“Like…uh…like every other virus or bacteria, they can change over time. It’s like a roach that becomes impervious to one repellant, so another has to be developed. Strains of bacteria can do the same thing, and even though the bubonic plague is still around, it’s not the same strain as what caused the Black Death.”

“So you can’t duplicate it,” Napoleon said, tightening his grip on his dagger.

“Sir, even if I could somehow reproduce that strain, it wouldn’t turn anyone into a daywalker.”

“Why not?”

“By the findings on that report, someone on Archer’s mother’s side survived the Black Death, and because of it, they most likely built up an immunity to the disease, and it’s that immunity Archer inherited. Simply recreating the bacteria wouldn’t create the immunity required. That wouldn’t happen until someone who was infected survived the disease, developed the immunity, and then passed it on to future generations.”

“So you’re saying when we make this plague, we’d have to infect thousands with it. Then, once the surviving bitches whelp some kiddies, once they grow up and become members of my coven, they’ll be daywalkers—yes?”

“Right now, sir, that’s merely a guess. Like I said, I’d have to do lots of research, and you have to realize that if we did somehow find a way to replicate the Black Death, it could very well kill millions upon millions of mortals…not just thousands.”

“Like I care about mortals,” Napoleon said, slipping the dagger into the sheath. “Do the research, and get me an answer, and this little tidbit stays between us. It doesn’t go to the council. It doesn’t even go to Ivan. There’s no need to worry the commoners about them being replaced by a newer model in the decades to come, now is there?”

“Um…no, sir.”

Napoleon made to leave and then stopped. “What’s your name?”

“It’s Landon Prescott, sir.”

“Well, Landon, it appears you have some work to do. Don’t bother coming up for dinner. I’ll send down a tray.”

***

Ruby slept for almost eight hours, and after a shower and some coffee, she felt human again. Actually, she felt like a hungry human.

Doreen’s intention had been for the leftovers to be divided equally; however, there was just so much turkey Ruby could handle. She also knew that by leaving behind more than she took, she’d be helping out a friend, so that’s what Ruby did. She brought home enough for only one meal, and Ruby’s mouth was already watering by the time she opened the fridge. A moment later, Ruby’s face fell. “Shit.”