“It’s their spirit animal or totem. Mum said they think that’s where the myth of vampires turning into bats comes from. They are an all-female clan and don’t drink the blood of humans, only animals, to keep their connection to nature strong,” Katie explained.

“Why do they live in the Debrek castle, then?”

“That I don’t know. The Debreks have a long history, and have made lots of friends over the years. A bit like Bhal and her Samhain warriors,” Katie said.

“Yet another mystery. I don’t suppose you know that story, do you?” Amelia said.

“No, that one is a mystery to me too. Bhal never talks about her past.”

They carried on unpacking and chatting for another twenty minutes, before Byron returned and said to Amelia, “Are you ready to see the Debrek secret?”

Byron escorted Amelia to a sitting room on the second floor. She knocked on the door, and opened it. “This is our secret.”

Amelia looked into the room and saw Sera sitting on a couch, and a frail looking old lady standing by the windows. “This woman is your secret?” Amelia whispered.

Byron smiled. “This is the Grand Duchess.”

The old woman turned her head, and smiled. “Ah, you’re here at last. Come in, my dear.”

Chapter Twenty-five

They all sat on intricately carved, but old and threadbare, red damask covered couches, next to a big open fireplace, while the Grand Duchess poured out some tea. The room was silent and Amelia felt nervous.

The Grand Duchess handed Amelia a cup, and said, “Help yourself to milk and sugar, my dear.”

Amelia took the cup and tried her best not to shake. “Thank you, Grand Duchess.”

“Call me Lucia. Grand Duchess makes me feel very old, which I am, I suppose.”

She handed Byron her cup, and started to poured Sera’s. “It’s such a long time since I’ve been here, but nothing much changes, does it?”

“No, it’s still dusty, and cold,” Sera said.

Lucia chuckled. “You are too used to the good things in life, Sera. Amelia? Give me your hand.”

Amelia nervously held out her hand, and Lucia smiled and let out a breath of relief when she touched her.

“I knew it was you. I’ve been waiting for you for a very long time,” Lucia said.

Amelia looked at Byron and Sera before saying, “What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

“To answer that I need to explain to you the secret of how the Debreks produce new generations of born vampires. The thing that all other vampire clans covet. The secret is me.”

“You?” Amelia said with confusion. “What does that mean?”