Summoning Shadows: A Rosso Lussuria Vampire Novel by Winter Pennington

said, still unnerved by the fact that Iliaria and I had been awake and completely unaware of what had happened within the walls of the Sotto. “So do we assume they’ve taken Dante for information or that Dante has possibly betrayed us?”
    “Dante would not do such a thing,” Renata said. “His loyalty has been unwavering for centuries. Why would it waver now?”
    “Love or hate,” I said, remembering something Vasco had once told me, “or something to gain.”
    Renata stubbornly shook her head. “He would not, Epiphany.”
    “Still,” I said, “it is a possibility to consider, nothing more, my lady. In a predicament such as this, how could I not think it?”
    “She’s right, you know,” Iliaria said. “More than ever, those you trust should be questioned.”
    Renata stood. “I know Dante,” she said. “I will worry about the strength of his loyalty and oath later, but now I am more concerned with finding him. I am his queen, I should be able to sense him, and thanks to the witch your kin conspire with, I cannot even sense my own vampire.”
    “There’s still Cuinn,” I said.
    I felt Cuinn stir at my mention of him.
    “Yes, there is Cuinn, and had he been able to sense Dante, we would have sensed him when searching for Dominique, Epiphany. I did not sense a thread for Dante,” she said.
    “I didn’t remember,” I said.
    The clap of wings startled me and I turned to find Anatharic, Vasco, and Savina near the doors.
    There was blood on Vasco’s shirt.
    “What’d we miss?” he asked.
    “Where’s Dominique and Nirena?” I asked.
    “Tending to the Donatore and making ready for when the Elders rise,” he said, his gaze slipping to Renata. “My lady?”
    “Dante is still missing,” she said. “How do you suppose we find him?”
    Vasco appeared thoughtful for several seconds before he whipped around in a dance-like move to Savina.
    “No,” Savina said. “I’ve helped your clan already, vampire. I’ve granted your boon. You’ve no more promises to dangle over my head.”
    “We were friends once, Savina.”
    “Once does not mean now, Vasco.”
    “I helped you and yours in your time of need,” he said.
    “Sì,” she said, “and I am forever grateful, but you’ll not charm and manipulate me into risking my neck any more than I already have.”
    “Why do you despise us?” I asked, honestly perplexed.
    She turned to glare at me. “What business is it of yours?”
    “I’m curious, is all. You seem to bear quite the grudge against our kind, and yet I can’t fathom why.”
    “What grudges I bear and do not bear is none of your concern, vampire.”
    “I have a name,” I said. “You’re more than welcome to use it.”
    “Savina’s family was attacked by Il Deboli,” Vasco said. “Might I remind you, Savina, that was centuries ago. We are not your enemies, nor are we Il Deboli. I told you then and I tell you now, Il Deboli go against our laws. They do not follow the true ways of our society.”
    “You’re not exactly my amigo, Vasco.”
    Vasco shook his head, his expression somber. “Only of your own doing, Savina. You chose to give up our friendship when you found out what I am.”
    Savina didn’t reply. In fact, she averted her eyes as if looking at him pained her. After several moments, she finally said, “You loved my brother well.”
    “I tried to save him, Savina,” Vasco said, his voice tempered with kindness. “You are not the only one who suffered at his loss.”
    “No,” she said and her voice was so soft it was nearly inaudible, “but I am the only one that lost both of you.”
    Vasco spread his arms. “I cannot change who I am, Savina, no more than you can. I am sorry that I could not love you the way I loved Emanuelle.”
    Savina flinched slightly. “You could have been honest with me instead of playing me for a fool.”
    Vasco sighed. “How could I have been honest with you when it was a struggle being honest with myself?”
    “You have a son.”
    A