One other person joined the group. Sera was looking sheepish. “Aunt Victorija…um…thanks for what you did.”

“Something I’ve learned too late in the day—you risk everything for the one you love and your family.”

“For family.” Byron smiled at her.

* * *

Everyone went back to the Debrek house. Byron wanted everyone together, so they could take stock of everything that happened.

“This feels strange,” Torija said.

“What does?” Daisy asked.

“Sitting in Byron’s house as a guest, with an arm around my blood bond, who I love more than anything in the world.” Torija gave her a quick kiss.

Everyone was here in the drawing room, waiting for Byron to return from her office.

Torija felt a presence beside her. She looked up and saw Alexis standing there with Katie. “Alexis?”

“I just want to know one thing. Did you see Anna on the other side?”

Torija nodded. “I did. She spoke to me and said that you should let go of the past, and that she is so happy for you and Katie. That you were a perfect match.”

“Thank you,” Alexis said. Then she walked away, holding Katie’s hand.

“That was the most civil conversation I have ever had with Alexis,” Torija said.

“You see, I told you now was the time to build bridges.”

Byron walked back into the room, and Amelia joined her by the fireplace. “Everyone, Brogan has just informed me that Anka is back in Paris with her people. So we have some breathing room ahead, but believe me, we have a dark, difficult path to walk. The whole paranormal world could be torn apart. Not to mention the horrific toll it will take to win this coming war. But we have one advantage—a member of the family, returning to the fold. My great-aunt Victorija, or Torija, as she wishes to be called.”

Byron kissed Amelia’s hand and then walked over to Torija. Torija felt Daisy’s hand clasp hers a bit harder.

“Torija, you walked into death for family, for the people you love, and we are eternally grateful for your courage. Will you take the hand of friendship and return to your family?”

“Yes.” Torija took Byron’s hand and shook it.

Byron smiled and said, “Welcome back to the family, Torija Debrek.”

Everyone clapped except Alexis, but Torija could understand her feelings.

Daisy must have known her thoughts, because Daisy said, “It’ll just take time. I love you, Vamp.”

Torija smiled brightly. “And I love you with everything that I am. Thank you for having such faith in me.”

“Thank you for trusting me and letting me in,” Daisy said happily.

One of the staff came around with an array of drinks on silver platters.

“To mark this moment, I’d like to propose a toast. Et sanguinem familiae—blood and family.”

Everyone, especially Torija, replied enthusiastically, “Blood and family.”

Epilogue

Anka walked into the catacombs beneath her Paris home.