“Her spidey sense, as Daisy calls it,” Amelia said.

“Yes,” Magda said. “Daisy’s father was a MacDougall, that’s why she doesn’t carry the family name, but the calling to be a vampire hunter…yes.”

Katie piped up, “Does Daisy know?”

“She does now, but not until very recently. Margaret kept the knowledge of the family business a secret. The calling had already gotten Daisy’s mother and father killed, and she couldn’t bear to lose Daisy, too.”

“And yet Daisy found her way to this secret life anyway, starting with her Monster Hunters YouTube channel.”

“Indeed,” Magda said, “that’s why it is a calling and not a job. Margaret works for a government agency based in Edinburgh that protects the public from paranormals with ill intent. Daisy’s mother worked there, too.”

Amelia was shocked. She turned to Byron and said, “You never told me about that.”

“The department? They got those of us who wanted to help with the war effort involved in World War Two.”

Amelia shook her head. “Every time I think I know something about this world, it turns out I don’t.”

“How will she get away from the Dred castle on her own?” Byron asked.

“There is only so much I know. Sybil knows more.”

“Alexis, Bhal, we’re going to rescue her. Daisy is one of us, and she’s obviously important for more than one reason.”

Amelia squeezed Byron’s hand. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

“Oh, and one more thing?” Magda said. “Amelia is one descendant, prophesied to bring the paranormal world together, and the second is Daisy.”

Everyone in the meeting room gasped.

“Daisy?” Byron said.

“Yes. She is as vital as Amelia. If Anka and Victorija find out, it will destroy our fight against them. They will kill her,” Magda warned.

* * *

Victorija walked down the hallway with as much energy as she could muster. She had to show her vampires that there was a marked improvement in her condition, and just give herself time to think.

Leo came towards her and said, “Feeling better, Principe?”

“Indeed I am. Thank you for bringing Daisy to me.”

“You’re welcome. Can I be of service to you, Principe?” Leo said.

“No, in fact I feel so much better, I’m going to take a ride out on one of the horses.”

Leo looked surprised and tense. “Very good, Principe. Have a good ride.”

When Victorija got around the corner, her shoulders slumped, and she was sure the pain of the blood sickness was etched on her face. She just needed time, but time was not on her side.

As Victorija gathered her breath, her exceptional hearing picked up several voices.

“Excuse me, Duca,” Leo said.

“One moment, Leo, I’m on the phone…Yes, Madam Anka. The plan is in place. She’s feeding from Daisy MacDougall now.”

“Make sure she is fit and healthy for me. I need the strength of a born vampire, and if I don’t have it, I can’t give it to you, Drasas, and I know how much you want to be Principe.”