Sure, the city itself was just as perfect as it always had been. Nothing about New Orleans’ human culture had changed because of Sweyn, except for the vampire population she’d hidden here. And their numbers were only growing. I had no idea how The Coven had not caught on to Sweyn’s schemes, except for that they’d been children. Hell, they were mostly all still children. But it also was because New Orleans had its own energy, one so strong that you had to go looking for the fang gang in order to find them. You had to know where they lurked.

Pierce had been our most recent New Orleans resident turned vampire.

I glanced to my left to where the black-haired male stood looking sickeningly pale and fidgeting with his nails and the hem of his white sweater. Those red and green eyes were wide as he looked around at the city that used to be his.

“You okay, Pierce?” I asked softly.

He swallowed roughly. “Yes, sir.”

“Honestly?”

“No, sir,” he whispered. He closed his eyes and cringed. “I . . . don’t like being here.”

“Why not, Pierce?” I knew the answer, or at least suspected it, but I needed to hear him say it.

He shuddered, then looked to the ground, his face falling. “I don’t like being reminded of the life that was stolen from me,” he said softly.

I reached out and squeezed his shoulder lightly. “It was wrong what happened to you.”

Those red and green eyes shot up to me with the most incredulous expression. “Really? You think so?”

“Without a sliver of a doubt. No one deserves what she did to you.” I nodded and dropped my hand. “We may not be able to ever fully make it right, to give you back what she took, but if you give me time and patience . . . I will try to help you make a future as bright as possible. Okay?”

I held his stare, willing him to understand my true intention.

“I am with you, Lord Everest. And them.” He gestured to my right to where Braison, Malik, and Libby were walking up to us. “Particularly Lord Braison, sir.”

I smirked. My message was definitely received. I nodded. “Do you have family?”

His eyes darkened. “I am afraid to speak on that.”

“I see. Then do not.” I nodded again and slid my hands into my pockets. “Give it some time.”

Sam rushed out from behind a building, her red and gold eyes wild and full of emotion. I must’ve been making a face because when her gaze met mine, she cringed and then raced to my side. She slid to a stop beside me, tucking that blonde hair behind her ears. “Sorry, I had to run an errand⁠—”

“Why do you smell like a dragon, Sam?” I whispered.