When they entered the drawing room, Sera sat beside Amelia and Katie on the couch. Everyone else was circled around the couch or sitting on chairs.

Byron stood in front the fireplace, and the chatter quietened down. “Alexis, Bhal, and I are about to leave for France. It’s imperative that we rescue our friend Daisy from the Dred clan, and Victorija. Daisy is not only our friend, but she is a descendant, and along with Amelia, her destiny is to bring the paranormal world together against the darkness that is approaching. Sera will be in charge of our vampires while we are away, with Wilder helping.”

Wilder nodded. “Yes, Principe.”

“Thankfully, Magda helped Amelia cast a circle of protection around the house, so that will keep Anka and the Dreds out, but keep on your toes.”

Amelia looked intensely worried. Byron said, “Could I have a moment with the Principessa, please?” As everyone filed out, Amelia made her way over to Byron’s arms. Byron heard her sniffle. “Hey, don’t cry.”

Amelia wiped away her tears. “I’m sorry. I want you to save Daisy, but at the same time I don’t want you to go.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. I feel the same.” Byron put her hand on Amelia’s baby bump. “Everything in my being is telling me to stay with you, to protect you, but I know duty and friendship mean I have no choice but to go. Daisy is too important.”

Amelia straightened Byron’s tie. “I know. She is my sister-in-arms, as Magda put it. Go and bring her back quickly.”

Byron kissed Amelia deeply and then rested her forehead against hers. “I will think of you every minute. Walk me to the door?”

Amelia smiled and took her hand, and they walked out into the hallway. She saw Alexis and Katie kissing each other goodbye. It was the first time the newlyweds were going to be parted for an extended period.

In contrast, Bhal was with Sera, giving her a list of dos and don’ts for while she was away, and Sera was getting increasingly angry, and started bickering.

Sera snapped, “Look, Bhal, I know this. I’m not an idiot. Just go, will you?”

Bhal said, “Fine. You know everything.” She stomped out the front door. Those two always clashed, but when push came to shove, Byron knew Bhal would die for her sister.

Alexis gave Katie one last kiss and joined Byron. Before she walked out the door, Byron addressed everyone, both staff and family, who were seeing them off.

“Look after each other, and make sure the Principessa is safe.” Byron looked at Amelia and winked. Then she turned to everyone and spoke the Debrek motto and vow: “Et sanguinem familiae—blood and family.”

Everyone repeated the motto, and Byron forced herself to turn her back and walk away from her wife. It was so hard.