can’t fathom.”
His arrogance infuriates me. He doesn’t know what my father taught me—or failed to teach me. He’s pointing out my weaknesses with backhanded compliments. He’s trying to unsettle me, and I expect nothing less from him on this crucial night. But I’m ready. My parents taught me that he talks in riddles and circles. They taught me how to stay calm, to stay focused. To change the subject…
“I would like to discuss the recent abductions from the city,” I say, unsnapping the hinges on my briefcase and pulling out some paperwork that lists the names and includes photos of those who have gone missing. Just as I did when Rachel gave me the information, I hesitate at the top photo. Shaggy Guy is staring back at me. Swallowing hard, trying not to think about how much danger Tegan and I were truly in, I slide over copies of all the information. Valentine doesn’t move to take it. “Over the past week, four of our citizens have been abducted.”
Valentine slowly places his goblet on the table. “Do you believe my underlings are responsible?” he asks, his hands clasped at his lips, eyes not on mine.
“We have witnesses who saw the abductions who say vampires are responsible. We know that a great lord such as yourself would not condone such actions, but we also realize that Lesser vampires are not always in your control.”
“They are always in my control,” he reminds me with a stern voice that can silence cities. Silence lives.
“Of course,” I say. I fight the urge to apologize. He might see it as a weakness. I have to show him I’m strong. But if I don’t comment, he might see it as rude and snap my neck. I’m thinking too much. Just get the first night over with; that’s what Rachel said. She taught me everything I know about protocol. Tonight is a test for her as well. If I fail, my blood is on her hands. “Then who do you believe is responsible for the abductions?”
“Those who are foolish enough to step outside the city at night have only themselves to blame. The VampHu makes them fair game for the Lessers.”
People younger than twenty-one aren’t allowed beyond the walls at night. But anyone older than that is not detained by the guards at the heavily armored gates. They know the risks. After what Tegan and I did last night, it’s a little harder for me not to be sympathetic at the notion of wanting more freedom, but it’s so much more dangerous beyond the wall. Out there people are hunted down by roaming vamps. Sometimes vampires drain them immediately. Sometimes they take them captive and feed on them over time. Since the war, VampHu prohibits vampires from turning humans, and most vampires obey that little rule. They finally figured out that the more vampires there are, the less human blood there is to go around.
“But these are happening within the city,” I say, realizing this challenge may end my life. I think about the four who attacked me. I could tell him about them, but that will only complicate matters and show my stupidity and defenselessness.
“Are you implying that we’ve broken the VampHu Treaty?” he asks. “That’s a very, very serious accusation.”
The heads of the fourteen Old Families would convene to pass judgment if I filed an official complaint. As far as I know, no one ever has. “No, m’lord.”
“Rogue vampires are to blame. They travel from city to city, looking for weak walls and even weaker humans. They killed your parents, did they not? So do not blame the great House of Valentine for your reckless behavior. Your citizens make themselves victims. I will hear no more of this.”
I’m angry that he’s blowing off our legitimate concerns. But I can also sense the fury rolling off him because I dared to question his authority. I’m surprised he’s allowed me to continue breathing. I look through my agenda at other topics to address. This one is obviously over.
“Is the blood supply adequate?” I ask.
“No.”
Of course
His arrogance infuriates me. He doesn’t know what my father taught me—or failed to teach me. He’s pointing out my weaknesses with backhanded compliments. He’s trying to unsettle me, and I expect nothing less from him on this crucial night. But I’m ready. My parents taught me that he talks in riddles and circles. They taught me how to stay calm, to stay focused. To change the subject…
“I would like to discuss the recent abductions from the city,” I say, unsnapping the hinges on my briefcase and pulling out some paperwork that lists the names and includes photos of those who have gone missing. Just as I did when Rachel gave me the information, I hesitate at the top photo. Shaggy Guy is staring back at me. Swallowing hard, trying not to think about how much danger Tegan and I were truly in, I slide over copies of all the information. Valentine doesn’t move to take it. “Over the past week, four of our citizens have been abducted.”
Valentine slowly places his goblet on the table. “Do you believe my underlings are responsible?” he asks, his hands clasped at his lips, eyes not on mine.
“We have witnesses who saw the abductions who say vampires are responsible. We know that a great lord such as yourself would not condone such actions, but we also realize that Lesser vampires are not always in your control.”
“They are always in my control,” he reminds me with a stern voice that can silence cities. Silence lives.
“Of course,” I say. I fight the urge to apologize. He might see it as a weakness. I have to show him I’m strong. But if I don’t comment, he might see it as rude and snap my neck. I’m thinking too much. Just get the first night over with; that’s what Rachel said. She taught me everything I know about protocol. Tonight is a test for her as well. If I fail, my blood is on her hands. “Then who do you believe is responsible for the abductions?”
“Those who are foolish enough to step outside the city at night have only themselves to blame. The VampHu makes them fair game for the Lessers.”
People younger than twenty-one aren’t allowed beyond the walls at night. But anyone older than that is not detained by the guards at the heavily armored gates. They know the risks. After what Tegan and I did last night, it’s a little harder for me not to be sympathetic at the notion of wanting more freedom, but it’s so much more dangerous beyond the wall. Out there people are hunted down by roaming vamps. Sometimes vampires drain them immediately. Sometimes they take them captive and feed on them over time. Since the war, VampHu prohibits vampires from turning humans, and most vampires obey that little rule. They finally figured out that the more vampires there are, the less human blood there is to go around.
“But these are happening within the city,” I say, realizing this challenge may end my life. I think about the four who attacked me. I could tell him about them, but that will only complicate matters and show my stupidity and defenselessness.
“Are you implying that we’ve broken the VampHu Treaty?” he asks. “That’s a very, very serious accusation.”
The heads of the fourteen Old Families would convene to pass judgment if I filed an official complaint. As far as I know, no one ever has. “No, m’lord.”
“Rogue vampires are to blame. They travel from city to city, looking for weak walls and even weaker humans. They killed your parents, did they not? So do not blame the great House of Valentine for your reckless behavior. Your citizens make themselves victims. I will hear no more of this.”
I’m angry that he’s blowing off our legitimate concerns. But I can also sense the fury rolling off him because I dared to question his authority. I’m surprised he’s allowed me to continue breathing. I look through my agenda at other topics to address. This one is obviously over.
“Is the blood supply adequate?” I ask.
“No.”
Of course
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