She made her way out of the house followed closely by Alexis. When they got into the car, Alexis said, “If we go in for her, there will be a fight, and we’ll break the covenant of The Sanctuary.”

“When Victorija took my Principessa, she committed an act of war. We have no choice. Slaine will understand.”

Byron looked down at her shaking hands, and clenched them shut. She needed to be strong for Amelia.

* * *

Victorija leaned over and whispered to Amelia, “I have to leave you for a few moments, but I have eyes everywhere, and you won’t leave this table. Will you?”

Why couldn’t she think? Why couldn’t she clear the fog from her brain? Amelia could do no more than echo Victorija’s command. “I won’t leave the table.”

Victorija smirked. “Good girl. Do excuse me, I have people to compel to my will. You know how it is.”

When Victorija walked away, Amelia just stared into the distance, unable to move as she wished. She swayed to the music being played in the club, as if she was drunk. It was a horrible feeling. After a few minutes, she heard a distant voice behind her.

“Amelia? Amelia, it’s me. Turn around.”

She used all her concentration and turned her head. Through the fog of her brain—or was that dry ice?—she saw Daisy, dressed in a beanie hat and black clothing to try to disguise who she was.

“Amelia, are you okay?” Daisy whispered.

Amelia tried to make her brain work, but she just couldn’t. “I can’t think…”

Daisy reached out to her and said, “Touch my hand.”

Amelia stared at her hand but didn’t take it.

Daisy repeated, “Take my hand, Amelia. You can do it.”

She pushed and pushed and her hand moved to take Daisy’s. At the contact, she felt a jolt, and the fog started to lift.

“What? What’s going on?” Amelia said in a panic.

Daisy placed her finger to her lips, and showed Amelia her iPhone.

Amelia was starting to remember Byron’s visit, then going to the club with Victorija—everything was hazy after that.

She read the note typed on the phone. Don’t say anything. They can hear us. Victorija compelled you to do as she says. She’s a vampire.

Amelia gasped and looked up, ready to say something, but again Daisy put her finger to her lips, so Amelia mouthed, Vampire?

Daisy nodded and pointed back to the phone.

What was going on here? Vampires?

They exist. Victorija and her people are vampires. You have to believe me and trust me. I can get us out of here. On my signal, walk to the bathroom. I’ll meet you there and we can escape out the window. Nod if you understand.