Byron walked over and put her hand on Bhal’s shoulder. “That is why it has to be you. Alexis may be my Duca and best friend, but you are my mentor and my family. This is something only family would do for each other. I need you to do it. Please don’t let me become what I’ve always feared.”

Bhal was silent, so Byron said, “Bhal, I am asking you this as a warrior. You wouldn’t leave a wounded comrade lying in torment on the battlefield. You would put them out of their misery. Wouldn’t you?”

Bhal gave a huge sigh and turned around. “Yes, I would help them.”

Byron held out her hand and Bhal clasped her arm in a warriors’ handshake. “If the worst comes, then I will take your heart and your head. I give you my word of honour.”

She knew how hard this was for Bhal, but Byron was also certain that she had the courage to do what was necessary. “Thank you. I know what your word of honour means.”

Bhal bowed her head and walked to the office door.

“Oh, and Bhal?”

“Yes, Principe?”

“I know my family will take care of Amelia, but Sera will be lost. She will be faced with a new life. Will you guide her, protect her, and make sure she is safe?”

“Till the very end.”

* * *

“Daisy!” Amelia rushed to embrace her friend as soon as she walked into the room.

“Are you okay, Amelia? Those creepy vamps wouldn’t tell me anything.”

Amelia pulled back from the hug and sighed. “Physically, but my head has never been more mixed up in my life. Are you okay?” Amelia touched the bite on Daisy’s neck.

Daisy jumped slightly and gave her a strange look. “I’m fine, I’m fine. They told me downstairs it would clear up in a few days. It’s weird, isn’t it. I’ve been searching for real proof of the paranormal all my life, and then a vampire just walks up and bites me.”

“Thank you for going to the club, and helping to save me,” Amelia said.

“I wasn’t going to let you be alone with a creepy vamp.”

“Let’s sit.” Amelia pulled her over to sit on the bed. “You knew Victorija was a vampire, didn’t you?”

“Not a vampire, but something paranormal. I get these feelings when I touch a paranormal creature. My friends call it my Spidey sense. They don’t seem to be able to compel me either. Victorija tried, and so did Alexis, the vamp downstairs. I think the Debreks are frightened I’ll put this on YouTube.” Daisy pulled out a silver locket that was hidden under her T-shirt. “My mum always said this would protect me from any spooks out there. It was my grandmother’s.”