“Well, from birth born vampires are still part human, although the vampire blood from their parents makes them stronger, faster, and highly intelligent, but to become an immortal vampire—they have to lose their humanity.”

“She told me that this morning, but I just can’t…Wait—I just realized that I’ve never heard her heart beat. All the times we were close.”

“It beats very rarely, yes. When the Debreks reach eighteen they are asked if they wish to become fully undead vampires. It’s their choice.”

“Everything seems to be about choice and consent, except getting married apparently,” Amelia said sarcastically.

Bhal smiled. “Yes, it’s what they live by. The Debreks are grateful for the gift of blood, but the Dreds believe humans are food. End of story.”

Amelia pictured Victorija grabbing Daisy and feeding from her with a cruel smile on her face. “Victorija was so charming. I would have never guessed—”

“She is, most vampires are, but when you are brought up with no compassion it’s hard to fight the natural urges they have. Hunt, feed, and kill.”

“Byron isn’t like that. She would never harm anyone,” Amelia said.

“They all have that potential, but it depends how it’s nurtured. I’ve known Byron and Sera since they were born, and they were brought up with good principles—”

“Wait.” Amelia stopped Bhal in her tracks, with a hand on her leg. “Byron is three hundred years old. How old are you?”

Bhal started laughing. “Too old.”

“But you’re not a vampire?” Amelia asked.

“No, I am a Celtic Samhain warrior. Many, many centuries ago, my warriors were bound by honour to serve the Debreks.”

Amelia squeezed her head between her hands. “All of this is just blowing my mind. Every time I think I know everything, I realize I know nothing.”

“Our world is normal to us, but I understand that it is hard to comprehend for you,” Bhal said.

Amelia took the hip flask and swallowed down some more burning alcohol. “You’re not wrong.” After a minute of contemplation, Amelia said, “Byron chose to become a full vampire?”

“Yes, she went through the ascension ceremony. They are reborn as a powerful born vampire. More powerful than any ordinary turned vampire.”

“Like a super vampire?”

“Exactly,” Bhal said. “They gain immortality, but lose the last of their humanity. Being born of vampire blood enhances their power, skill, strength, and speed. Byron as firstborn of two exceptional vampires is the most powerful vampire in existence, maybe the most powerful ever. No one can match her for speed and strength, not even Sera.”

“Bloody hell.” It shouldn’t have come as any surprise to Amelia. Byron had a calm authority, characteristic of someone who had no equal, yet she was kind and compassionate and did not have an ego like Victorija.