She had known Bhal all her life. Bhal had tutored her in weapons, fighting, and military strategy, preparing Byron for her Ascension Day, the day when born vampires said goodbye to the last part of their humanity.

Bhal looked as young as Byron did but was so much older than her own three hundred years. Bhal was not a vampire, but something altogether different, and much more ancient.

“Amelia being here presents some dangers and difficulties, and I need to anticipate them, because she means a great deal to me.”

Bhal smiled with the pride of a mentor. “I knew someone would make you take these risks one day, Byron. I can see the way you light up when she is in your company.”

“I know I always told you that I would never care for anyone like that, but I just couldn’t walk away from her. I’ve put my clan ahead of my personal life for three hundred years, and if I am to try to bring her into my world, I need to take precautions. The Dreds—”

Bhal leaned forward. “The Dreds have not made a move in a long time. Gilbert is lazy, selfish, and too paranoid about his clan members plotting against him to make a stand against you.”

Byron sat back in her seat, and said, “That’s true. If he remains Principe. Victorija is different. She is sadistic, cruel, without a sense of right and wrong, but she is clever and ambitious. If Victorija got her hands on the clan, things would change, and if she found out about Amelia, she would do everything in her power to use her against me.”

Bhal said, “I was there when your great-grandfather exiled Gilbert and his wife. Gilbert split the Debrek family into two, simply because he could not accept the oath of consent. Gilbert was exiled. Victorija was only a child, and she saw her father’s anger, his humiliation, but I doubt she would want to avenge that. Her main focus, if she ever gets her hands on her clan, would be making them powerful again, but shifting a born vampire is no easy task.”

“If anyone could overcome that obstacle, it would be Victorija,” Byron said and then leaned forward and fixed Bhal with her gaze.

“Bhal, I need you to make Amelia your top priority. No matter what I say, Alexis will always look out for me first. I need you to look out for Amelia no matter what is happening. If we are caught in the middle of a fight, I need to know that while Alexis and I are facing the enemy, you have Amelia safe under your protection.”

Bhal finished her drink in one gulp and put the glass on her desk. “My tribe is sworn to protect your clan, and I will follow your orders to the letter, Principe, because I know Alexis will die to keep you safe.”

“Let’s hope no one will be dying…again.” Byron smiled.

Bhal chuckled and stood, offering her hand to Byron. “I won’t take my eyes off her.”