“You killed the Grand Duchess, your own grandmother—how can you move on or be forgiven for that?”

Victorija looked up at Byron and said, “I don’t think I can be, but those three women seem to think I can do the right thing, and I’m trying.”

“Daisy is upstairs trying to convince everyone of that fact.”

“She is exceptionally stubborn and determined,” Victorija said.

“Are you sure this isn’t the blood bond talking?”

“Yes, but the bond is why I’m here. Daisy doesn’t know about this, but I want to break this bond.”

Byron should have expected that much at least from Victorija. “So you can go back to your normal life, whilst keeping your word not to harm a Brassard?”

“You should know there’s no breaking this bond. I went to see the Reaper in Paris, and I consulted with the Grand Duchess in spirit. They both confirmed there is no way to break it, or to gain forgiveness for past misdeeds. If I want both of those things, then I must walk willingly into death, and I knew coming here—after everything I’ve done to the Debrek clan—that you would take my head and my heart. Then Daisy will be released from her blood obligation, and I will face what I have to on the other side.”

Byron sat forward in her seat. “This is either an elaborate trick, or Daisy has really changed you.”

“She changed me. She made me believe I could still be the person I was before I became a born vampire.”

Byron was hugely sceptical. She wanted to believe it, but she found it difficult. Her mobile phone rang, and she stood quickly when she saw an unknown number. It had to be Anka. She accepted the call. “Byron Debrek.”

Torija looked on as Byron paced up and down.

Byron said, “You better not harm her.” Byron cut off the call. “Fucking Anka.”

“What’s happening?”

“Nothing of your concern,” Byron said.

“Anything to do with Anka is my concern. She stole my clan, wants Daisy dead, and turned my Duca against me.”

“Drasas?” Byron said.

Torija nodded. “She’s driven by power. That’s how she became my Duca—she killed all her rivals.” Byron was silent for a few moments, and Torija filled the gap. “Tell me. You have me locked up—what difference would telling me make?”

“It was Anka’s associate Asha. Anka wants a born vampire. It was meant to be you, but since they no longer have you, they took Sera, so I would give myself up to Anka.”

“Of course, she gets a sniff of getting the most powerful born vampire, and she’s taking it.”

“It’s not like you to admit I’m the strongest vampire,” Byron said.

“Well, I’m becoming a different vampire, it seems.” She watched Byron rub her forehead, considering what to do. “What are you thinking?” Torija asked.