Healreadyknewtheminutethesmellofherbloodhittheair,hewasgoingtopaysodearlyforthat.

Evangeline and Sarah immediately rushed into the room, satchelsplummetingat their feet.Sarahgaspedand the tworushedover.ValekquicklyreleasedCharlotte.

“Valek,whatareyoudoing?”Sarahblanched,tryingtobecomeabarricadebetweenthem.EvangelinegrabbedCharlotteunderthearmsandpulledheroffhimandontothefloor.

“No.Itisn’twhatyouthink.”Hestoodfromthearmchair,wipingthestainsawayfromhischin.

Sarahhandedhimahandkerchieffromherskirtpocket.“Whatisit,then?”Sheputherhandsonherhips.“Thesmellcoulddriveeveryonedownthere tokilleachother.”

“Sarah, listen to me. There is somethingmedically wrong with her.” Hepointed toward Charlotte, recovering on the floor. Her fevered eyes gazeddazedlyathimassheleanedbackagainstEvangeline.“Shebeggedme.”

SarahlookedtoCharlotte,thedarkcirclesunderhereyes.Shebenttoherkneestoappraisethehumangirl.“What’sthematter,Charlotte?”

Shewhimperedquietly.

“Is it possible for humans to become addicted to the bite of aVampire?”Evangelineasked.

“I’veneverheardofthatbefore.”ValekhelpedCharlottefromthefloor.Hesetherdown,alonethistimeinthearmchair.“Areyouallright?”

Charlotte looked at him, embarrassed. The burning had finally stopped,however.Sarahwasalreadybusypullingathickvolumeoffthehighestshelf.Afifth generationVampire Anatomy, as Charlotte recognized it, for she had thesameonebackathome.

“Thisthingisolderthandirt,”Sarahmusedasthespinethuddeddownonthecoffeetable.Shewavedthedustcloudoutoftheairandflippedpages.

Evangelinecollapsedontothewoodenstool,foldingonelegovertheother.“Doyouthinkthatinformationisevenstillrelevant,Sarah?”

“Idon’treallyseeyoucomingupwithanybrightideas,”Sarahspat,asoneofherbonyfingersskimmedapage.Shefoundwhatshehadbeenlookingfor.“Ahhah!”

“What?”Evangelineleanedover,hernoseintheair.“Itsaysthissortof thingonlyhappensveryseldom.”SheeyedCharlotte.

“ItdatesbacktotheeraofthefirstVampire,VladDracul.Hewasinlovewithahumanwoman.Hefedonheronce,andafterthat,herbodycravedit.It’ssimplycalled,‘fixation’.Butwhatisunusualtomeisitsaysitisnormallypairedwithbloodlust.Meaning,ifCharlotteissufferingfromfixation,thenValekmustalsobe suffering an addiction as well.” She looked at him. “And you’re not, areyou?”

ValeklookedatCharlotte,hismouthagape,butdidn’tsayanything.Sarah continued. “This has a lot to do with that fate line on Charlotte’s

palm,too.Ithinkshemustbefatedtoyouforthistohappen.”“Howisitcured?”Valekasked.Sarah closed the book with a thump. “It isn’t. You must either fix her

addictionorchangeher.”Shegotuptoputthebookaway.“WhatwillhappenifIdonot?”“Nothing.She’s going to crave it sometimes. If you let it goon too long

withoutfeedingfromher,she’lldie.Herheartwillgiveout.”Shestretchedonhertoesandshovedthebookagainstthebackwall.

“That’simpossible.Everyaddictionhasacure,”heargued.“Wecanweanheroffofit.”

Sarahflickedhimaglance.“Itoldyou.Thecureistochangeher.”

“Obstacles at every turn.”Valek rubbed the bridge of his nose and faced

away.“Itwon’thappeneverynight,”Sarahexplainedassherejoined thegroup.

“It’s a periodic occurrence.” She looked to Charlottewhowas now using thelimpEdwinasasecurityblanketagain.“Oops…hiseyeisalmostoff.Letmefixthat.”Shesearchedaroundforamoment inherpockets.“Damn.My thread isupstairs.” She stuck her sewing needle in her teeth, reached up to pull a fewstrandsofhairfromherhead,andbeganthreadingthemthroughtheeyeoftheneedle.

Evangelinesnortedindisgust.“Savage.”SarahignoredherandsatnexttoCharlotteonthearmofthechair,pulling

Edwin’shead intoher lapandbegan to stitchhis eyeback together,usingherhairasstring.“There!”shecrowed,breakingtheneedleaway.“Goodfornow,I’ll go over it with thread again later.” Sarah stood and skipped over to thefireplacetobeginwarminganotherpotofcider.

ButsomethingtwitchedinCharlotte’slap.Shelookedateveryoneelse,buttheywerealldistracted.Itmovedonceagain.“Uh…youguys…”shebegan.Theburlapfingershadstartedtocometolife.

Evangelineshotuponthestool,eyesasbigasthefullmoon.Shereachedforhersatchel.

“Edwin!”Charlotteblanchedandsathimup.Theoncelifelessdoll’slimbsnowviolentlyjumpedaroundnexttohimas

he continued to reanimate.Everyone turned to see thebutton eyesblinkonce,makingcontactwiththeothersintheroom.

“Edwin!”Charlottefelltoherkneesinfrontofthechair.“D-danger…” the little scarecrow sputtered. “D-d-d-danger-r-r.” The

stitchesofhismouthunraveledashespoke.“No, Edwin. You are safe now. Valek is here, too,” Charlotte calmly

explained.“Y-y-yous-stayaway.”Hecoughedablackcloudofsmokefromhischest.Charlottefrownedandbegantobackaway.ShelookedatValek.“S-s-staya-awayfromChar-Charlotte.”“Edwin, IamCharlotte.Youareatasafehouse inPrague.You’realive.”

She reached out to touch his arm but Sarah stopped her with a hand on hershoulder.

“Ch-charlotteisind-d-d-danger.S-s-staya-away….”Hemumbledanotherwordunderhisbreathbutnoneofthemcaughtwhatitwas.

“Sayitagain,Edwin,”Valekordered.“S-staya-a-away,Evan-Ev-Evangeline.”Hisheadrolledtooneside.Charlotte shot to her feet, butwhen she turned to look atEvangeline, all

threeofthemsawshewasgone.“Ev-evangelinew-w-worksforAd-Aiden,”Edwincontinued.“Gr-gr-grave

d-danger.”Hefinishedandlifeimmediatelylefthiseyes.Hewasnothingmorethanasackonceagain.

ChapterTwenty-FourVisforVengeance

Valeksnarledandwheeledaround,disappearingover the threshold.Pagesleft on the coffee table flew like they had been caught in a windstorm. BothCharlotteandSarahracedoutafterhimtothefoyer,butsawthefrontdoorleftgaping.

Hewasalreadygone.“No….”Charlottecrumpledagainstawoodenendtable,clutchingontoone

ofitslegsforsupport.The sound of thirsty Vampires slamming against wood rattled the

floorboards down the hallway behind them. Sarah turned to see dust flyingviolentlyintotheairfromthetrapdoor.ShegrabbedCharlottebytheshoulders.“Go after him!Be very careful, and do not gowith anyone other thanValek.TheyaregoingtokillthemselvesdownthereifIdon’tstayanddosomething.”ThesmallWitchracedbacktowardthestudytoretrievevialsofanimalblood.

Charlotte looked out at the world beyond the threshold. Black clouds,pregnant with electricity, swirled high over gothic rooftops. The damp windreachedherfacefromtheoutside,pullingherhair,beckoninghertotakethefirststep. The storm was not natural. Thunder called to her from miles away,challengingwhostoodonthecuspbetweenlightanddarkness.

She swallowed once and without thinking much more, she ran over theedge.Shedidnotfeelherkneesflexingandbendingastheypropelledherdowntheblackroad.Therewereotherhumans,likeher,staringassheracedasfastasher lungscould takeinoxygen.Shefelt theireyesonher.Hot tearsflewfromher cheeks back into her hairline. Her chest burned fervently but she did notstop.Not knowingwhat direction shewasgoing in, she searchedbetween theplummetsofrainforanyfamiliarfigure.

“Valek!”shecriedoutasshekeptrunning.“Valek!”Just then, something a little further down caught her attention. The

silhouettesweredistant andvagueunder a streetlamp, theonly light source inthe dismalness. It looked like one figure grappling desperately with another.Charlotte could seepeople around them stopping and staring.Air stabbed likefrozenfireinherchestasshepickedupspeed.

“Valek!” she screamed over the pain. “Theywill catch you, Valek!” Shebegged him to hear her. “Stop!”She ran forwhat seemed an endless distance

beforeslammingintotheshrouded,malefigure.HegrippedEvangeline’sthroatmercilessly.

“Goback,Charlotte,”hegrowled.Shebreathedsoshecouldspeak.“No.Theywillcatchyou.Youcan’tdo

thishere.”Awheezetwistedherlungs,andshewrappedherarmsaroundherselftokeepherworldsteady.“Wehavetogoback.”

Valek’s claws clung relentlessly to Evangeline’s throat, drawing blood.“She has to die.” His fangs shone bright against the lightning, the cold rainmakinghishairclingtohisforehead.

Evangelinewhimpered and grabbed his arm, silver tears streaming downherface.“Killme,then.”Shechoked.“Doit.Infrontofallofthesehumans.”Bloodbegantoseepfromonecornerofhermouthasshesmiledfaintly.“Aidenwouldwantyouto.”

“How could you do this to us, Evangeline?” Charlotte asked sadly. ShestoodfrozenandnoticedsomethingsilverhangingaroundtheWitch’sneck.Shewinced,pullingitfromher.“Why?”

“He—”She coughedblood. “Hewould havekilledme.Hepromisedmepower.”SheturnedhereyesonValek.“Killme,Valek.Ideserveit.ItistoolatetosaveCharlottenow.”Shecoughedagain.“Theyknowwheretofindher.”

SomethingsnappedinValek’seyes.Angerimmediatelyfloodedawayfromhim, replaced by fear. His grip on her throat loosened. TheWitch fell to herknees.

“Come on, Valek. We have to get out of here.” Charlotte tugged at hissoppingwetshirt.“Leaveher.”

Valek stood like an immovable boulder in the freezing rain, his fistsclenchedathissides.Charlotte’spleasechoedbetweenhisears.Heknewthen,asthegazeoftheWitchboreintohisown,thatitwasover.

Policesirenssoundedafewblocksawayagainsttherollingthunder.ValekgrabbedCharlotte’shand.Slingingherintohisarms,hebulletedfasterthanlightbackthroughthestreets.Watercollectedinthegutterswavedoverthesidesofthepavementasifhewereaspeedingcar.

Francis’housewasinhislineofvision.Hewasbeginningtoseethefaçadeof thebuildingvery clearlynow.Hewould leave tonight and run as far as hecould.Hedidn’tcarewherethatendpointwouldbe.

But before his feet could pass the surrounding low-iron fence, somethingverylargeslammedintohimheadon.Charlotte tumbledto theground,rollingacross the pavement. Valek only skidded backward and looked up to see thelargeshadoweclipsethenearlyfullmoonabovethem.Wingsstretchedoutatits

sidesasitdoveagainforCharlotte,crumpledonthestreet.Hescreamedhernameasheracedtoher,bloodtearsmixingwiththeharsh

rain on his face. The claw of the giant beast scraped across his arm, but heblockeditfromreachinghisbelovedLottie.

Shescrambledontoherhandsandknees,thewhistlenowsteadfastaroundherneckagain.

GetInside!”hebellowed.Thewingedmonsterabovethemcorkscrewedanddovetotheearthagain.

Charlottesawitasshefinallygottoherfeetandsprintedforthedoor.Shefeltitcomeupbehindher,knockingherontoherstomachovertheporchstairs.Hernailsclawedatthewoodbutitwastoolate.Shefeltalarge,verysolidhandrearherupontothebackofthebeast.“Valek!”Shescreamedforhim,butcouldnothearorseeanythingagainst theconcretepummelof therain.“Valek!”shescreamedagain,butwhensheopenedhereyes,herVampirewasnomorethanatinygranitedotagainsttheblackseaoftheGoldenCitystreets.

*

Valekcoulddonothing, saynothing.Heknew troopswouldbe thereanysecond to carry offwhateverwas left of his dismal reality.He rolled onto hisbackandwatchedtheGryphondisappear into thedarkestpartof thesky.Rainpouredoverhimashedughiselbowsintothehardroad.Heheaved—scarletreddilutedbywatersliddownthesidesofhisface.

Lottie!”he cried.He threwhis headback andheaved again. “Charlotte!”Hesobbedasthecityturnedtonothingaroundhim.

Sarahburstoutthefrontdoordownthesteps.Sheleanedoverhimandtriedtobrushthesoppinghairfromhisface.“Valek!It’sokay.Charlotteisgoingtobeokay!Remembermyvision.Remembertheplan!”

Heturnedawayfromher,continuingtocryCharlotte’sname.Shehushedhim,butnowordswouldhelp.Shepulledhisheadand shoulders intoher lapandwatchedthetiny,blackdotdisappearinthenightskywithhim.

Mr. Třínožka came out of the house next, Edwin steadfast to his back.ImmediatelyfollowinghimwastheentireVampirecoven.Theyallloomedsadlyinthedoorwayandwatchedthesceneonthestreetinfrontofthehouse.

“We’vegottogetyouinside,”Sarahsaidquietly.“Charlotte….”Hemoaned again and tried to roll onto his side.His eyes

scouredthestreetsforher,prayingtoaGodhestruggledtobelievein,hecould

havemadesomemistake.Buthecouldnotfindheramongstthestorm.Francis pushed through the crowd to the front. He silently approached

SarahandValekonthestreet,therainstraighteninghisperfect,whitecurls.“Goinside,dear.Wemustgetreadytoleavenow.Theywillbehereanymoment.”

Sarahlookedupathermasterthengotupandmadeherwayquicklybackintothehouse.

Francisturnedtotherestofthem.“Well?Whyareyouallstandingthere?Wemustprepare to leave!Wehavea job todo.”He turnedback toValek.Hebent, the knees of his slacks pressed into the mud. “Now,” he comforted, anawkwardhandonValek’sshoulder,“letusnotgiveupjustyet.Itistimetobestrongforher.Keepyourendofthedeal.”

Valekonlyrespondedbyshuttinghiseyes,morebloodtearspoolingonthegroundbyhishead.

“Iknow,too,whatitisliketolosea…child.Thatchildcamebacktome.Wewillgetherback.”FrancisstoodandextendedahandtoValek.“Soyoucangiveup,oryoucanrisefromtheashes.Whatwillitbe?”

ValekdidnotlookatFrancis.Hedidnottakehishand.Buthedidstandup.He did not think of how scared she must be. Instead he closed his eyes andbegged her to smile, knowing hewould be there soon.He turned andwalkedbackinside.

The house was already bare. It looked as though no one had ever livedthere. The Vampires shot one by one out from the basement tunnel. Theymarched after each other toward the front door where Valek stood behindFrancis.Thelargespider-manandthescarecrow,too,wereeagerwiththerestofthem.Sarahemergedfromadarklylitroomthathadoncebeenherstudy.Theonlythingshecarriedwashersewingneedle,andherspellbook.

Shepulledsomethingfromthepouchatherside.AsmallglassbottlewithswirlingfogValekrecognizedtobeatransportationspell.

“Wherewillthattakeus?”Francisasked.“JusttoOldTown.Weneedtogetawayfromthearea.Now!”Shesmashed

thedecantertothegroundandatonce,thesmokeswallowedtheentiregroup.

*

When the Regime guards stormed up the stairs of the modest, lavenderhome,theyfounditcompletelyempty.Withtheirfistsablaze,theytrackedthickmud from the storm outside through the various winding hallways andbedrooms. But that was it. The door to the hidden basement had been sealed

foreverbymagic.TheheadofficerturnedtoafreshlybandagedEvangeline.“Well?”“No.”Shebegantobackaway.“Isweartheywerehere.Iswear!”Theofficer lookedaroundat the forsakenplace and all its cobwebs.And

thenbackatEvangeline.“FireElves!”They all came storming back into the foyer from the upper levels of the

home, flames swirling from their bodies like a massive dissention into Hell.Theylandedbesidehim,staringfiercelyattheWitch.

“Asinstructedbythemaster,”theofficerbegan.Tearsfloodedfromthedoomedenchantress’eyesassheheldherarmsout

silently.Sheopenedhermouthtopleadwiththem.TheguardsapproachedtheWitchatonce,fearetchedonherface.Theonly

evidenceofhergrimdeathwas the smell of burninghair andherbs, and aftertheywerefinished,ashesfloatedawayonthewind.

*

Theforestwherethecovenlandedseemedadifferentworldentirely.Frostwasquicklyapproaching,turningthewarmautumnleavestostonyice.Valek’sbootscrunchedsolemnlyacrossthemastheywalkedbetweentheshadowsofthetrees.

“IthoughtyousaidthiswouldbringustoOldTown?”Sashaquestioned.“Shoot.”Sarahwas theone toanswer.She tiltedherheadupat thenight

sky.Themoonlookedalmostfull,butitwasn’t.“Aminormiscalculation.”Francis fumed, waving his hand through his hair. “Perfect! Just perfect,

Sarah.Thesunwillbeupinafew,shorthoursandwedon’tevenknowwhereweare.”

“Justholdonaminute.Thespellwasn’tthatstrong.Weareprobablyrightontheoutskirtsofthecity,”Sarahconcluded.

“Wecouldnothaveinvadedthecastletonight,anyhow,”Lusianexplained.“Theywill bewaking up soon.Wewant to do this tomorrow, in the dead ofnight.”

“Charlotte’sbirthday,”Valekmusedaloud.Francisglancedathim.“No,” Sarah continued as they started to walk. “The wedding will be at

sunset.Wehavetogoassoonasyouallwakeup.”“Why?”Sashaasked.“AmortalcanonlymarryanElfunderaharvestmoon.Itsignifiestheend

ofSummerandthebeginningofWinter.Orthe‘inbetween’oflifeanddeath.”

Shestumbledonceonanunseen treebranch in thedarkas theymarched.Mr.Třínožka effortlessly pulled her upwith one of his appendages onto his back.“Thankyou.”Shesighed.“Wehave toget toherbefore theceremony isover.Themoonisfulltomorrownight.”

Andelatoyedwithsomethingaroundherneck.Itglintedinthemoonlight,catchingValek’sattention.“Excuseme.Whatisthat?”

Andela stopped and held up a small, wedding band strung on a pewterchain.“Itwasmyhusband’s. I’vekept itall theseyears.Hewaskilledonourwedding night. A Vampire wanted to claim me for his own. And so he did,thoughhewasdestroyedalso.”Somethingevilglintedinhereyes.

“I’msorry,”Valekwhispered.“Howdoyouknowwherewearegoing,littleWitch?”Dusanaasked.“Idon’t,”shechirpedcheerfullyfromatopthespider’sback.“I do,” Mr. Třínožka grumbled. “Can’t you smell the mortals from this

distance?PragueisNorth.”“Howlong?”inquiredJorge.“I’d say about four hours this way,” the spider replied. “There is

approximately two hours until daylight. It will take us only one to get to thenearestgraveyard,”heinstructed.“Ikinsmellthat,too.”

“Wewouldfinditmuchfasterifwewererunning,”Sashasaid.“Well, you could run, but sooner or later you’ll run right into a guard.

They’re hiding all over thesewoods,”Mr. Třínožka said. “But I knowwherethey’rehidin’.”

“You’reawfullyrelaxed,mydear.”FrancissmiledatSarah,whoseemedtobenappingatoptheSpider.

“It isbetter tostaycalminasituationlikethis.Ireallydobelievewearegoingtogettoherintime,”sheoffered,mostlyforValek’ssake.

“Wewillget toher in time,”Valeksaidconfidently.“AndIwillnever letherleavemysightagain.”

ChapterTwenty-FivePrincess

Charlottelaythere,inthesmallest,crumpledballshecouldpossiblyform,underthethickbedclothes.Hereyesstungfromcryingsomuch,butshecouldn’tstop.Thetearscontinuedtofreefall.Therewasn’tenoughenergytosob.She’dbarelymadeanoiseinthelastfewhours.Allshecouldfocusonwashowmanywaysshecouldgiveup.

Valekwassurelydead,becausetheguardshadcaughtuptothembynow.Andnomatterhowmanytimesthemoontookitsplaceinthesky,hewasnevergoing to wake up again. She hugged her knees even tighter to her chest.Helpless,shethoughtofValek’swifethen.Allshecoulddowaspray.

Itwascompletelyforeignandunfamiliar,yetshefoldedherhandstogetherinfrontofherface.“ThisprayerisforValek’swife,”shebegan.“I’mnotsureifyou can hearme, but if you can, I pray forValek’s safety. I praywewill bereunited.”Shestoppedpraying. It felt silly tobe talking tonoone.Shepulledherwhistlefromherblouseandputittoherlips,blowingonitverysoftly.

Thechamberdoorbehindher,crackedopen.Sheshudderedwhensheheardit,knowingimmediatelywhoapproached.Footstepsmadetheirwaytowardthebed.Sheshuthereyes tightagain,willing theworld todisappear fromaroundher.

“Charlotte?”Hisvoicewastenderandkind.Thatabsolutelyenragedher.“Lottie?”“Don’tyoucallmethat!”shescreamed,rearinguponthebedtofacehim.

“Don’tyoudarecallmethat!”ShelungedattheElf,herfistshurdlinghighinthe air. She swung for his face but clumsilymissed and fell into his arms. “Idon’teverwanttohearthatnameagain.”Shesobbed.

“Theceremonyisthisnight,Charlotte.You’regoingthroughwiththis,soIsuggestyouprepare.”Aiden’svoicewasconsiderablymorelikestonethistime.

She glared up into his face. “Iwant you todie.” She sent a wad of spitflyingdirectlybetweenhiseyes.

He furiously shoved her back onto the bed and wiped at his face.“Charlotte,don’tmake thisharderonyourself.Thiswillhappenbywillorbyforce. It is your choice.” He left the room, immediately replaced by the everjubilantMeredithPrice.

CharlottelookedatthevialMeredithwascarrying,eyeswidening.“Goodmorning,mydear.”Shebeamed.“Itisalmostyourweddingnight!”

Shebegantoapproachthebed.“No.”Charlottebackedawaysteadilyonherhandsandknees.“Iwon’tlet

you!”“Don’tworry,mylove.Thisisnotgoingtohurtonebit.Mamaisgoingto

makeitbetter.”Charlottefoughtwithallhermight.MeredithviolentlyclaspedCharlotte’sjawandforceditopen.ShesquirmedunderthelargeElf’sweightasMeredithpoured thecontents—not liquid,butsomethingmore likeacoloredsmoke—downCharlotte’sthroat.

“That’sagoodgirl.You’lllikebeingaroyal.You’lllikeitalmostasmuchasIwill.”ShegrabbedCharlotte’shand.“And this lineonyourhand?Iput ittherewhenyouwere a child.Youwere theonlyonemyAidenwanted, and Idecidedtotakefateintomyownhands.”Shegiggledasshebouncedoutofthechamber.

Charlotteheardthelockontheothersideofthedoorclickshut.Sheleaptfromthebedandrantoit, tearingherfingersintothewooduntilhernailbedsbegantobleed.Shescreamedforsomeone,anyonetosetherfree.Shepoundedandfoughtuntil shewas just too tired,andsank toherknees.Shepressedherforehead against the cool wood and a sob finally broke from her chest. Shewrappedher tatteredhand around thewhistle.Sarah said itwouldprotect her.Shelied.

Charlotte forced herself to drag her body back toward the bed, but shehardly made it. She threw just her upper half over the mattress, her legsremainingonthefloor,andburiedherfaceinthebedcovers.Ifshekeptittherelongenough,shewouldsuffocate.Butsomethinghazybegantoreactbehindhereyes.Herviolentthoughtsbecameelusive,distantpictures.ShepicturedValek’sface,andshegrabbedontothebedclothestighter,asiftryingtohangontotheimage.

Thescaronherneckbegan toburnagain.Charlotte screamedandpulledherwholebodyuponto thebed.Thepainwasworse this time.Andwhatwasmore,thepainjustwasn’tatherthroat,butatthebaseofherskullandbehindhereyes.Thepotion.WhathadMeredithPricegivenher?Shescreamedagain,tryingtodigherforeheaddeeperintothecovers.“Valek!”Shescreamedasthecloudyimageslowlystartedtodisappearandburningpainwasreplacedwiththefeelingofcoolpoolsofwater.Herbodyrelaxed.Sheopenedhermouthtosayhis name again, but it did not come out. She couldn’t remember how to evenformtheword.

Shelickedherlipsandblinked,liftingherheadtoviewtheroomagain.It

wasbeautiful,shethought.Thebedwasdressedinfine,Egyptiancotton,andthedrapesandtapestriesalongthewallwerevelvetandgoldleaf.TheimageoftheGryphon was depicted everywhere; in the table carvings, the bed legs, theartwork.Sherolledoverontoherback,astrangeemotionfillingherchest.Therewassomeoneshethoughtof,butshecouldnotseeaface.Itwassomeonesheloved. Really loved. She blinked at the ceiling. Funny. Had she always livedthere?Shebecameverystillandquiet.

*

Aiden,who had been listening all thewhile just on the other side of thedoor,unlockeditandremainedstill,listeningforanysortofstirring.Therewasnone.HeopenedthedoorcompletelyandemergedthroughthethresholdtoseeCharlottelyingpeacefullyinthecenterofthebed.Sheappearedtobesleeping.He slowly approached her, careful. He sat just on the edge of it and lightlytouchedhercurlswiththeendsofhisfingers.

Hereyesflutteredopen.Herheadrolledtoonesideasshelookedathim.Hergreeneyeswerewideandconfusedastheydancedaboutthefeaturesonhisface.Butthentheconfusionsoftenedintoasmile.Sherememberedhisface.“Isityou?”sheasked.

“Yes.”Aidensmiled.“Yes,it’sme.”Shesmiledwiderandsatup.“Then,Iloveyou,”shesaidconfidently.

“AndIloveyou,Charlotte.”Hebroughthishandunderherchinandkissedherlightly.Hismother’smedicineworked,asalways.Aslongassheneversawthe Vampire’s face again, she would never remember. Aiden would take hisqueen that night, and the entire magical realm would be his and Charlotte’s.Ruledbylight.Darknesscondemned.“Butyouareverytired.”

Shefrownedanddroppedhergaze.“Yes.Iam,”sheagreed.Butsomethingflickeredattheforefrontofhermind.“ButthereissomethingIwant.”

Aiden’sheartdroppedintohisstomach.“Anything.”“I–Iwant to see the sun…” she began. “I haven’t seen it in such a long

time.”Aidensmiled,relieved.“Absolutely,mylove.”Hestoodfromthebedand

offered his hand. “It hasn’t come over the horizon yet.We will watch it risetogether.”

Charlottebeamedandbouncedfromthebed,takinghishand.Theybegan

to walk out of the room. She looked down, shocked at the grunginess of herdress,thebloodyscabsonherknees.Shenoticedthenthethrobbingpaininherhandsaswell.

“Whathappenedtome?”ShelookedhorrifiedatAiden.Shelethishandgoandtouchedthecakedmudonherclothes.“I’mhurt.”

Hepanickedslightly,grabbingherhandagain.“Nothinghappenedtoyou,mylove.Itwasaverydifficultjourneytogetyouhere.”

“Why?WheredidIcomefrom?”sheasked.“ThegatesofHell,”hemutteredunderhisbreath,andcontinuedtoleadher

outofthechamber.

*

The coven emerged from the dense thicket of evergreens.With his headliftedtotheloomingdawn,Valekcouldseethebony,whitefingersofthesun’sraysclawingoutfromtheundersideoftheearth.Theclearingaheadwaslong,and just at the foot of the hill, he could see clearly the shapes of ancientmausoleumsscatteredaboutthesmallcemetery.

SarahvaliantlypattedMr.Třínožkaontheback.“Neverwrong.”“Quicklynow,”Francisinstructed.Thegroupmovedfastdownthesideofthehill.LusianandSashatookoff

attheirfastestspeedtosecurethemselvesinthenearestgrave.Valekcouldfeelthe onslaught of the morning pains begin again. He held onto the image ofCharlotteinhismindasheandtherestracedthesun.

Francisusedhisslate-coloredarmstopryopenthedoorsofasmall,stonegrave guarded by a large granite angel in the center of the cemetery. Valeklookedat it, too,recognizingitasEzekiel,angelofdeathandnewbeginnings.Theangel’sstonyfingerpointedleft,toanemptygrave.Valeksprangforitjustasthesunbegantostretchoverthetopsofthetrees,hislimbsalreadybecomingstiffandashy.Ashepulledtheheavydoorclosed,lockinghimselfindarkness,he could clearlymakeout the vision ofAndela, standing in themiddle of thecemetery.Shespunabout,searchingforsomething.

“Andela!”Valekcalledfromthecrevice.“Whatareyoudoing?”Shestoppedandlookedathim.“Come!Now!”hecalledagain.“Youwilldie!”Shepanicked.“Myweddingband!Itdroppedinthegrass!”“Andela!Youaregoingtoburn!”She turned her face, now deeply sunken and grey toward thewhite light

overtakingthesky.FlamesexplodedfirstfromherchestandthenherfaceasshestartedsprintingforValek.

Hereachedhisarmouttoherasfarashecould,butanymovementatallwas becoming increasingly difficult. He could see her jet eyes now emergingfromherburning face.He reached farther,grabbingontoherhand,andpulledher inside. He slammed the door shut against the light, exhausted. His headrolledbackagainsttherocksurfaceoftheinsidewall.

“Andela.”Hebreathed.“Areyouallright?”Butwhenheopenedhiseyestolookather,hesawshehadbeentoolate.Heronceflawless,angelicfacewasreducedtoashes.Herexposedjawbonestayedeternallyopeninasilentscream,hereyesstaringhorrifiedathim.Hisshouldersdroppedasheburiedhisfaceinhishands.“Andela….”Hereachedouttostrokeherblondehair,nowcourseandgray.“Sayhellotoyourhusbandforme.Helpmetoseemyloveagainaswell.”Heleanedback,andclosedhiseyes.

*

Charlotte eagerly leaned over the palace balcony as she watched themorningclimbhigherandhigherintothesky.Itfeltlikeshehadlivedherwholelifeandhadneverseenthesun.Itwassogloriousandlifegiving.Shesquinted,shadowinghereyeswithherhandasitgraduallyshownbrighterandpaintedthesky a brilliant October gold. She shivered a little, despite its warmth; Aidenremovedhisdouble-breastedjacketandcoveredhershoulderswithit.

Hebenttowhisperinherear.“It’sbeautiful.”Shesmiled.“Itremindsmeofyou.Italwayshas.”Aidenwasslightlytakenbackbythatstatement.“Really?”Shenoddedandhuggedhisjackettighter.“Yes.Becauseit’sthesamecolor

asyourhair.And it is…opposite from…themoon.”She frowned. “The sun iswarmand…themoonis…not.”Somethingelseflickeredathermind.

Aiden swallowed and placed his hand at the small of her back. “Right.Well,let’sgetyoucleanedup.”

Confused, she let him lead her away from the balcony. She turned backbeforegoinginside,lookingoverhershoulderoncemoreatthesky.Justintime,shewasabletoseethelargefaceofthemoon.Silver,fadingagainstthelightofthesun,abouttodisappearbackunderthehorizon.Butitwouldcomeupagain,sheremindedherself.Italwaysdid.

ChapterTwenty-SixBloodlust

Thesmellofburningwoodspiraled throughhis lungswhenValek finallyawoke.Smokecrept in through the thin, stone crevicesof themausoleum.Hepushedquicklyoff theslantedwallwherehehadbeenrestingandwithallhismight,pulledthedoorbacktorevealwindingorangeflamesbillowinghighintothestars.Panicking,heboltedfromthesmallgrave,dodgingthroughthefire.

“Valek!”Sashacalledout.Hehad justawokenaswell,crawlingfromhisowncrypt.

“Helpmeget theothers!Wehavetogetoutofhere!”Valekcommanded,ducking under a burning tree limb to pull the doors open to the center cryptwhereFrancisrested.“Francis!”

I’mhere,Francis’mindansweredhim.HepushedthestoneapartfromtheinsideandgrabbedontoValek’sarmstogetaboveground.

“Theymust have found out wewere here. The entire forest is burning,”Valeksaid.

Sarahcrawledoutfromthegraveaswell,coughingupthesmoke.“Sarah,”Francisbegan.“Whichwaydowecontinue?”“Wehavetogonortheast.I’llgetridofthefire,butweneedtohurry,”she

finished,beforeshestartedrunningfortheedgeofthefield.ValekandFrancisdartedthroughthegraveyardtohelptherestofthecoven

to safety.The smokewould have been blinding for any humanor animal, buttheysawrightthroughit.AsValekrantohelpLusian,somethinggoldglintedinthe smoldering grass by the base of the Ezekiel statue. He grabbed for it.Andela’s lost wedding band. He stopped, turning back to glance at themausoleumwherehe’dleftherresting.

“Valek!Comeon!Sarah’sspellisabouttowearoff!”Franciscalled,astherestofthecovenhadbeenresurrected.Valekcouldalsoseethesilhouetteofthelarge spider on the other side of the flamewalls.He had alreadymade it out.ValekturnedbacktowhereAndelawas,heldtheringupandnoddedather,andputitinhispocket.Heleaptthroughtheopeningintheflames,buttheicyblueeyesofhiscovendidnotmeethimthistime.

“Valek,run!”HeheardSarahscreamout.Hisgazecircledaroundtheembers,searchingforherface.Onebyone,fire

Elvesemergedfromallcornersoftheperishinggraveyard.Eachonehadadour

grinabout theirslantedfacesas theyset theireyesontheonlyVampire left intheburningfield.

Valek took off like a condor in flight. He burst through the flamewalls.Valekfeltthempursuingclosebehindhim.Outofonecornerofhiseye,hesawaballofflamesripthroughthetreestowardhishead,thenanother,Panicking,heswitcheddirections—theentireforestmeltingtogetherintothesametree.Theflamescontinued to flyaroundhim.But therewasnoway toescape them.Hesuddenlyskiddedtoastopinthemudandmulch.HelookeduptoseethearmyofRegimeguardshadslowedalso,butwereeverapproaching.

The head officer grinned maliciously, fists blazing at his sides. “YourCharlotteisdead,Vampire.”

ValeksearchedtheElf’sthoughtsandfoundwhathesaidwasindeedtrue.Hewas not lying.His chest sank to his spine.His heart to his stomach. “Sayagain,Elf?”

“TheLordVladislovkilledher.However, it is suchapleasure to seeyouagain.”

The forestaroundValekspunashestumbledbackwardontoa tree trunk.Thedeepindigoshadesofthenightonlylookedblackandgraynow.Heopenedhismouth,gazingat themuddyfloor thatseemed tosuckhimunder.Nocriesripped from him.No lamenting bellows escaped his jaws to linger in the treecanopies.Norubytearsburiedthemselvesinthedirtbelowhisface.

“Whatdidyouexpect?Shewashuman,livingintheunderworld.Howdidyou ever believe she would survive?” The fire Elf continued, growing evernearertoValek.

Valekshuthiseyesagainsttheworld,clutchingthebarktokeephimthere.Howcould thisbe thevisionSarahhadseen?Gone?Howcould shewhohadbeentherefortooshortatimebegone?Heopenedhiseyesagain,andthoughthe infantrynowstoodjustbeforehim,hedidnotsee them.Buthewouldseeheragain,hedecided,andheldhisarmsouttothem.Iftheykilledhim,thenhewouldfightthearmiesexistinginheavensohemightseeherthere.

“There, Vampire.” The officer snapped shackles closed across Valek’swrists.“Thiswillallbeoververyshortly.”

“Valek!”AsmallvoicecriedoutsomewherefrombehindtheElves.“Don’tlisten!It’satrap!”

Valek’seyeswidened.“Charlotte?”“Theyarelying,Valek.Theyareusingmagictoguardtheirthoughtsfrom

you!”HepeeredaroundtheofficertoseeSarahintheshadowsatopthespider.A

waveof true reality punchedhim in the ribs.He turnedon theElf in front of

him, the cold flesh in his face an entirely different shade of gray. His pupilsswallowedtherestofhiseyesinaconsciouslessvoidandanenormousroar,likeademonescapinghell,toreopentheElf’sinnerear.

The platoon turned at once on their heels and started retreating in thedirection they came. Valek tore the shackles from his wrists, sending thesplinters flyingoutaroundhimashe trailed themnow.He leapt fromtrunk tobranch,andbacktotheearth,untilhecaughtup.Theguardwasjustinfrontofhim.ValekreachedoutoneofhisclawsandtoreintotheElf’sshoulderblade.

HecriedoutasValeksenthimflyingheadfirstintoalargepinesoharditcracked theguard’sskull.Hewasdeadon impact,butValekcontinuedfor therest.

Theofficeratthefrontofthepackwheeledaround,sendingalargefireballinhisdirection.Valekduckedasthethingflewjustoverhishead.Hiseyeswerefixed on the next one in front. He leapt at him like a wolf as they tumbledthrough the dirt.Valek ended up on top as they stopped against the face of aboulder.

Hebentdown,rippingoutthejugular,carefulnottoswallowanyoftheElfblood.Heleaptupagainandcontinued,aimingforhisnextvictim,untiloneofthe officer’s flames did finally strike him. Valek rolled down one of the hillbanksinthedarkwoods,theflamesspiralingwithhim.Theywentoutinthedirtas his back slammed against a very large oak. Valek breathed, the humanityreturningonceagaintohisbody.Heturnedhismuddyfacetotheskyjustasitopenedup.

Theremainingsquadronadvanceddownthehillwherehefell.Valek’svisionstartedtorefocus.Hecouldseeamongsttheplatoonwashis

coven.Allofthemhadbeencaptured,includingEdwinandthePhaser.Helooked

ateachofthemsorrowfully.I'msorry,Valek.Wetried,Francisthought.“Let’sgo.”Theofficer leaned intoValek, reshacklinghimwithsilver this

time. Itburned lightlyat the fleshbyhiswristsas theypulledhimupand ledhimtothehilltowardPrague.

*

Charlotte,onceagain,hadbeenlockedwithinherbedchambers,forbiddentoseeAidenbeforethewedding.They’dspenttheentiredaytogetherinthevastgardenssurrounding theRegimepalace.Thatmorning themaidsof thepalace

had removedallofherdingyclothingand scrubbedher fromhead to toe in alavenderandgold-leafbath.Shecouldn’trememberthelastbathshehadtaken.They had tried to remove the whistle around her neck, but something deepwithinmadeherrefusetotakeitoff.Sheheldontoittightly,evennowasshesatclean,wrappedinnothingbuttheredsheetsofthebed.

Sheheldthethingclosetoherface,studyingthedetailsinit.Thelionwithduelingtails—thenationalsymbolforPrague—wasetchedinfinedetailononeside.

She thought of Prague, then; the city just outside the palace walls, thetoweringspiresseemingtomeet themoonin theskyeverynight—forbiddenlovers.Shesawthegoldenlightcastbythemanylampsthatlinedthestreet.Shehadbeenborn there, she thought. Itwasavision inherverydistantpast.Shewasquite small, she remembered, and lyingonherback. Itwascold, and shewaswatchingthestars in theskytwinklingdownather.Someonehadleftherthere,shedistantlyrecalledasshecontinuedtoturnthewhistleoverandoverinherhand.

There were lots of people around. A lot of human people like her. Sherememberedseeingnothingbuttheirfeetastheywalkedpasther.Buttherewassomethingelseinhermemory.Apairofhands.Shethoughtofthemoonagain.Thesehandslookedlikethefaceofanoyster,pearl-likeinessence.Theywerelong,andslender,andcool,andwhentheyslidunderneathherback,theymadehershiver.

She shivered once under the sheets of the bed, though the roomwas notcold. Itwas just themerememoryof thosehands.Sherememberedseeing themoon’s face then, in thesky.Themoonwas liftingheroff theground tomeethiminthesky.Sheknewitsoundedcrazyinherownmind,butthememorywasveryreal.Thisnecklacewasapartofthat.Itwasthesymbolofthecity.Itwasthedarknessaboutthecity.Shefrownedagain.

Sheturnedthewhistleoverandsawthesmall,cursivelettersetchedintheback.ForCharlotte, it read. She squinted at it and repeated thewords in hermind.Thismeantsomethingtoher.Sheknewit.Sheyawned.Itfeltlikeshehadalwayshaditandcouldn’tbeartoeverloseit.Herthoughtswerespinning.Thisnecklacebelongedtowhoeverthosehandsbelongedto.

Shestrung thenecklacebackaroundherneckashereyesgrewmoreandmoreheavywiththelatehour.Herfingerstouchedsomethingonherflesh.Itfeltraised,andalittletender.Shefolloweditupanddown,inaslightcurvealongherneck.Ascar?Fromwhat?Shelaybackwithherheadonthelargepillows,herdamp, redhairmessyabouther face,her fingers still toherneck.Perhapsmorewouldcometoherlater.Now,sheneededtofocusonthewedding.

ChapterTwenty-SevenBrokenSound

Charlotte’s eyes fluttered open the nextmorning. She stretched under thefinebedclothes and reached for the silverwhistle still strungaroundherneck.Shedreamtofitlastnight—ofthehandsholdingit—asshesatupinthebed.

Across the room, draped over a garnet-colored armchair, was a neatlypressed dress. It was a sort of emerald green color, and cut to fit her bodyexactly. Ecstatic, she leapt from the bed and grabbed it in her hands, twirlingaroundwithitinfrontofher.

She turned to admire it in the polished antique mirror hanging from thewall. She shrieked when she heard the door behind her creak open, and shestruggledtocoverherselfwiththedress.

“Oopsie!”Merediththrewherfingersoverhereyes.“Didn’tmeantostartleya,darlin’.Justwantedtomakesurethedressfitright.”

Charlottebeameddownatthedressinfrontofher.“Iloveit!Thankyou!Ihaven’thadthechancetotryitonyet.”

“Well, get to it!Andwhenyou’re ready,Aiden iswaiting downstairs foryouinthegardenforbreakfast,”shechirped.“Comeon,Molly.”

That’swhenCharlotte noticed the small, blonde girl byMeredith’s skirt.Shepeeredaroundthedooratherinawe,herlonghairscrapingacrossthefloor.

“Youlookrealpretty,Charlotte,”thelittleElfsaid.“Thankyou.”Charlottesquintedather.Shelookedsofamiliar.“Well, let’s get goin’, Molly. We must leave Charlotte to get ready.”

MeredithanxiouslypulledMollyawayfromthedoor,butthegirldidn’tmove.“Doyoulovemybrother?”HereyesseemedtoboreintoCharlotte’ssoul.Charlottestaredatherafewmomentslonger.“Yes,”shesaidsimply.“Aiden will treat you much better than Valek.” Immediately, Meredith’s

handflewoverherdaughter’smouth.“Who?”Charlotteasked.Meredithchuckled.“Mollyissosilly.Herimaginationhasbecomesowild

these days,with all of these imaginary friends andmake-believe stories.” Shelookeddownatherdaughter. “Hush,dear, anddon’tboreMissCharlottewithyourlittlegames.”Shelaughedagain,andwithawarmsmile,closedthedoor.

Charlotte turned and yanked the dress down over her head and, smilingagain,examinedherselfinthemirror.Shepulledopenthedrawertothebedside

table and ran the gold comb through her smooth curls before running out thedoortomeetherloveinthegarden.

JustasMeredithsaid,Aidenwaswaitingoutthere,inthecenteroftheEastgarden, the morning sun glinting off his golden hair, like autumn leaves.Charlotterantohim,andhesweptherintohisarms,spinningheraroundintheheatoftheday.Hecuppedherfaceinhishandsandkissedhermouth.

Afterbreakfast, the twoof themwalkedagain through thegardens,madesummergreenbymagic,thoughfrosthadalreadybittenoutsidethepalacegates.

She frowned at Aiden when they sat next to each other on one of theemerald-cutbenches.Heheldherhand inhis, and shenoticedhowwarmandivory theywere.Theseweren’t thehands fromhermemory.She lookedathisface then,warmas the sunabove them.“Aiden,whyaren'tyouallowed tobewithmeafterdark?”

Helookedatherthen.“Whatdoyoumean?”Shewinced at the sight of their hands together. “Nothing, I guess. I just

seemtorememberthatyouusedtospendeverynightwithme.IusedtofeelyoutherenexttomewhenIslept.AmIwrong?”Shelookedathim.

Helickedathislowerlip.“Lottie,wealwayskissgoodnightatsunset,butonce we are married…” he nervously explained. His voice fluctuated as hespoke—hiseyesshifting,notoncerestingonher.Shedidn’ttrustthis.

“Whatdidyoucallme?”Shegrimacedathim.“Charlotte,”hesaid,andclearedhisthroat.Confused,sheturnedawayandstaredat thedizzyingpicturesthatdanced

around in her head. Aiden put his hand under her chin, turned her face backtowardhim,andkissedherforehead.

“Iloveyou,Charlotte.”They heard footsteps approaching, andAiden smiled at who it was. “I’d

likeyoutomeetsomeone.”Hestoodinthepresenceofthemanwhoapproachedinasharp,navysuit,hissnowybeardgroomeddowntothemiddleofhischest.

Charlotte got to her feet as well, folding her hands in front of her, andsmiled.Shebowedherheadoncetohim.

“Charlotte,thisisLordVladislov.”Charlottebowedherheadagainandextendedherhand.“It’sapleasure!”Aiden harshly smacked her hand away, his face turning bright red as

Vladislovappraisedhimcautiously.“Pardon,myLord.Charlotteisonlymortal,shedoesnotyetknowouretiquette.”

“Well, it seemsas thoughyouare runningoutof training timebefore thewedding,son.”Hescannedherfromheadtotoe.“Notalongtimetoturnabitchintoapure-bred.”Hesmoothedthebottomofhisbeard.

TearswelledslightlybehindCharlotte’seyesasshecovered the redmarkAidenleftwithherotherhand.

“I assure you, she will be ready.” He placed a hand on the small ofCharlotte’sback.

“Good,then.Igivethetwoofyoumyblessing,andtrustyouwillcontinuetoreignoverthisempiresuccessfullyasIhave,”Vladislovconcluded.

“Youwillnotbedisappointed,”saidAidenhappily.“Thankyou.”“Wouldthetwoofyoucaretoaccompanymetothismorning’sexecution?”

Vladislovextendedahandtowardthepalace.“Itwouldbeanhonor,”Aidenresponded,andheldhisarmoutsoCharlotte

apprehensivelylinkedwithhis.Thethreeofthemwalkedtotheeasttower.

*

CharlottesatbetweenAidenandMeredith in thehighestbox in thesmallstadiumatthecenterofthepalace.Sheclungtohisarmastearsrolleddownhercheeks. She blinked them away quickly when Meredith glanced at her. Herfingers grappled in the material of his sleeve as she watched the group ofVampiresbeingdraggedtothecenteroftheplatform.Aiden’sfather,Danek,wasstanding, his hand held to the sky, blocking the sun with an immense stormcloud.

The group hissed and pulled at the heavy chains that kept their wriststogether.Theirgrayishskinwasmuddyandsingedinsomeareas,facescracked,despitetheirbeauty.Charlotte’seyesgrewwidewhenoneofthemlookedupather.ShetuggedonAiden’ssleeve,andheturnedtolookather.

“Whydotheyhavetodie,Aiden?”shewhispered.Vladislov’sfacecontortedwhenheheardwhatshesaid.“Because,” Aiden whispered back, “they are murderers and sinners.

Followers of the dark. They are dying for the crimes they’ve committed. Bequietanddonotaskanymorequestions.”

Charlottelookedtotheplatform,theoneVampirestillstaringathersadly.The muscles in her chest wrenched as more tears swelled. She stood up.Everyonewhowassittingaroundthemlookedather.

Vladislovsighedandbeganrubbingthebridgeofhisnosebeforeshootingaslantedlookathisheir.

Aiden fiercely grabbedCharlotte’s arm. “Charlotte!What are you doing?Sitdown!”

“Idon’tthinkit’sright,Aiden,”shecontinued,stillwatchingtheVampire.

“Idon’twanttoseethis.”Everyonearoundthembeganwhisperingandstaringatthem.Aiden stood then, smacking Charlotte across her face with all of his

strength.AfewElvesaroundthemgaspedasshebentover,hertiny,whitehandcoveringtheburning,redmark.Aidenglancedaroundandadjustedhiscoat.Hewavedadiplomatichandatthecrowd.“Youwillobeyme,Charlotte.Sitdown,”heseethed,beforesittingdown.

Tears fell from her as she quietly sat as well, her eyes still fixed on theVampirestaringatherfromthecenteroftheplatform.Creaturesofthedarkness,shethought.Herotherhandstartedtoyingwiththewhistlearoundherneck.

Atonce,Danekshiftedhishand,causingthelargestormcloudthatblockedthesuntodissipate.TheVampiresscreechedsomethinghorribleastheirbodiescombustedintoputridblackandvioletflames.PillarsofsmokedescendedtotheskyasCharlotte shook, tears continuing to spill fromher eyes, asmostof thecrowdwatchedher.

Attheendofthemorning’sexecution,AidenangrilypulledCharlottealongthe dark corridors of the palace, back to her quarters for the rest of the day.“Charlotte,” he said, as she struggled to keep up with him. “You will notembarrassmeagain,doyouunderstand?”

“You’rehurtingme!”shecried,tryingtogetfree.He stoppedwalking and pinned her against a stonywall, his face almost

touchinghers.“Iwillberulerinaday.Youwillnotruinthisforme.Ichoseyou,soyouwillobeyme.”

Sheglaredangrilybackathim.“YoucanrulewithoutmebecauseIdonotloveyou.”

Thisenragedhim.Hestruckheragainandtoreherfromthewall,pullingher once again toward her bedchamber. “Youwill not seeme again until ourwedding,Charlotte.”

Justastheywereabouttoroundacorner,Charlotte’seyeshappeneduponasmallplatoonofguardspushingcrude,metalgurneyscoveredoverwithblacktarps. She squinted to get a better look. A single, silvery arm emerged fromunder the tarp, hanging over the side as the gurney hit a crack in the floor.Charlotte’sgrewwide immediatelyas she recognized thishand sowell— thehandfromherdream.Shegraspedontothewhistleagain.

Andtherewasoneoutcastwalkingwiththegroupofguards,shenoticed.Asad, little girl with tight, brown curls and a doll-like complexion. Charlottefrownedatthisfamiliarface.

Aidenswungopenthedoortoherbedroomandflunghertotheground.Heglaredather.“Youcan’tleavethisroomuntilwearemarried.”Charlottenoticed

in his angry young face he was hiding some other emotion. Flashes of fearcoloredhiseyes.

“Charlotte,Iwillnotloseyouagain.”Hespokemoresoftly,butinsteadofleaving,hesteppedclosertoher,closingthedoorbehindhim.

Shescurriedaway,trippingoverherselftothebed,afraid.ButAiden’slonglegswerequicklymovinginonheragain,grabbingherbythebackofherdress,spinningheraroundtofacehim.Hecuppedherfaceinhishandsandviolentlypressedhismouthtohers.Shetriedtopullaway,cryingoutinprotest.

“You’vealwaysdefiedme,Charlotte.”Hepushedherdownonthebedwithhis body. “The whole time I watched you grow up, you were impossible tocontrol.”

Hot tearsstreameddownher faceasadistantly familiarpairofblueeyesflashed in hermind. They belonged to those hands. That was who she reallyloved. Realization slammed into her.AVampire, she thought. That was whatbotheredhersobadlythismorning.Shewassureofit.Memoriesbeganfloodingbacktoherinstantlyasshegraspedhernecklaceagain.

Aidenremovedhisjacket,throwingittothefloor.Hewasoverheragain,forcinghislipsagainsthers.Shetriedtopullherfaceaway,buthislargehandskeptitthere.Hestartedtoundothefrontofherdress.

Just then, the door to the chamber swung open, causing Aiden toimmediatelypullawayfromCharlotte,whoremainedlikestoneonthebed.

In thedoorway, apetitewomanappeared.Shewasdressed in thegarnet-coloreduniformofthepalace,andinherhandswasasilvertray.

“Lunch!”themelodiclittlevoicerangout.Curlspokedoutfromallsidesofthehandkerchiefacrossherhead.

Charlotte,uponrecognizingthatvoice,satstraightupinherbed.Sheknewwhothisfacebelongedto.Sheopenedhermouthtoyellhername,buttheWitchbroughtasinglefingertoherlipstoquiether.

Distracted,Aidenranahandacrosshisbangs.“Y-yes,”hebegannervously.“Good.” She turned back to Charlotte. “Well, Charlotte, I trust you will

obeymefromnowon.Iwillseeyoutomorrow.”Heturnedonhisheelandlefttheroom.

Assoonasthedoorclosed,Sarahdroppedtheemptytray,sprintedovertoCharlotteandwrappedher inher small,delicatearms,andCharlottedid so inreturn.Sarahcouldnotsayanything,butmerelybegantosob.

“Sarah…” Charlotte started, running her hand up and down her back,astounded she actually remembered this person’s name. “Sarah, I’m here. It’sokay.”

Sarah looked into Charlotte’s cleaned face, wiping at her eyes. “It’s not

okay, Charlotte! They have captured us! They’ll kill us tomorrow morningunlesswefindawaytogetoutofhere.”

Charlottereachedforherwhistleagain.“Yougavemethis,”shesaid.“No. Valek gave it to you. But I gave it back before you were taken. It

protectsagainstElvenmagic,”sheexplainedthroughsobs.“Itcausesittowearoff.”

Charlotte reached around her neck and unclasped the thing in her hand.Therewasthatnameagain.“WhoisValek?”

Sarah looked mystified at her. “Valek. The one you are fated to.” Shegrabbed Charlotte’s hand and turned it over, pointing out the lines there.“Remember?Yourfather.Yourlover.”

ItslowlycamebacktoCharlotteinsmallpieces.Shecontinuedtostareatthewhistle.

“They put you under a spell,Charlotte, so youwould forget.But it’ll allcomebacktoyou,Ipromise.”

“Here. You need this more than I do now. I was able to remember youbecauseofthis.YouneedtogivethistotheVampire.Perhapsnowitcanprotecthim.”

Sarahsmiledfaintlybeforeclaspingthenecklacearoundherownneck.Sheloweredhereyes.“Iwassoafraidwewouldnotseeyouagain,”shewhispered,andtookCharlotte’shandinhers,turningitoveragain.“ButIforgotwhatfatetoldme.”

Charlotte looked down at the lines in her palm oncemore. One of thembegantoshrivelanddisappear,untilonlyoneofthemwasleft.Shelooked,eyeswide,atSarah,whowasnowsmiling.

“Thewhistle protected you againstMeredithPrice’s spells.That fate linemusthavebeenplacedtherealongtimeagobymagic.It isfake.”Hopefilledtheplacewherefearhadbeenliving.

“Andwhere is…?”Charlotte struggled to remember the name. “The onethatIlove?”

“Valek,”Sarahreminded.“Theguardshaveplacedthecovendowninthedungeonsuntilsunrise.”

“ButIamgettingmarriedatsunrise,”Charlottewhispered.

ChapterTwenty-EightEquinox

Afullmoonliftedhighoverthehorizon,castingadiamondglowaboutthefrost starting to cover the autumn leaves. It was the signal for the AutumnalEquinox—thebeginningofthetimeofdarkness.ButtheRegimewouldnotletthedarktakeitsrightfulplaceonthethronenow.Lightwouldalwaysruleovertheworld.

Aidenwasstillawakeinhislonelybedchamber.Hepacedthestonefloors,nervouslyglancingtowardhisemptybedeverysooften.Injustafewhourshewouldbeprimerulerofnotonlythesecret,magicOccults,butthehumanraceas well. The pressure weighed like a brick of lead on each shoulder, and hespreadhisarmsoutwideonthefaceofhisdesk.Helookedathisreflectioninthemirroronthefarwall.Heagedmoreandmoreeachday.Helookedbackatthemessybedclothesfromhissleeplessnight.

*

Charlottewasalsostillawake,dressinginoneoftheintricatedressesmadeforherbyMeredithandtheotherwivesofthehighWizards.Theoneshechosewasoneof thesimplerones—black.Sarah,who’d remaineddisguised in thepalacekeeper’suniform,hurriedherfromthedoorway.“Comeon!Valekwillbeawakenow.”

Sarah grabbedCharlotte by thewrist as the crept quietly down the pitchhallway, listening carefully for guard footsteps. The two made their way,duckingoutfromthetorchlightsthathungonthewallsbydimtapestries.

“Doyouknowwhereyou’regoing?”Charlottewhispered.“Stop!”agruffvoiceshoutedafterthem.Thetwolurchedandfroze,turningtoseeanapproachingguard.Charlotte’s

heartleaptintoherthroat.“Oh!” The guard straightened up, startled. “Pardon me, miss. I had not

realizeditwasyou.”CharlotteandSarahlookedateachother.“Uh…yes,”Charlottestammered.

“Um…carryon.Asyouwere.”Theguardnoddedatheroncebeforewalkingintheoppositedirection.

Theybeganagainthroughthepalace,downthestairways,throughdifferentcorridors. They rounded one corner when their gaze met with a tall, cloakedfigure slightly hunched, ametal claw protruding from one sleeve.He had hisbacktothemandwasspeakingwithAiden’sfather.

Sarahgasped.“That’s….”Charlotte hushed her quickly as she strained to hear what the two were

saying.“That despicable little rat is clouding the mind of my heir, Danek,”

Vladislovgrumbledtiredly.“Iwantherdeadnotfarafterthewedding.”“Understood,myliege.ButifAidenfindsout,youmayhaveanotherwar

onyourhands.”Charlottecoveredhermouthtosuppressanysortofnoise.“Aidenshallnot findout.Thegirlwilldieby ‘naturalcauses’,” theHigh

Wizardsaid.“Asweagreed,Danek.Theempiremayhaveanewface,butIwillseethatmyoriginallawofkeepingourexistenceasecretwillliveonforever.”

SarahyankedCharlottebytheshoulderdownadifferenthallway.“NooneisdyingthatIcareabout.”Shehuffedassheheldoutherenchantedneedle tothe floor. “To the dark!” she ordered as a large, gaping hole in the floorappeared,swallowingthetwoofthem.TheyplummeteduntilSarahwavedherneedleagain,slowingthemjustbeforetheyhitastonybottom.Shepulledopena large,wooden door, and they ran downmore steps, until they finally foundthemselvesatthebeginningofthedungeon.

The rank smell hit Charlotte’s nose and made her stomach turn. Shewrappedherarmsaroundherselfastheyslowlybeganwalking.Memoriesofherpastcontinued tocomeback toher inwaves.Meredith’spotionhadbeenverystrong,andCharlottefoughttorememberValek’sface.Allshecouldseeinhermind,though,werehisblueeyes.

Sarahturnedtoher,holdingafingertoherlipsagainastheypassedseveralcellsfilledwithVampiresandothercreaturesofthedark.“Donotlookanyonewedon’tknowintheface,”Sarahwhispered.

Charlottenoddedasshesawseveraldarkfiguresreachouttowardherfromthecornerofhereyes.

“Blood,”theymoanedather.Afewofthemhissed.“Please.”Charlotte shudderedbut shedidnot lookuntil sheheardher name called

outtoher.“Charlotte,”Mr.Třínožkaweaklygroanedfrombehindthemuckybars.Charlotteranover,stretchingherhandtohim.“PaneTřínožka!Areyouall

right?”Hewastooweaktoanswer.Shesawthathisgoggleshadbeencracked,andEdwinwas lifelessagain,hanging limply fromhisvestpocket. “It’sokay,

Mr.Třínožka.Wearegoingtogetyououtofhere.”“Charlotte!”Sarahcalledtoherfromdownthehall.Sheturnedtoseethe

Witch beckon for her. She left the cell of the Phaser and ran to see Sarahstanding before the cell of themost beautifulmanCharlotte had ever seen.Aface she instantly rememberedbelonging to thehands inherdream.Herheartthuddedagainstherchestaseverythingfinallyfloodedbacktoher.“Valek!”shecried.

Heliftedhisheadtoher.“Lottie….”Hegroanedquietly.Shecouldseethebattlehehadbeenthroughpaintedonhisfaceandclothes.Thesidesofhisfaceand shoulderswere blackened by his grapplingwith the flames, and his oncebeautifullipswerescarredbeyondrecognition.

Charlotte fell to her knees, her arm extended all the way toward himbetweenthebars.“Valek….”Tearsrolleddownherfaceagain.“Comeon!Youhavetofightthis.Hewillhavememarryhimtomorrow,”shecried.“Theywillkillyou.Wecan’tgiveupyet.Youpromisedme.”

“Iloveyou,Lottie.”Thewordsbarelycameout.“Valek,youhavetogetup,”shebeggedhim.“Ican’tdothiswithoutyou!”“Charlotte,”hemurmured.“Youcannotmarryhim.”“Iknow!”shecried.“Please.Youhavetogetup.”Sarah reached behind her head, unclasped the necklace, and tossed it

betweenthebarstoValek.Itclamoredonthestonejustinchesinfrontofhim.“Wearthat,Valek,”sheinstructed.“Thesunwillbeupsoon.Theywillkillyou.Youhave toput that on.”ShehelpedCharlotte to stand. “Wehave toget youbacktoyourroom,Charlotte.Ifanyonediscoverswearedownhere,wewillbeinmoretroublethanwearenow.”

Thetwoofthemhurriedbackthroughthelongdungeonhallway.CharlottecouldnotcontrolhersobsasSarahtriedtohushher.

“Y-youdon’tunderstand.”Charlotteferociouslywipedatherface.“HewilldieandI–Iwon’tevengettosaygoodbye.”

Sarahfrownedaswellasmoretearsswelledinherowneyes.ShequietlyopenedthedoorbeforelookingonelasttimedownthedarkcorridorinValek’sdirection. Shewilled his consciousness to return, begged him to rise from theashesjustonemoretime,andclosedthedoorbehindher.

Once they found themselves back in Charlotte’s bedroom, the girl wasinconsolable.Sheburiedherfacedeepwithinherpillow,lost,herarmswrappedaroundhermiddleinanefforttoholdherselftogether.Sarahsatontheedgeofthebed,runningherhandalongCharlotte’sspine.

“Charlotte,youhavetocalmdown,”Sarahsaid.“Valekwillfindawayto

comethrough.Healwaysdoes.”“Howcanhe?”Charlotteturnedherfacetooneside.“They’llkillhim.And

Iwillbegettingmarriedtothatuglycoward.”Shecontinuedinbrokensobs.“Oh,Charlotte.”Shesighed.“WhereisyourGod?”

ChapterTwenty-NineTheEnd

Charlotte, who had finally cried herself into a deep sleep, jumped at thesoundofahardrappingatthedoor.ThiswokeSarahaswell.Thetwoofthemsatup,staringeagerlyatthedoor.

“Charlotte,”Sarahwhispered.“Whateverhappens,wearewithyou.”CharlotteswallowedasthedoorswungopentorevealMeredithPriceand

the other wives of the Regime Order. They were positively beaming withexcitement.

Meredithclaspedherhandsinfrontofherface.“Ohgood!Youarealreadyawake.”Thelotofthemsteppedfartherintotheroom.MeredithregardedSarahonthebed.“Thankyou,wench.Youmayleave.”

SarahandCharlottelookedateachotherinabsolutehorror.“Now!”Meredithscreeched.Sarahgotupfromthebed,andwithonelastlooktoCharlotte,slowlyand

silently,madeherwayoutoftheroom.MeredithturnedtoCharlotte.“Good.Nowthen,mydear,sunriseisonlya

littlewhileaway.Let’sgetyouintoyourweddingdress!”

*

Severalstoriesbelow,theonslaughtofthecomingmorningwasbeginningtoplaguetheenslavedcovenandtherestoftheRegimeprisoners.Valek,sincelast night, had gotten some of his strength back after reaching for the small,enchantedwhistle.Hewasnow lingeringagainst thecellbars,waiting.Hebitdownonhis lower lip, tasting thecold,previously ingestedblood.Despite themassiveoverbearingnoiseofmoaningandhissing,heheardFrancisandLusianstirinthecellnexttohis.

Francis,areyouwithme?Yes,wearehere—barely.Andwhatoftheothers?The rest of the coven mentally answered him back in faint mental

sentences.And the lot of you down the hall, Valek’s thought was a holler to those

Vampireshehadnotyetmet.Theyalsoresponded,some largelystronger thanothers.

As the guards in the palace above began to rally together to begin theirdissention into the dungeon, Valekmentally laid out a simple, but potentiallyeffectiveplan.Theyprobablywouldnotsurvivewiththecomingoftheday,butiftheyfoughtright,FranciswouldbeabletotakeoutVladislov,distractingtheRegimeguardswhileValekdisappeared inaneffort to findAidenanddestroyhimbeforehiswedding.Theywouldall surelyperish,butCharlottewouldbesafewithSarah,andtheRegimewouldfinallybeoverthrown.ItwasthelastandonlywayValekcouldsaveher.AlloftheVampiresintherottingjailferventlyagreed.

*

Upstairs,Aidensatontheedgeofhisbed,turningthesmall,goldweddingbandoverandoverinhisfingers.Hehadnotgonetobedthatnight.Instead,hecontemplatedifwhathehaddonewasentirelywrong.Charlotte’steary,fearfulfaceflashedinthedimglintofthegoldring.

Aidenhadneverwantedtoturnintothis—intoVladislov.Hebelievedifhe ruledover themortalworldwithamortalwife, therewouldbe freedom. Itwouldbewhattheempirehadwantedfordecades.Butinstead,hefellvictimtohis lust and his greed for her. The thoughts of having her next to him for hisentire reignruledovereveryother formof rationalization.Hegripped theringtightinhisfistandleanedhisforeheadagainstit.

Evenwithhismother’sspells,Charlottedidnot lovehim.He’dmade themistake of letting who he truly was show itself to her. It was absolutelyuncontrollable.Herecalled the lastcarelessday theyhadspent togetherbeforeeverythinghad fallen tohell.Thenatural sun shone sobrightlyover thepondwater, and she’d looked so happy andbeautiful as hewatchedher float there.Therewasnocareintheworldthatday.Butthenthecloudsrolledin.

Heopenedhiseyesandlookedaroundhisemptybedchamberoncemore,athis traditional wedding suit hanging on the bedpost. Hewouldmake it up toCharlotte. He would be the best partner to her he could possibly be. He hadmadeuphismindandstoodfromthebedtogoandwashup.

*

Meredithand theothershadscrubbedCharlottedownsoher skinglowedjustasbrightlyastheirsdid.ButCharlotteknew,eventhoughshewasmiserable,she couldnot let on thatMeredith’s spell hadwornoff. Shemust pretend sherememberednothingstillasshesatintheparlorchair,lettingtheElvenwomencurlherhairandshineherup.

Meredithbeamed.“Youwill lookbeautiful,mydear.Weareall sohappyforyou!Glinda,gettheperfume!”

“I know I will be,” Charlotte responded, without much color at all. ShecouldnotshaketheimageofValekfromhermind.“Howmuchlongeruntilthewedding?”

Meredith chuckled to her counterparts. “Look how excited my newdaughter is towed.”She turned toCharlotte. “Very, very soon, darling.Don’tyouworry.”

*

The guards began down the stairs in two-by-two formation. Their grimcomplexionshighlightedonlybythesmallflamesattheendoftheirfingertipsastheymarchedthroughthedoorsintothedismaldungeoncrypt.

“Allright,leeches.It’stimetodie,”theheadofficergrumbled.Thepatrolattackedthecelldoors,tearingthemopentocapturetheirprey.

Butwhentheyexpectedtobemetwiththedefeatedpre-corpsesofthedoomed,thevariousVampiresandothersslammedintotheminpureriot.Ballsofflameswereflyingasfastasfangswere.

Valek leapt out, slamming one of the guard’s faces deep into the bricks,flatteningtheskull.“Remember!”hecalledout.“Don’tbeafraidtodrainthem!You are to die, anyway! Their magic can’t hurt you now!” He ran past thevariousbattlesaboutthedungeon.FrancisandLusianwereclosenexttohimasthethreebegantoclimbthestairstotheupperpartsofthepalace.

“Francis,youmustfindthemainquartersnow,beforeVlaidslovleavestoattendthewedding,”Valeksaidgrimlyastheyran.

Palace guards that stood on the upper floors began to chase after them,hurlingwhateverelementstheycouldinanefforttostopthem.Electricity,wind,ice,butthethreeweredeterminedandsuccessfulatdodgingeachoftheattacks.

“Iknow.Icansmellthevilestenchofhimfromher,”Francissaid.“Valek,before I leave,”he started, as his turnwas coming. “Iwant you toknowhowmuchItrulycareaboutyou.Asafriendandasacreator.Youareamazingtome,andifthereisnoafterlifeformetoseeyouagain,Ihopewhereveryouendup,

youarehappy.”ValekandFrancisgrabbedhandsforthelasttimeastheycontinuedtorun,

beforeFrancisdisappearedaroundagrandcorridorthatledtoalargestaircase,anduptowhatwouldbeVladislov’squarters.

“It’s justyouandmenow.”LusianandValekbumped fists as they racedonwardthroughthepalace.

Valekinhaledandquicklyturnedhisheadtotheleft,tothesoundofdistantorganmusicplaying.“Theceremonyisstarting.”Valekfelttheanxietycrawlingunderhisskin.“Godspeed,Lusian,”hesaid,beforeskiddingonhisheelstostop,andracingfasterthanthemortaleyecouldseeinadifferentdirection.

He could hear the conversation and laughter of somewhere between twoandthreehundredoftheRegime’smostesteemedguests.Thiswasit.Heclosedhiseyesandinhaledagain,pushinghisbodyfasterandfaster,despitetheragingpainofthecomingsun.

*

WhenFrancisfinallygottothetopofthetowerandsawVladislov’sdoor,hesuckedinafree,sweetbreaththatburnedinhislungsbeforeheadingstraightintothewood,splinteringitallovertheroom.Sureenough,Vladislovwasjustontheotherside inhisfinerobes.HeturnedtoseeFrancisstandingthereandsmiled.

“Ah,myoldfriend.Ithasbeenages,”Vladislovcrooned.“Howareyou?”“Idon’thavetime,Vlad.Ihavetokillyouandbedonewithit.”“Youknow, despite all of this time, I havenever forgotten your little pet

yousentme.Valek,isit?”Hestrokedhisbeardwithhismechanicalhand.“Valekisonhiswaytokilltheonlyheirtoyourthrone.”“Ah.Iwishhimwell then.Ihopehehasbetter luckthis time.”Vladislov

chuckledandwavedhishand.Dawn,whichhadbegunascendingjustoutsidehiswindow,seemedtoimplodebackunderthehorizon,buyingValekalittlemoretime.Francisbreathedalittle.“Wecouldhaveruledboththelightandthedarkuntilyouleft,Francis.Butasyoucansee,I’vegrownold,andyou’vefalleninlovewithsomeoneelse.Doyouwantdarkness,really?BecauseIcangivethattoyou.”Heswepthishandthroughtheairagain,makingallofthecandleflamesaroundtheroomflickerout.Thestrandsofsmokeslowlycircledandentwinedtogether as Francis watched in thoughtful wonder. They gathered into one,massive clump, creating three, beastly, dragon-like heads that snarled andchompednearhisface,blowinghissilvercurlsback.Thechillthatformedinthe

chamberwasenoughtosendachillevenupaVampire’sspine.Heshuddered.“Icantrapyouinthedarknessforever,Francis!Youshouldhavelistenedto

me! You should have remained human! Remained in the light with me! Wewould have ruled together,” Vladislov cried. “But instead, you chose thedarkness.Youwantedtochange.YoumadethatdecisionthenightyougotsickanddrankfromaVampire.Youpanicked,youcoward!”Hisbonyhandswipedthroughthedarkroomagain,sendingglassbottlesfromshelvessmashingacrossthewoodenfloorboards.

“Youcastmeout,Vladislov.Youcondemnedme!Ifyoutrulywantedmeasyourcompanion,youwouldn’thavedonethat.NomatterwhatIwas.”

Oneofthedragonheadsrearedback,alargeroartearingthroughtheroom,down the hall. The thing lurched forward, striking Francis in the chest beforetraveling straight through him and out.The stonewalls around thembegan toshakeandcrumble.

“What is the matter? Too much darkness for you to handle?” Vladislovlaughed.

A black film began to stretch out from under Francis’ clothes, over thewhiteskinonhisarmsandface.Thenewskinwrappeditselfunderhishairline,inhisearsandaroundhisneck,untilhewascompletelytransformed.

“Whatisthis?”Francisblanched,examininghishand.“You are what you fight for. You are darkness itself. You are death.

Whateveryoutouchnowwilldielikethedeathyounowembody.Therewillbenolightwhereyougo.Therewillbenohappiness.YouwillliveasIhaveforthepastseveraldecades.Alone.”

Francis furiously lunged at Vladislov’s throat, his fangs bared. Theypenetratedthefleshthereandtoreoutthejugular,spittingittotheground.

A frozen, shocked expressionwas eternally painted on the agedWizard’sdead face as he dropped to his bony knees and fell face-first to the floor,smashingintoamillionglassypiecesbeforedisappearingaltogether.

Francis turned then, to examine himself in a dusty, full-length mirroragainst thewall.His eyeswereno longer eyes,butorbsof self-emitting light.Andhisskinwasaspureblackasitcouldpossiblybe.Onlyhiswhitehairkeptitsoriginalcolor.NolongeraVampire,oranythingelsehehadeverrecognized.ButVladislovwasdead,andonceagain,thesunhadbegunitsascensionintheEast, andValekwas runningoutof time.Francis flewoutof the room,anewshadowymiststringingbehindhimashewent.

*

The crowd gathered in massive clumps behind low, velvet-drapedstonewalls to witness the wedding of Elf and mortal. Meredith had gottenCharlotteintoherbillowingivorydresssuccessfullyandwalkedhertothestartofthegreathall.

WhenthecrowdsawCharlotte,shewashitwithrollingwavesofcheeringand joy,whichsouredagainstherownfeelings.Down the long, forsakenaislelinedwithliliesandgarnetroses,shecouldseeAiden,standinginfrontofahighpriest, his hands folded neatly in front of him. The hall, though stone, waswarmlylitbydozensofgoldencandelabrasandagrandchandelierinthecenter.Alarge,baroquewindowcarvedinto thefarwallbehindthepriestdisplayedamagnificentsunrise.

TearsrolledquietlydownCharlotte’sfaceasshewatchedthepinkbeamsoflightbegintosetthehorizononfire.ShefeltMeredith’shandslideagainstthesmallofherback.

“Iknow,dear.Beautiful,isn’tit?”Meredithsighed.Shelookedhersoon-to-bedaughterintheeyes.“Areyouready?”

Charlotte quickly wiped at her cheeks with gloved hands and nodded,adjusting her bouquet to her center. Out of the corner of her eye, she sawMeredith give the signal to the organ player,who immediately sat down, anddramaticallyraisedhisarmsintheairtobeginplayingaweddingmarch.

ThesoundranghollowthroughCharlotte’shead,toodistantforhertohear.Andthoughshedidnotconsciouslytellherfeettomove,theydid,andshewaswalking.

Slowly, she passed the onlookers that surrounded her, smiling. Theymurmured things toeachotherasshepassed.She looked toAiden,whostoodverystillandpoisedatherdestination,waiting,thenglancedpasthimatthesun,nowblazinglikeathousandfiringcannonsaimingforher.Sheclosedhereyesasmoretearsrolled.Valekisdead,shetoldherselfastheydrippedoffherchin.

“Iloveyousomuch,Valek,”shewhispered.“Waitforme.”Shecontinuedwalking,everystepclosingherintohereminentdisaster.ShesawAidensmileather,andshedroppedhergaze,thinkingshemightbesick.

“Charlotte!” someone roared from thebackof thehall.Everyone turnedtheirattentiontotheentrance.

Charlotte spun, dropping the bouquet at her feet. She saw him then,standingthere.Dirtyandbeautiful.Hisscarredskinseemedtoglowfromwithinas he began running to her. Everyone in the hall was in a panic as guardsstruggledtostophim.

“Valek,” she said quietly, though rejoicing louder than she ever had. Sheturnedbackaroundtothewindowsinhorrorthen.“Valek,stop!Thesun!”

*

Ignoring her words, he continued to run as fast as he could, thougheverything inhisworld seemed in slowmotionnow.Only a feet fromher, hecouldseehisownreflectionmirroredbacktohiminCharlotte’sbig,glassyeyes.Valeklookedstraight intothemashepassedher,knowingthatmaybethelasttime. No matter howmany deaths he died, he would never forget what theylookedlike—howbrighttheywere.

Normally,whenhumanbeingsknowtheywereabouttodie,theysawtheirentirelifeflashbeforethem.Well,theseimageshesawwerehislife.TheywereCharlotte,everyoneofthem.HesawtheglisteningstreetsofPraguenearlytwodecadesago.Hefelthertinyhandgrasphisfingerasshetookherfirststeps.Heheardthefirsttimesheeversaidhisname,andthenthelast.Heclosedhiseyes.

ToCharlotte’sterror,heoverlookedhercompletelyandranstraightfortheElfattheendofthehallway.Thecracksinhisskinemittedastrong,whitelightbefore being encompassed completely by golden flames, as the morning sunstruckhim.

Charlotte screamed, her legs collapsing underneath her weight. Shestretchedherhandsouttohim,callinghisname.

ValekslammedintoAiden,refusingtoburnuntilAidenwasdead.HesankhisteethdeepintothethroatoftheElfasAidengrappledtogethimoff.Valek’sjawstayedfixedontheElf’s throatashepulledandpulled,until therewasnolifelefttotake.HefeltAiden’sbodygolimp,andheletitcollapsetothefloorbefore dropping to his knees. The flames that engulfed his body were nowfading,lickingjustatthesurfacebeforesputteringoutcompletely.

Charlottefoundthestrengthinherlegstoruntohimthen.Shehoistedthematerial of her dress up around her knees as she stumbled. “Valek! ” shescreamedagainstthesilence,andcollapsedbesidehim.

Herhandshoveredoverhisbodyashe laybeforeher,broken.Shecouldbarely see what the sun had done to him from behind the blur of her tears.“Valek,”wasallshecouldsay.Shegentlyranherfingersthroughhishair.Shedidnotwanttotouchhisruinedskininfearitmightcrumbleintoash.Instead,herhandsfellinherlapaseveryonewhowasstillinthehallnumblylookedon.

“Valek,” shecried. “Ifyoucanhearme,wait forme.Please.”Thewordsburnedsobadlyinherthroatasshespokethem.Shecouldbarelyopenhereyes

with theheavinessshe feltasshe finallydrapedherselfoverhischest.“I loveyou.”Shecontinuedtolethertearsdisappearinthematerialofhisclothes.

The spider Třínožka and Sarah burst into the room. Theyweremetwithhundreds of gazes. Meredith Price, who had been watching in frozen horrorsuddenlyburstforth,runningtoherson’ssideasCharlottehad.Sheclutchedherson’s head in her hands. “Mybaby!My son!”She turnedher eyes angrily onCharlotte.“Whathaveyoudone?Youwilldieforthis!”shehissed.“Fortakingawaymychild.”

Charlottelookedupatherandthenatthehundredsofeyesrestingonheralso.

“No one will touch the girl.” Sarah leapt off the Spider’s back andapproachedwhereCharlotteandValeklay.“WehavekilledeveryleaderintheRegimeorder.”Sarah’sannouncementwasrespondedtowithgaspsfromaroundthehallway.

Toeveryone’ssurprise,Lusian,Dusana,Sasha,Jorge,andamuchdifferentlooking Francis emerged from behind Mr. Třínožka, as well as a few otherVampiresCharlotte did not recognize. She stood. “What’s going on?Howareyoualive?”

“WedrainedthebloodofpowerfulElvesfromeverydenomination,”Lusianexplained.“Beitfire,wind,earth,orwater.Ithasalwaysbeensaidthebloodofonefrommagic ispoisontous.Butwehavediscoveredconsumingthe lifeofsomeoneofthelightwillprotectusagainstit.”HeflashedhisfangsatMeredith.“Valekisalive,”hesaidjoyfully.

EveryonelookedtotheVampirelyingnexttoCharlotte.“Becausehedrank fromAiden.Light cannot ruleoverdarkness anymore

becausewenowknowyoursecret.Wewillleaveinpeaceifyoudonotfollowus,”LusianannouncedtoMeredith.

“Whoisgoingtofollowyounow?”TearsstreamedfromMeredith’seyes.“Youhavekilledmyentirefamily.”

“Aiden is not dead,” Sarah said softly. “But he will need immediateattention. Ifyoudon’twantoneofus to finish the job,youwillnot followuswhenweleave.Lightanddarkshouldexist inbalance.Onemaynotruleovertheother,ortheworldwillsurelyfallinonitself.”

Meredith turned back to her son, taking his hand in hers. “Fine!Go!Wewill not botheryou. I justwantmybaby to comeback tome.”She cried andburiedherfaceinhischest.

ThecovenrushedtoValek’ssideandhoistedhimontoMr.Třínožka’sback,where Dusana jumped up and fastened Valek to him using her many belts.Lusianfollowed.

“Comeon,Charlotte.”Sarahheldherarmsout.Charlotte blinked at her, but before leaving for the final time, she turned

oncemoretolookatMeredith,onthefloorwithherson.“Meredith.”Thewomandidnotlookather.“IwantyoutoknowifIever

seeyourfaceagain,IwillpersonallynotrestuntilIknowyouaredead.”Charlottewipedthelastofherhottearsawayfromhereyesandwalkedout

ofthepalacehallwithSarahandtherestofwhatsheconsideredtobeherfamily.

ChapterThirtyReprise

It was evening back in what used to be the Southern Bohemian OccultwhenCharlotteandthecovenwalkedthroughherfamiliarbent,irongate,pastthesmallcemetery,andunderthelong,foresttunnel.Theywalkedintothetownsquareshehadnotseeninwhatfelt likeaneternity.Theywerenotgreetedbyanysortofparade.Therewerenocelebrationsfortheunsungheroesofthenightas they made their way past the old, abandoned inns and shops. The sign toEdwin’s storehadbeenbroken andwasdangling fromone chain in thewind.Charlotte suspected it would be a while for her forsaken town to regain itsmagic.

Francishadleftthem.Hewentwherehecouldexistineternalnight,wherehecouldnotharmanyoftheonesheloved,includingCharlotte.Hebidthemafarewell after seeing them safely back through the forests to the Occult cityborder.

“Iwillbewatchingoverallofyoufromthecityofthenight,”hetoldthem.“Noharmwill come toyou as long as I am there.”And thenhewasgone aseasilyasashadowinabrightflashoflight.

Sarah, who had been riding atop the spider for the journey, had beentending toValekas theywent,cleaningup thecharredcracksandsootyscars.AllofherbooksandspellshadbeenleftatFrancis’homeinPrague.Tomorrow,she would cook up a transportation spell to retrieve them. That was the planshe’d told them. Whether she would succeed or not, the others really didn’tknow.

Charlotte, who led the group through the abandoned square, could seeclearlythelarge,brownhousewiththeonespireat thefrontandthecockeyedroof shingles. She stopped walking when she could see her porch steps, too,surrounded by the low, green bushes that had now grown all over thecobblestonefootpath.Sheinhaledthefrostbittenairandrantoit.Shetrippedalloverthebottomofherweddingdress,ifsheevenwantedtocallitthat,rippingthe hem to shreds. She ran up the steps like theywere her last salvation andcollapsed,herhandgraspingthesmallbrassdoorknob.

Home.Aplaceshethoughtshe’dneverseeagain.Shewouldnevertakeitforgranted.Home.Shedidn’tevenbothertoopenthedoor.Themereknowingthathomewasjustontheothersideofitwasenough.Shesatonherporchand

buriedherfaceinherknees.Itwasfinallyallover.ShefeltSarahcomeandsitbesideher.“Ican’timaginehowthismustfeel

toyourightnow.”Charlottelookedather.“Ofcourseyoucan!Thisishometoyounowalso.

Youdon’thavetobeanyone’sservantanymore.Nowallyouhavetobeismyfriend.”Theysmiledateachotherbeforetheyembraced.

Mr.Třínožkagrumbledatthestartofthefootpathandtheybothlookedathim.“Idon’tmeantobreak thisup,butwe’vegottaget this feller inside.”HeindicatedValek,whowas still strapped to his back. Sarah smiled atCharlotteagainbeforerunningtohelpDusanaandLusiancarryhiminside.

Theyeasilytrailedupthestairsofthehouseanddownthehallway,layingValekonhisbed.Thedarkdrapeswereleftopensothesilvermoonlightwouldbe there when he opened his eyes. He would know then that everything wasokay. No more hiding. No more fighting. Perhaps it had all just been somehorriblenightmarethatwasovernow.

Charlottestayeddownstairswhiletheydidthis,trustingSarahwouldmakesurehe’dbecomfortable. Instead, she trailed the lowerpartsof thehouse,herhandsbrushingalongeachwall,ensuringherselfshewastrulythere.

Thestudy,whichhadbeenthoroughlyabusedintheirabsence—booksalloverthefloor,furnitureoverturned—wasstillthere,withitsforestgreenwallsand wooden moldings. Charlotte bent to pick up her Volume on VampireAnatomyandplaceditbackinthesameplaceshehadputitthousandsoftimesbefore.Hersketchbookhadbeentossedaboutalso,andapicturethathadbeentorn out from between its brown covers was one she had been sketching forValek. It was of the two of them and their home, together. She picked it up,consideringitneededafewnewadditions.

Ultimately, shemadeherwaypast the foyer and the kitchen, to the backroom,whereshehadseldombeenallowed.Hisoffice.Cautiouslysheopenedthedoor.Whatshefoundontheothersidewasexactlyhowhehadleftit.Pristine.White. Organized. A true embodiment of who he was. Valek’s papers werecarelessly shuffled about on the desk like he had been there just last evening.Charlottehuggedthedrawingtoherchestandsmiled.Shewasreallyhome.

“Charlotte?”Sheturnedtoseetheothersstandinginthethresholdoftheoffice.“Areyouallright?”Jorgeasked.Shenodded, folding the sketchbehindher quickly and smiled. “Yes, just

havingalookaround.”“Valekshouldbeawakesoon,”Dusanaoffered.“Thankyou.I’llgoupinaminute.”

Theywaited,lookingatherexpectantly.“Oh! Yes, let me show you around. You can make yourself at home

anywhere you want.” She cautiously walked past them. Tomorrow, Charlottedecided,shewouldtakethemallouthuntinginthedaylight.

Once theywereall settled in; Jorge in the study, readingby the fire afterSarahhadmagicallyseentoitthatallofthebookshadbeenstackedbackwheretheybelonged,Lusian,Sasha,andDusanasearchingaroundinthekitchenuntilthey foundValek’semergencybloodpackets,andMr.Třínožkanapping in themiddleofCharlotte’ssinged,oldbedroomwithEdwinasateddybear,CharlottefinallymadeherwaytoValek’sbedroom.

Sheclosedthedoorsoftlybehindher,asshehadweeksagowhenshesnuckintohisroomthefirsttime.Butshecouldseehimnow,lyingpeacefullyinthecenterofthebed—thefirsttimehehadeversleptpeacefully.Shecreptovertohim as she had before, pulling one knee up and then the other, until shewaslyingnexttohim,herarmfastenedsecurelyoverhischest.Sighing,sheclosedhereyes.

“Valek,”shebeganwhenhestilldidnotwakeup.“Iloveyou.”Valekopenedhiseyes.

EpilogueCharlottevisitedeachroomonebyoneinthelargehouseattheendofthe

townsquare,bidinga“goodnight”tohernewfoundfamily.FirstSarah,Lusian,andDusana,thenSasha,JorgewasthelastoftheVampires,thenMr.Třínožkawhosleptinthestudybythefire,everwithhislittleEdwin.Hewouldcreateanewburrowforhimselfinthemorningjustunderthehouse,sohewouldalwaysbe close.Charlotte opened the door to one last bedroom, left vacant.A small,goldenweddingband sat alone in the center of the bed.Charlotte gave a tinysmile.“Dobrounoc,Andela,”shewhispered,beforeclosingthedoorbehindher.

She finally skipped back to his bedroom,whereValekwas sitting on theedge of the bed, toyingwith something small in his hands. She ran over andpounced into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pecked hischeek.“Whatisthat?”

“It is your birthday present.” He held up a little silvery whistle to themoonlight.“Belated,ofcourse.”

Charlotte cocked her head and grasped it. “But I already have one.”Thething was beautiful, however. It was intricately done, with the image of aphoenixcarvedintothesides,embellishedinpiecesofjetandpearl.

“Youdon’t,”Valekmused.“ItwasdestroyedintheflamesasIworeit.ItspiecesmustbesomewhereintheRegimestill.”

“Iloveit!”Shereachedbehindhernecktoclaspthenecklacechain.Valek’slargehandsreplacedhersashehelpedher.Itfelljustinfrontofher

chest. It was smaller and more delicate than the one she used to have. Shecontinuedtostudyit.

“IhadSarahorderitfromahumanmerchantdaysago,whenwewerestillinthecity.Thereisnothingenchantedaboutthis.ItismeantmoreasasymbolthatIwillforeverbeheretoprotectyou,nomatterwhathappens,Charlotte.Nomatterhowmuchfireweendure.”Heclosedbothofhersmallhandsinhis.Heturned the whistle to the backside and read the letters carved there. “Wewillalwaysrise.”

She smiled as she then fully understood the symbol of the phoenix andliftedherfacetokisshim.“Thankyou,Valek.Iwilltreasureit.”

“Iamnevergoingtoletyouleavemysightagain,Lottie,”hesaidseriously.“Iwouldn’twantyou to.”Shenuzzledhis chin.They sat in silence for a

fewmoments, thinkingprivately.Hedidnotcross theboundariesofhermind.“Wearesafe,Valek,”sheremindedhim.

“Yes.Fornow,weare.”Herestedhischeekatopherhead.“And you will walk in the daylight tomorrow.” She beamed. “Like the

others.”Hesmiled.“Yes.Iwill.”Theyweretogether.Finally.Theywerethemoonandthesun—thelight

andthedarkness—togetherandtobealonetomore.

ABOUTTHEAUTHORShayne'sfirstyearoutofhighschool,shepenned,co-directed,andstarred

inthefeature-lengthfilm,TheIncubus,aparanormal romance,whichobtaineddistribution and opened in over fifteen theaters across South Florida amongpopular chains likeRegal,AMC, andCinemark. The Incubus obtained a fan-base of over 100,000 girls online, and has garnered the attention of reportersfrom the Miami Herald, CBS News, and NPR Radio. Leighton also starredalongsideScreamQueen,TaraCardinalinthefilm,LegendoftheRedReaper.

Now,20-year-oldLeightonisexcitedtoreleaseherdebutyoungadultnovelseries,OfLightandDarkness, set incontemporaryPrague,aswellaspenningseveralotherscreenplays,anoveladaptationforLegendof theRedReaper,anoriginalpop/rockalbum,andactinginvariousfilmroles.

VisitShayneonlineat:http://www.shayneleighton.com