‘Julius Rennigan, our new Councillor, decreed a new law. All vampires must report to the Founder’s Quarters within the week to be documented,’ said the unmistakable voice of Rhiannon Shade.

She woke up again in the same hospital room. She wondered if it was the same day or a new one.

Emptiness withered inside her. Every time she awoke, she expected to see a familiar mop of tangled black hair and piercing green eyes. It was the longest she’d been without him since he first arrived. And Bethan didn’t know what to do with herself. But that didn’t mean she was unhappy to see Circe seated on the uncomfortable hospital chair beside her bed. Circe’s hardened gaze sent a wave of uneasiness and caution into the room. Bethan was so used to deception and betrayal that she wasn’t sure if Circe was someone she could truly trust.

Especially after Elnora, her closest friend.

Not only had she framed Kellan, but she drugged her for an entire year.

How could she be so sure of Circe?

Elnora could be easily swayed and often has no regard for other people. But Circe was stubborn and staunch.

Circe could never be bought.

Circe stared at her with folded arms crossing over her chest. She wore the same beige blouse she wore the last time she had awoken.

Circe leant forward as she looked around to the outside window that revealed the hospital hallway. It made Bethan feel uneasy that people could watch her in the window while she slept. Reminders of Tharin watching her sleep when they were together made her stomach turn.

She could feel the breath of Circe’s dark lips.

‘I told you not to trust the Rennigans,’ Circe said.

And Bethan let out a sob.

‘You know?’ she asked.

‘I don’t know what happened at Rennigan House, but Edington warned Ursula and me that something wasn’t right. He told us we were the only ministers he could trust.’

Did Edington know what Julius had planned for him? The thought of Edington knowing he was going to die made her heart shatter.

‘They think you forgot everything that happened,’ Circe said, rolling her eyes. ‘Bethan, is your magic back?’

She nodded and filled Circe in on everything that transpired. She kept her voice low in case the healers outside could hear somehow.

By the time Bethan finished, Circe was shaking.

‘They started it all?’ she asked in sheer disbelief.

‘So, the Kore witch is essentially just a Blood Witch.’

‘I guess so,’ Bethan replied.

‘Fuck.’ Circe’s lips stretched into a small smile. ‘That’s so cool.’

Bethan laughed for the first time in what felt like an eternity; however, it didn’t last long. The pair sat in silence; the only sound the news broadcast coming from the TV in the corner.

Rhiannon Shade’s voice loudened.