“Why do you laugh?” Byron asked.

“I’m just thinking about how my life now resembles some sort of American TV show. You’ve brought flash and glam to my life, Byron.”

“Flash and glam?”

Amelia nodded. “When I’m not with you, in London, everything is grey and drab, but then you come and bring colour, vibrancy, excitement, and my life seems full of possibilities. You see? Flash and glam.”

“There’s lots more of that to come. Look.” Byron indicated for her to look forward and she saw they were approaching the rocky outcropping fast.

The boat got closer and closer, and then, there it was. Amelia gasped out loud at the sight in front of her. The Debrek Monte Carlo estate was hewn into the coastal rock, and the stone medieval-looking building appeared to be both part home and part fortress. There were at least four stories, and behind the building the rocky coastline was covered in thick green trees. Byron was right. This was completely isolated.

“It’s stunning, Byron.”

“I’m glad you think so. You can only get to this entrance by water, and I thought you would enjoy this view as much as I do.”

As they got closer, Amelia noticed that beneath the walled lower level was the estate’s own personal harbour with boats of all sorts, and over the side of the harbour was a private beach with a swimming area marked by buoys.

“You really live here?” Amelia said.

“Part of the year. I’m mostly based in London and I have other homes all over Europe and the United States, but this is special to me. I come here to be myself, secure in its privacy.”

The boat pulled in at the harbour and Alexis and the crew disembarked. Byron whispered, “Come on,” then kissed her tenderly on the cheek. “Let me show you my world.”

Amelia felt that once she stepped into Byron’s estate, it would be the start of something special, something serious, just like she wanted. She knew how private Byron was, and for her to bring her here was letting Amelia into her trust, and that meant so much to her.

* * *

Gilbert Dred sat on his throne, set on top of a raised dais. Victorija stood by his side, looking out over the throne room, full of his vampires.

Gilbert had a slight build, and Victorija had always assumed his feeling of physical inadequacy fuelled his sadistic tendencies. Everyone was afraid of Gilbert Dred, but now was the time for Victorija to step out from his shadow and take control.

“My daughter says someone requested an audience. That they have problems with my leadership,” Gilbert said.

Vic watched all the assembled vampires look to each other. Only some of her clan knew what was about to happen. She hoped that when they saw which way the wind was blowing, they would support her.

When no one was forthcoming, Gilbert stood and walked to the front of the dais. “Come on. Speak up. Does someone wish to say something? Hmm?”