Victorija got into the back of the limo and Drasas sat in the front, beside the driver. There was a human waiting in the back seat for Victorija, and she started to unbutton her blouse. “Just what I want, Drasas. Now I need to feed.”

Her hunger was intense after being in Amelia’s company, and she needed to lose herself in blood. Her fangs erupted, and she sank them quickly into the compelled human’s neck. She imagined what it would be like to feed and drain the woman she had just left, and the mere thought was intoxicating.

* * *

The Debrek plane and its crew waited patiently while Byron said goodbye to her sister on the tarmac below.

Byron enjoyed the warmth and comfort of her sister’s hug. Apart from her mother, Sera was the only other woman who could safely give her that intimacy now.

Sera pulled back and cupped her cheek. “I’m so happy you’re doing this, Byron. I know it’s not easy for you to admit there’s something wrong, but the Grand Duchess will help you.”

Byron nodded. Sera only knew that she was struggling with her hunger and emotions. She didn’t know the darkness that was inside her, and how she had struggled against it when she’d ascended and said goodbye to her humanity. That was what she feared, that her bond, her need for Amelia was going to destroy her control and let the monster inside her out.

“I know what I need to do, for the family, the clan, and the business. I’ll be as good as new in no time.” Byron forced a smile on her face.

“You need to do it for you, Byron.”

Byron gave her a final kiss on the cheek and said, “Don’t leave here. I can’t be worried about you with Dreds swarming all over Europe.”

“I promise. I told you, I’ve learned my lesson.”

“Good girl. Goodbye, Sera. Et sanguinem familiae—blood and family,” Byron said seriously.

Sera smiled and repeated the Debrek motto. “Blood and family.”

Byron boarded the plane, followed by Alexis, and they were soon in the air, headed to where it all began for the Debreks—Venice.

* * *

The Grand Duchess was as grand as her title. She stood with the aid of her walking stick, gazing at one of the many paintings on the wall of her drawing room, and surrounded by some of the most precious antiques and rare antiquities money could buy, her strings of pearls cascading over her ample bosom. Byron stood by the door, and waited for her to summon her. There was no one in the Debrek clan more revered than this small, white-haired, and richly dressed woman.

“Principe,” she said without looking around. “Come here.”

Byron walked to her and looked at the painting the Grand Duchess was gazing at.

“Beautiful, isn’t it? One of Leonardo’s earliest works.”