“And then you’ve involved them, and they become obstacles.” Her tone is final, deadly. “The Vampire Syndicate has known about these prophecies for centuries, Auggie. They’re prepared. They sent someone to sweet-talk you, and you said no, but do you really think they’ll let you just fuck off to Ecuador or New Zealand or wherever?” She waits for an answer, but I have none to give. “It’s the digital age, and disappearing—really disappearing—isn’t easy, especially for a bunch of suburbanites with no training or experience. Credit cards, bank accounts, phones, medical records … all those things can be traced. You wouldn’t last a week.

“Those who believe in the Corrupter are true fanatics. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. You saw that guy back there!” Daphne shoots me a wide-eyed glance. “He came for you, but the second I got in his way, I was fair game. Right now, you’re reachable—they obviously know how to get to you without going through your family. But if your parents find out you’re in danger, and they remove you from Fulton Heights? They’re suddenly in the way, too, and they become necessary collateral. Can they swordfight?”

I freeze, chilled by the picture she’s painting. “Th-there’s still protective custody—or witness protection.”

“You think vampires can’t mesmerize cops or FBI agents?” she counters. “Not to mention the fact that you’d have to convince the authorities you’re worth spending those resources on in the first place. I don’t think you want to try that.”

“Why not?”

She lets out a bone-weary sigh. “That guy just now? He was human. Really strong and incredibly skilled, but still just a living, breathing human who really wanted you dead.”

“W-what…” But I can’t finish. I don’t know how to ask.

“What I’ve been trying to tell you is that if the legends of the Corrupter are real, then it’s already inside you, Auggie. You can’t escape the prophecies. There’s nowhere to hide.” Her words are blunt and cold as she navigates a corner into my neighborhood. “The Syndicate wants to keep you locked up as an incubator, and when humans find out what you might bring forth, they’ll want to kill you before you can hatch.”

Daphne’s tone is ominous, as if I need special emphasis to understand how extra-double fucked I am.

“Oh.” I swallow hard, my throat thick with fear.