The ghostly figures’ words turned to horrible screams and wails, and the sound of the rain became deafening. They got so close the screams were right next to her ears. The sound was unbearably painful.

“No, no, no!”

* * *

“It’s okay, Daisy. We’re nearly there,” Byron said.

Byron carried Daisy upstairs. She was followed by Amelia, and in a second Alexis and Katie were by their sides.

Daisy was writhing in pain, calling for Victorija. Byron had just arrived back with Amelia’s food and was having a drink in the drawing room when Daisy collapsed.

“What happened?” Alexis asked.

“She just fell. I think it’s the blood sickness.”

As they got to the top of the stairs, Sera came running towards them.

“Alexis, get the door.”

Alexis opened the door, and Byron placed Daisy on the bed while Amelia explained what happened to Sera.

“What will we do? She’s getting worse,” Amelia said in a panic.

“Should we call the doctor?” Katie asked.

Byron pulled Amelia into a hug. “There’s nothing a human doctor can do for blood sickness. She’ll keep feeling Victorija’s pain.”

Sera kneeled by the side of the bed and held Daisy’s hand. “What about Sybil, or Magda? Do they have any ideas on how to deal with this?”

Amelia rubbed her baby bump. “I asked Magda, and she said she would consult some of her books and friends.”

Bhal came running into the room. “Is Daisy well?”

“She doesn’t look it, does she, Bhal?” Sera said sarcastically.

Bhal sighed and turned to Byron. “Principe?”

Byron kissed Amelia and said, “You settle Daisy with Katie and Sera while I talk to Alexis and Bhal.”

The three stepped outside and shut the door.

“What can we do, Principe?” Bhal said. “She’s going to come for Daisy—in fact, I’m surprised she hasn’t already.”

Alexis hissed. “Just let her try. I’ll rip her head off.”

Byron held up her hand. “I know how much you hate her. Her vampires killed Anna, but to beat Victorija and protect Daisy, we need to keep clear heads, especially as Victorija gets less clear-headed with blood sickness.”

Bhal nodded. “There’s something badly wrong at the centre of the Dred clan. My sources say Anka is involved, and if she is, we and the world are in trouble.”

“You’ve met her?” Alexis asked.

Bhal nodded. “A long time ago, and the devastation she caused to the human population was vast. She made humans distrust any of us who had paranormal skills. It took a lot to trap her.”

“Now it seems she’s found her way out,” Byron said. “She feeds on power, the power of other paranormals. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that she is using Victorija for her power.”

“What’s our next move, Principe?” Alexis asked.