Daisy ran into her arms, and the woman—her granny—held her tightly, while she stared over her shoulder with anger and distrust at Torija. Torija hung back at the garden gate.

“I was so worried about you. Amelia Debrek called me and told me you were missing. I thought I’d lost you.”

Daisy kissed her granny on the cheek. “I’m fine. I had a protector.”

“Victorija Dred. One of the worst vampires in the world?” Granny said with anger.

“She was Victorija, but she’s changing,” Daisy said.

Daisy had such faith in her. It was unshakable and made her feel even more for her.

“A vampire changing? I don’t think so,” Granny said.

“Please, Granny. Let her come in.”

“All right, we have some extra protection anyway.”

“Who?” Daisy asked.

“Sybil. A powerful witch from the cunning folk coven.”

Torija let out a sigh. Sybil had been a thorn in her side more than once. This was going to be difficult.

Daisy took Torija’s hand and said, “Come inside.”

“I don’t know if it’s a good idea.”

“Please, for me?”

She had to say it, didn’t she?

Daisy’s granny led the way inside, and Daisy and Torija followed into the kitchen, where Sybil was sitting at the table.

“This is my granddaughter, Daisy,” Granny said, “and I think you know this vampire.”

“We have crossed swords. Could we have five minutes alone, please?” Sybil said.

“No, we’ve seen what magic can do, even to a paranormal,” Daisy said fiercely.

“You have my word, she will be unharmed.”

“It’s okay,” Torija said. “Sybil and I go a long way back.”

Reluctantly Daisy was taken out of the kitchen by her granny.

“Tea?” Sybil said.

“Yes, why not,” Torija said.

Sybil lifted the teapot and poured it out into a china cup. “Sit down.” She passed the cup and Torija added milk and sugar. Torija took a sip, stalling for time, really.

Torija gulped. “I’m sorry about sending my vampires to try to kill you and what’s left of the coven.”

Sybil smiled. “Water under the bridge. I was never in danger anyway.” The old witch was surely confident in herself. “What made you turn your back on your clan, Vampire? Tell me the truth.”

Torija thought carefully before saying, “Three women who believed in me—the Grand Duchess, Angele Brassard, and Daisy MacDougall.”

“Lucia never gave up on you. She gave up her life, walked into death, to prove it to you,” Sybil said.

“I know, and I don’t deserve it.”

“Don’t be self-pitying—just make best use of this situation. You and Daisy are going to be needed in the forthcoming endeavour against Anka.”

“What does Anka truly want?” Torija asked.