“We believe she is working with the Dreds, yes,” Alexis said.

He gulped and stood up quickly. “Well, it was so nice to see you again. I better get back to the bar. Goodbye.”

Once he was gone, Byron and Alexis looked at each other.

“He’s terrified,” Alexis said.

Byron replied, “Anka. She’s at the heart of everything. We need to keep looking.”

* * *

Daisy didn’t know if she liked being on the horse or over Victorija’s shoulder the best. No, she did. “Let me down, Vamp,” she shouted.

And actually this time, Victorija listened. She dropped her to her feet and threw the bags on the stone ground.

“What are you playing at?” Daisy said.

They had arrived in an alley at the side of a shop.

Victorija placed her palms against the wall and gasped for air. “Will you just be quiet.”

“Be quiet? No one tells me to be quiet, especially not some vamp.”

Victorija groaned. “You know, I’ve never tried to do a selfless act and save someone before, but I’d imagined they’d be more grateful.”

“My shoulder’s killing me, and I’ve just had it bumped for the entire way.”

Daisy was pulled from her indignation by Victorija crouching down and vomiting. Daisy hurried over and placed a hand on her back. Victorija flinched. It struck Daisy then that it had been centuries since Victorija had been touched by a caring hand.

Victorija heaved again and brought up a mouthful of blood.

“What’s happening?”

“The animal blood, my body is rejecting it. Using my powers is weakening me. Can you go to the bag and bring me one of the blood pouches?”

Daisy hurried to open the bag and found about ten blood pouches, bottles of the potion she’d seen her drinking, and some bottled water. She grabbed the blood and a water and headed back over to Victorija.

Victorija’s eyes were ruby red as she quickly sank her teeth into the bag.

“Why were you drinking the animal blood if you had these?”

“Because”—Victorija gasped—“I had to ration them. I doubt you would let me take someone off the street and drink them dry.”

“You’re dead right, but you can’t go on like this.” Daisy was going to have to let her feed on her, but she couldn’t help but fear what might happen.

“I just need some rest, and we’ll move on in the morning,” Victorija said.

“Do you even have a plan to stop this blood bond?”

Victorija took the bottle of water and washed the blood from her face. “Yes, there’s someone my father consulted. He lives not too far from here. I think he might be able to help. There’s a nice hotel just down the street. A night’s rest will help me.”

“Where are we?”

“Gather the bag up and I’ll show you,” Victorija said.