The Vampire Diaries-15

Basedonthenovelsby
L.J.SMITH
andtheTVseriesdevelopedby
KEVINWILLIAMSON
&JULIEPLEC
CONTENTS
Cover
TitlePage
Preface
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Epilogue
ExcerptfromStefan’sDiariesVol.6:TheCompelled
ExcerptfromVampireDiaries:TheHuntersVol.1:Phantom
AbouttheAuthor
BackAd
OtherWorks
Copyright
AboutthePublisherPREFACE
Beforesomeonedies,theirbloodraces,poundingthroughtheirveins,filledwitheverythingthatmakesthemhuman—adrenaline,fear,thedesiretolive.It’sasoundlikenoother,asoundIusedtolistenforeagerly,inanticipationofthekill.Butthepoundingthatechoedinmyearsnowwasn’tcausedbyahumanheart.Itlackedthatfranticsensationthatmadebloodsoirresistible.Itwasmine…andmybrother’s.
Wehadbothbeenattheveryedgeofdeath,again,andwerenowfleeingbacktoLondon.
TheLondonI’dseenwasacityofdeceitanddestruction,whereinnocentliveswerelost,andbloodranthroughthestreetslikewater.Andnow,DamonandIwereheadedtheretostopit.Ionlyhopedthepricewouldn’tbetoohigh.
Merehoursearlier,IhadbeenattackedandleftfordeadbySamuel,atrulycunningandvindictivevampire.Damonhadsavedme.Ithadseemedlikeamiraclewhenmybrotherburstintothecottageanddraggedmetosafetyjustbeforetheentirestructureburstintoflames.
ButIstoppedbelievinginmiraclesalongtimeago.Whatithadbeenwasluck.AndnowIneededluckonmysidemorethanever.Relyingoninstinctwasn’tenough.Myinstinctshadfailedmecountlesstimes,alwaysleadingtosomeone’sdeath.Andiftheyfailedmeagain,Iknewthattheensuingdeathwouldbemyown.AllIcoulddowasthrowmyselfintothebattleagainstevilandhopethatmyluckhadn’trunout.1
Thetrainwhistlepiercedthesilenceofthecarriage,startlingmeoutofmyreverie.Isatup,suddenlyalert.Wewereinafirst-classcabin,surroundedbyeverycomfortimaginable.Aplateofuntouchedsandwichessatonthetablebetweentwoplushredvelvetbenches,andapileofnewspaperswasstackedbesidethem.Outsidethewindow,thesceneryrolledby,lushandfulloflife,thefieldsoccasionallydottedwithherdsofcattle.Itwashardtoreconcilethecalmandbeautyofmysurroundingswiththehorrorandconfusioninmymind.
Corasatacrossfromme,asmall,leather-boundBiblelyingopeninherlap.Shestaredoutthewindow,unblinking,asiftheworldoutsidecouldofferhertheanswersIcouldn’t.Cora,aninnocenthumangirlwrappedupinthevampireworldthroughnofaultofherown,hadjustwitnessedhersisterturnintooneofthebloodthirstydemonsshefeared.
Justoneweekago,mylifewasaspleasant—Iwouldhesitatetosayasgood—asIcouldhavehoped.Afterall,beingatthemercyofmycravingstemperedsimplepleasureslikegolden-huedsunsetsandSundaynightdinners.Butmylifewaspeaceful.And,afteryearsofrunningfrommyenemiesandmyownguilt,peacewasperfection.
Aweekago,I’dbeenemployedatAbbottManorwhere,asthegroundskeeper,mybiggestconcernwaswhetherthepasturefenceneededrepairing.
Aweekago,I’dbeensittinginacomfortablered-velvetchairintheAbbotts’sittingroom,aglassofbrandyonthetablenexttomeandabookofShakespeareinmylap.EventhoughI’dhavetofeedonthebloodofasquirrelorsparrowtobesatiated,Iwasenjoyingthescentofaroastbeingpreparedbythefamily’shousekeeper,Mrs.Duckworth.
Aweekago,I’dwatchedasOliverAbbottranindoors,trailedbyhisolderbrother,Luke.Theywerebothfilthyfromplayingintheforest.Butinsteadofscoldingthem,theirmother,Gertrude,hadleaneddownandpickeduponeoftheorangemapleleavesthey’dtraipsedinwiththem.
“Beautiful!Isn’tfallenchanting?”Gertrudehadexclaimedindelight,examiningtheleafasifitwereapreciousjewel.
Myhearttwisted.Now,becauseofSamuel,Oliver’slittlebodywasburiedundertheleaves,drainedofblood.GertrudeandtherestoftheAbbottfamily—theirfather,George,Luke,andtheyoungest,Emma—hadbeenspared,butIcouldonlyimaginetheterrorinwhichtheynowlived.SamuelhadcompelledthemtobelieveIhadbeentheonetokidnapandkillOliver.ItwashisattempttoevenascoreIwasn’tawareexisted—Istillwasn’tsurehowitcametobe.
Isqueezedmyeyesshut.Damonhadjustleftthecarriage,mostlikelyfeedingonafellowpassenger.Ordinarily,Ididn’tlikemybrother’sinsistenceonfeedingonhumans.Butnow,Iwasthankfulforthequiet.We’dfledthefarmseveralhoursbeforeandIwasonlyjustbeginningtorelax.Myshouldersdroppedandmyhearthadstoppedhammeringagainstmyribcage.Fornow,weweresafe.ButIknewLondonwouldbeadifferentstory.
IglancedattheBible,stillopenonCora’slap.Ithadbeenwellreadbysomeone;thecoverwasfrayedandthepagesweredottedwithsmudges.ButtherewasnothingintheBiblethatcouldhelpher—oranyofusinthiscarofthedamned.
Inthedistance,Iheardfootstepscomingdowntheaisle.Myheartquickened.Isatup,readytodefendmyselfagainstwhoevercamearoundthecorner:Samuel,Henry,someothervampireminionIhadyettoencounter.IcouldfeelCoratensebesideme,hereyesgrowingwidewithfear.Ahandreachedaroundtopullthecurtainofthecarriageopen.Irecognizedtheornatelapislazuliringthatmatchedmyown,andbreathedasighofrelief.ItwasDamonreturning,hiseyeswildandbloodshot.
“Lookatthis!”hesputtered,wavinganewspaperinfrontofmyface.
Itookthepaperfromhishandandreadtheheadline:JACKTHERIPPERIDENTIFIEDBYEYEWITNESS.BelowtheblockletterswasanillustrationofDamon.Iquicklyscannedthefirstfewlines:Societymandiscoveredtobeunholykiller.ManabouttownDamonDeSanguehasbeenpositivelyidentifiedinrelationtotheMiller’sCourtmurderlastweek.
ThetrainlurchedtowardLondon,thecitythatwouldnowbelieveDamonwasJacktheRipper.Wewerelikemiceonourwayintoasnakepit.
“MayIsee?”Coraasked,holdingoutherhandexpectantly.
Damonignoredher.“Theycouldhaverunabetterpictureofme,attheveryleast.Thatillustrationdoesn’tdomejusticeatall,”hesaidsulkilyashesettledontothebenchnexttomeandcrumpledthepaperintoaball.ButIcouldseehishandsshaking—thefaintestoftremors,sosubtle,theywouldbeinvisibletothehumaneye.Thiswasn’ttheconfidentDamonIknew.
Corarifledthroughthepaperslyingnexttoouruntouchedbreakfasttrays.
“We’reonlyafewmilesoutsideLondon,”Isaid,lookingatDamon.“Whatwillwedowhenwegetthere?”Forallweknew,we’dbeapprehendedassoonasthetrainarrivedatPaddingtonStation.
“Well,”Damonsaid,throwingthewadded-upnewspapertothegroundandstompingonitforgoodmeasure.“I’veheardtheBritishMuseumisexquisite.Ihaven’thadachancetoseeityet.”
“Thisisserious,Damon.They’relookingforyou.Andoncetheyfindyou…”Ishuddered,thinkingofwhatwouldhappeniftheMetropolitanPolicefoundDamon.
“Iknowit’sserious.ButwhatamIsupposedtodo?HideforeternitybecauseI’mbeingframedforacrimeIdidn’tcommit?Samuelneedstopay.Besides,I’mnotafraidofthepolice.Imayhaveafewtricksupmysleeve.”
“You’reinthisone,too,”Corasaidquietly,holdingupthefrontpageoftheLondonGazette.Thisarticlehadnoillustration,onlyaheadline:JACKTHERIPPERDISCOVERED,STILLONTHELOOSE.
Damongrabbedthepaperandquicklyscannedit.Heturnedtome.“Thepresshaslabeledmeanobleman.Ilooklikeapaupernow,soIdoubtanyonewillrecognizeme,”hesaidasiftoconvincehimself.Lacinghisfingerstogether,hesmoothedbackhishair,thenrestedhisheadinhispalmsasifhewasasunbatheratthebeach.
Itwastrue:Hedidn’tlookatalllikeamemberofLondon’selite.Hisshirtwastornanddirty.Hiseyesweretiredandbloodshot,andhehadtheshadowofabeardcoveringhischin.ButhestilllookedlikeDamon.Hishairwasdarkandthick,fallinginawavylineoverhisstrongeyebrows,andhismouthwassetinhisusualhalf-sneer.
Catchingmelookingathim,Damonarchedaneyebrow.“Iknowyou’rethinkingsomething.Whydon’tyoujustsayit?”heasked.
“Weshouldn’tbegoingtoLondon,”Isaidflatly.Afterall,Damonwasawantedmaninthecity—aweak,friendlesswantedmanatthat.WehadnoideahowmanyothervampireswerealliedwithSamuel.Hisbrother,Henry,wasoneforcertain,butwecouldonlyguesshowfarSamuel’sreachextended.HecertainlymusthavehadfriendsinhighplacestoframeDamoninthemedia.
“NotgotoLondon?”Damonspat.“Anddowhat?Liveintheforestandwaituntilwe’refound?No.Ineedrevenge.Aren’tyouconcernedaboutyourlittlefriend,Violet?”headded,knowingthatwasexactlywhyIwasafterSamuelinthefirstplace.
IlookedatCora,desperatelyrummagingthroughthepapersasthoughoneofthemcontainedamaptosafety.Herblueeyeswerewidewithfright,andIwasstruckbyhowwellshe’dheldherselftogetherafterlastnight’sevents.She’dbeenbraveinthehoursbeforesunrise,whenwe’dbeenhidinginthewoodsandwaitingforthesearchpartytopass,despitethefactthathersisterhadjustbeenturnedintoademon.Now,Icouldonlyimaginethethoughtsswimminginherhead.
“IwanttorescueViolet.Ido,”Isaid,hopingthatCoracouldsensemysincerity.“Butweneedasoundplan.Wedon’tknowwhatwe’reupagainst.”
EvenasIsaidit,IknewDamonwouldneveragree.Whenhewantedsomething—romance,Champagne,blood—hewanteditnow.Andthesameappliedtorevenge.
Outofthecornerofmyeye,IsawCorasetherjaw.“WehavetogotoLondon.Iwouldn’tbeabletolivewithmyselfifIdidn’ttrytosavemysister,”Corasaid,hervoicerisingonthewordsave.Shefoldedthepaperwithacrispsmackandpointedtoanotherillustration.Iflinched,expectingtoseeDamon.Butinstead,itwasadrawingofSamuel,hischinheldhighandhishandraisedinapoised,politicalwave.
“Letmeseethat,”Damonsaid,snatchingthepaperfromCora’sgrasp.
“‘SamuelMortimer,thehopefulLondoncouncilor,vowstokeepthecitystreetssafe.“I’llkilltheRipperwithmybarehandsifIhaveto,”Mortimerpromises,tocheersofapproval,’”Damonreadfromthetext.“I’dliketoseehimtry.”
Iwinced.SamuelMortimer,derivedfromtheFrenchwordfordead.Ofcourse.AndneitherInorDamonhadrealizedit,eventhoughDamonwassoproudofcallinghimselfCountDeSangue.CountofBlood.IthadprobablybeenSamuel’sfirstcluetoDamon’struenature.
Ishookmyhead.Whatotherhintshadwemissed?Hadn’tIfallenintoSamuel’strap,too?I’dbelievedDamonwastheRipper.
“Promiseyouwon’tdoanythinguntilViolet’ssafe,”Corasaid.“Andthen,yes,killhim.Justdon’tletVioletbeapawn.”
Ididn’twanttomakeCoraapromiseIcouldn’tkeep.Iwasn’tevenconfidentthatDamonandIcoulddefeatSamuel,butIknewDamonwouldn’tpassupanyopportunitytotry.Iwantedtotellhertorunawayfromallofthis,asfarasshecould.GotoParis,changehername,andtrytoforgetthepast.Butshewouldn’t.Violetwashersister.Corawasboundtoher,justasIwasboundtomybrother.
IgaveCoraaslightnod,andforher,itseemedtobeenough.Irubbedmyeyes,tryingtowakemyselfup.IfeltasthoughIwasdrunk,ortrappedinadream.Everythingthathadhappenedinthepasttwenty-fourhourshadtakenonahazyquality,asthoughIhaddreamttheevents,notlivedthem.Butthiswasreal.
Thefieldsoutsidewerebecomingfewerandfartherbetween,andtheairhadtakenonagrayish,murkyquality.WhetherIlikeditornot,wewerenearingthecity.Inthedistance,aflockofswallowsflewintheoppositedirectionofthetrain,towardtheopencountryandtheseabeyondit.
“Don’tworry.We’llfindViolet,”Isaidhollowly.IhopedIcouldteachVioletthewaysofdrinkinganimalblood,ofquenchingcravings,oflivingwithaconstanthunger,thewayLexihadtaughtme.Ihopeditwouldn’tbetoolate.
Agrandfatherlyconductorwithwirygrayhairpulledbackthecurtainandwalkedintothecabin.HetippedhishatandsmiledkindlyatCora.Iwonderedwhatwelookedliketohim:threesiblingsonanouting?Twoyoungloversandachaperone?Itookcomfortinknowingthatinhiswildestdreams,he’dhavenowayofguessingourtruenatures.
“London,nextstop!”heannounced,hislookgrowingsuspiciousashenoticedDamon’sbloodstainedshirt.Thiswasn’ttheconductorwehadcompelledtoobtainourfirst-classcarriagecar,andIcouldtellfromthewayhepursedhislipsthathewassecondsawayfromaskingtoseeourtickets.
Damonturnedtowardhimandarchedaneyebrow.“Thankyou,”hesaidinalowvoice.Asmallsmileappearedonhisfaceashismindmeldedwiththeconductor’s.Inseconds,theconductorwascompletelyunderDamon’sspell.
Iwatched,impressedbyhoweasilyDamoncouldcompel,evenwhenhewaswoundedandhalfstarved.WhenIcompelled,Iwasoftenleftwithaheadacheandasourtasteinmymouth.Damonseemedtosuffernosuchsideeffects.
“You’llleaveusalonefromnowon.We’veshownyouourtickets.Youneversawus,”Damonsaid,hiswordssmoothandeven.
CorawatchedDamon,clearlycuriousastowhytheconductorwashangingonhiseveryword.SheopenedhermouthandIstartedtoshakemyhead,worriedshe’dbreakthecompulsion.ButsheonlywhisperedtoDamon:“Havehimgiveyouhishat.”
Damonglancedather,bemused.“AndIneedyourhat,”Damonsaidinthesamesmoothtonehe’dbeenusingthewholetime.
“Ofcourse,sir,”theconductorsaid,handingitover.
“Andthejacket,”Coraurged,raisinganeyebrow.
“Thejacket,too,”Damonsaid.Iwatched,impressed.ItwasasifCorawerecompellingDamon.
“Verywell,”theconductorsaid,shruggingoffhisdustygrayuniformcoatandneatlyplacingitontheseatnexttoDamon.Heshuffledoutofthecoachinhisshirtsleeves,thecurtainfallingclosedbehindhim.
“Thatwasgoodthinking,”Isaid.Ihadn’tmetahumansocomfortablewithvampiressince…well,sinceCallie.Ishookmyhead,tryingtodispeltheimageofthegirlI’donceloved.Calliewasthepast,andtheonlythingIcoulddonowwasfocusonthepresent.
“Itwasnecessary.Hisfaceisplasteredalloverthepaper.Atleastwedidn’thavetoaskforworse.”Corashuddered,andIknewshewasthinkingbacktoherowncompulsion,whenSamuelhadforcedherintobecominghisbloodslave.“Damon,assoonasyougetoffthetrain,putthoseon.Noonewilllookatyoutwiceiftheythinkyou’rearailroadman.It’snotfoolproof,butit’llhavetodo,”Corasaid,noddingtoherself.
“Thanks,”Damonsaidbegrudginglyashetriedonthehat.Fartoobigandslidingoverhiseyes,itwastheidealwaytohidehisfeatures.“Ladiesalwaysdosuchagoodjoboffindingthemostappropriateoutfitfortheoccasion.”
Cora’smouthtwistedasthoughshewasresistingtheurgetosmile.ShehadalreadyspentquiteabitoftimewithDamon,backwhenshewasbeingcompelledbySamuel.Iimaginedshe’dgottenusedtohisdark,occasionallysarcastichumor.
“Iknowwherewecango,”Corasaid.“Atleastforabit.”
“Doyou?We’dbemostobligedifyousharedthatinformationwithus,”Damonsaidinanexaggeratedshowofpoliteness.
Coraleanedtowardus,restingherelbowsonherknees.Herarmswerespatteredwithbloodfromtendingtomywounds.
“Oncewegetoffthetrain,justfollowme,”Corainstructed,keepinghervoicelowandglancingatthecabindoor.“Ican’ttellyouwhere.Idon’twantanyonetohear.Wecan’tbetoocareful.Isn’tthatright?”Coraasked,hertonechallengingDamontodisagree.
“Wellsaid,”Damonmutteredacquiescently.IwaspleasedbyCora’sforesightandherabilitytomanagemybrother.Shemayhaveseemedinnocentandna?ve,butshehadabackboneofsteel.
Coranoddedtightlyandwentbacktolookingoutthewindow.Istudiedher.Inadditiontothecrustedbloodonherarms,shealsohadredsplotchesonherbluecottondress.Fromadistance,itlookedthefabricwaspatternedwithroses
Thetrainwhistleblewthreeshortblasts.Wewereminutesfromthestation.
“Grabyourcoat,”CoraremindedDamon,asthoughshewereamotherspeakingtoherchildonasnowyday.
Damonshruggedhisshouldersintotheoversizegrayjacket,whichlookedalmostliketheConfederateuniformhe’dwornmorethantwodecadesago.
“Good,”Corasaid.“Now,Stefan,takeuptherearandmakesurenoonenoticesorfollowsus.”
“Ofcourse,”Isaidabashedly.I’dthoughtwe’dhavetoprotectCora,butitseemedCorawasprotectingus.Didthisdependenceonahumantoleadustosafetymeanwewereworseoffthanwethought?OrwasCorathegoodluckcharmI’daskedfor?Eitherway,Itrustedher.2
Soonenough,thetrainchuggedintoPaddingtonStation,trailingacloudofblacksmoke.
Thethreeofusmovedswiftlyandstealthilyoffthetrainandthroughthebustleoftheplatform.Asweheadedtowardtheexit,myeyelandedonthreepolicemenhuddledinthecenterofthestation.Oneturnedtowardme,hisgazerestingonmyfaceforamomentbeforemovingontoscantherestofthecrowd.Myshouldersrelaxed.Noonewassuspiciousofus.
TheareasurroundingthestationwasaworldawayfromtheornatebuildingsDamonpreferred,allgiltandgleamingmarble.Thesebuildingswerecrowdedtogetherandboardedup,andnooneseemedtobearound.Theairfeltheavy,asifitheldallthecity’sdirtsuspendedaroundus.
Darkcloudsweregatheringoverhead.“Lookslikeit’sgoingtorain,”Isaid.IshookmyheadassoonasIsaidit,disgustedwithmyattemptatsmalltalk.Isoundedlikeafarmertalkingtomyneighbor.
SimpleStefan,Iimaginedasmooth,dulcetvoiceteasing.IshookawaythethoughtofKatherine
“Isupposeso,”Damonsaidinhismaddeningnoncommittaldrawl,asthoughhewasstillinVirginiaandhadallthetimeintheworld.
“Areyouboysjustgoingtostandthere,orareyoureadytofollowme?”Coraasked,puttinghertinyhandsonherhips.
DamonandIglancedateachotherandnodded.“We’rereadyifyouare,”Damonsaid.
Coraquicklygotherbearings,thentookoffthroughthewinding,sprawlingstreetsofWestLondontowardthesludgy,slow-movingRiverThames.IusedtothinktheThameswasmajestic,flowingintotheAtlanticOceanandconnectingLondontotheworld.Now,itlookedmurkyandmalevolent.IfollowedafewstepsbehindCora,alerttoanysignsofSamuel,outragedcitizens,ortheMetropolitanPolice.Everysooften,I’dseeatumbleofchestnut-browncurlscascadingdownaslimbackandwouldglancequicklyaway.Evennow,whenIhadsomuchonmymind,Katherinehauntedme.
AswecontinuedtowalkalongtherivertowardthepedestrianbridgeacrosstheThames,familiarsightsofLondonloomedbeforeus.IcouldseethedomedchapelofSt.Paul’sCathedral,andfartherdown,BigBen.Beyondthatwerewarehousesthatabuttedtheriver.ThewarehouseswhereSamuelhadheldCoraundercompulsionandwhereViolethadbeenturnedintoavampire.Londonwasastudyincontrasts,withthechurchspiresthatreachedtowardtheheavensmaskingthehellishunderbellythatweweresteepedin.
Soon,wefoundourselvesontheStrand,thestreetclosesttotheThamesandoneofthecity’scommercialepicenters.Icaughtafewpeoplestaringatussuspiciously.Iwasn’tsurprised.Inourbloodstained,dirt-cakedclothes,welookedworsethanthebeggarswhooftenhungaboutthecitysquares.
“We’realmostthere,”Corasaid,alsosensingthesidewaysglancesofpassersby.Shesmoothedherdress,putbackhershoulders,andmarchedacrossthebridgewithoutabackwardglance.
“She’sagoodonetohavearound,”Damonobservedashefellintostepbesideme.
“Sheis,”Iagreed.Foronce,mybrotherandIwereonthesamepage.
Ontheoppositebank,Coraneatlyturneddownasetofwindingstonestepsleadingtotheedgeoftheriver.Theareaunderthebridgehousednothingapartfromagiantholeintheground,coveredoverwithwoodenplanksandironbeams.ThismusthavebeenaconstructionsiteforanUndergroundstation.IrememberedGeorgeAbbotttellingmeaboutthesetrains.TheplanwastoconnectallofLondonviaawebofundergroundtraintunnels.Thecity’sgoalwastohaveafunctionallinebytheturnofthecentury.Butjudgingbythestateofthehole,thecrewwasn’tinanyhurry.Thearealookedabandoned.
ItrailedbehindCoralikeanobedientpuppyasshepickedherwaythroughthesite.AKEEPOUTsignwastackedonanearbypostandalowpostandwirefencesurroundedthehole.Someworkerhadmadeahalfheartedattempttocovertheopeningwithasheetofcanvas,butIcouldseethetopofathinwoodenladderpokingout.Corastoppednearby.
“It’snotexactlytheCumberlandHotel,isit,brother?”Damonaskedwryly
SheignoredDamon’squip,focusedonthetaskathand.“Wecangetdownthisway,”shesaid,climbingoverthemakeshiftfence.
“Butisitsafe?”Iaskedskeptically.HowdidCoraknowhowtosneakintotheUnderground?
“Ofcourse.VioletandIslepthereonce,soifit’ssafeenoughfortwowomen,itshouldbesafeforanyvampire,”Corasaid.Hervoicehadateasingedgetoit.
“Yousleptdownherebyyourselves?”
Corashrugged.“Wedidn’thaveanymoney.Wepromisedtopaytheboardinghouseassoonaswehadjobs,buttheykickedusout.Iknewweshouldn’tsleeponthestreets,soweusedtowalkallnight.We’dstartbytheTenBellsandthenmakeourwayovertohere.We’dfollowtheriverandtelleachotherstoriestopassthetime.We’dletourselvesrestassoonasitgottobelight.Butthenonenight,Violetwasneardelusionalwithexhaustion,andwefoundthis,”sheexplained,gesturingtothetunnel.“It’sshelter,andwhenyou’refriendlessandsurroundedbyenemies,there’snoplacebetter,”shesaid,archinganeyebrowatDamonassheyankedthecanvasbackandswungoneleg,thentheother,ontotheladder.Sheclambereddownintothedarkness,quicklytrailedbyDamon.
“Wait!”Icalled,buttherewasnoanswer.JustasIsteppedontothefirstshakyrungoftheladder,Iheardasickeningthudfrombelow.
“Cora?”IcalledoutdesperatelyasIquicklyclimbeddeeperintothepit.“Damon?”
“Here!”Corasaid.“I’mallright.Justmind—”
Itookastep,expectingtofeelarungbelowmyfeet.Instead,myfootfellthroughair,andIlandedwithathudonmyback.
“—thedrop.”Cora’svoicecutthroughthedarkness.
“I’mfine!”Isaid,quicklystandingandbrushingmyselfoff.Iletmyeyesadjusttothelight.Wewereinacavernoustunnelthatsprawledoutinalldirections.Icouldhearwaterdrippingfromanunseensource.Icouldalsohearthefaintsoundofbreathing,faroffinthedistance,althoughIcouldn’tbesureitwasn’tmerelymyoveractive,paranoidimagination.
Damon’seyesglitteredinthedarkness.“Well,you’vetoldmeoftentogotohell.Ibelievewe’vearrived,haven’twe,brother?”
“Ithinkthisistheidealplacetohide.Butifyoudon’tlikeit,youcanleave.Icanfindmysisterbymyself.I’musedtodoingthingsonmyown,”Corasaidstonily.
“Youdon’thaveto,”Isaid.Iwasn’tgoingtoabandonCora.Iowedittohertokeephersafe.Imayhavefailedhersister,butIwouldn’tfailher.
“Stefan’sthrilledtohelpyou,”Damonsaidsarcastically.“Now,I’mgoingtoexcusemyself.It’sbeenaterriblyexcitingday,andImustrest,”hesaidashesauntereddeeperintothetunnel.
“Don’tyouwanttogo,too?I’mfinebymyself,”Corasaid,steppingtowardme.
“No,I’mstayingwithyou,”Isaidfirmly.
“Well,then,fairwarning,I’mnotthebestcompanyrightnow.”Shewalkedafewpacesaway,whereaman-madeledgewascarvedintothedirtwall.Sheclimbedupandswungherlegsbackandforth.Shelookedmorelikeagirlsittingonaporchswingatasummerbarbecuethanawomansurroundedbyvampires,hidingoutfifteenfeetbelowsealevel.
“Cora…”Ibegan.Iwantedtoletherknowhowmuchhersisterhadmeanttome.“EventhoughIonlyknewherforafewdays,IthoughtofVioletasasisterand…”
Corasighed.“I’mtired,andI’msureyouare,too.Please,canwejustnottalk?”
“Ofcourse,”Isaidquickly.Isettledontheharddirtfloor.Nottalkingwasprobablyforthebest.WheneverIgottooclosetohumans,somethingterriblehappened.IthadhappenedwithCallie.IthadhappenedwithViolet.IthadevenhappenedwithlittleOliver.AndIcouldn’tletithappenanymore.Andyet,Icouldn’thelpbutwanttocomfortCorainanywaypossible.Afterall,shemustbeterrified.Ifshekeptallheremotionslockedinside,they’dendupoverwhelmingher.Iknewthatalltoowell.
IsqueezedmyeyesshutsotightlyIcouldseestarsontheinsidesofmyeyelids.IfLexiwerehere,she’dhavesuggestedacupofgoat’sbloodteatofeelbetter.IfLexiwerehere,Iprobablywouldn’thavegottenintothissituationinthefirstplace.
Stopit,Isaidtomyself.Feelingsorryformyselfwouldn’thelpmatters.Ineededtosleep.Butlately,everytimemyeyesclosed,myminddriftedtotherootofmyproblems.HowI’dbecomewhoIwasnow.I’dclosemyeyes,eagertountangleacomplicatedwebofthoughtsandemotions,onlytobeinterruptedbytheimageofherporcelainface.Katherine.Herlarge,doelikeeyes.Herlips,parting,readyto…
Sc-ratch,sc-ratch.Myeyesshotopen.Aratwasburrowingnexttome,itsbeadyeyespracticallyglowinginthedarkness.Instinctively,Ireachedout,snappeditsneck,anddrankitsbloodinlarge,quickgulps.
Itwasasfoulasapoolofstandingwater,butitwassomething.Bloodofanykindstillhadanintoxicatingeffectonme,tappingintoaprimalpartofmybeingthatI’dtriedtosuppress.
ItwasonlyoncethebloodwasrushingdownmythroatthatIbecameawareofmysurroundingsagain,andrememberedCorawasonlyafewfeetaway.Pullingthedeadanimalfrommylips,Ileanedclosertoher.Herbreathingwasassteadyasever.Shemustbeasleep.Relievedshehadn’twitnessedmytruenature,Ilaidbackdown,tryingtofindacomfortablepositionontheground.
Andthenavoicecutthroughthedarknesslikethelightfromacandle.
“Ihopeyouenjoyedyourdinner.”Cora.Butshedidn’tsoundfrightened.Instead,shewasequalpartscuriousandconcerned.
Ifeltshamerisinglikebileinthebackofmythroat,minglingwiththeacridtasteofbloodfromtherat.IwantedtotellherIwassorry,thatIhadn’tmeantforhertoseethat.“Goodnight,”Corasaid,asifmymidnightsnackhadbeennothingbutaglassofwarmmilk.
Ilistenedtotheechoofhervoiceintheemptytunnel.“Goodnight,”Ifinallywhisperedback.
Butshedidn’tanswer.3
Throughoutthenight,Icouldheartheclawingofrodentsandtheendlessdrippingofwater.Londonseemedmilesaway,when,inreality,itwasonlyahundredorsofeetaboveme.Butdespitethedistractions,Isomehowfellintoadeep,darksleep.
…UntilIfeltthatfamiliarparanoidtenseness—someonewaswatchingme.Iopenedoneeye,thenanother.Apaleblueeyelookedback.Scramblingbackwardandinstantlyfullyawake,IrealizedIwasmereinchesfromCora.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Iaskedroughly,runningmytongueovermyteeth,relievedtofindthattheywereshortandstraight.AsIstood,Iheardthesickeningcrackofmyjoints.Imaynothaveagedintwodecades,butayearoflivingontheAbbottfarmhadsoftenedme;Iwasnolongerusedtosleepingonthehardground.
Cora’sfacefell.“I’msorry,”shesaid,sittingupandpullingherkneestoherchest.Shesmoothedthefabricofherskirtsdownoverherlegs.“Igotfrightened.”Herredhairwasmattedononesideofherhead,andthereweredarkcirclesunderhereyes.Herskinwassallow,andherlipswerecracked.Itwasoddtoseehersovulnerable,aftershe’dbeensostrongthepreviousnight.Itwasevidentthatsheneededafriend.Andtruthfully,sodidI.
“It’sallright,”Isaid,softeningmyvoice.“SometimesIjustdon’ttrustmyself.”
“Well,ifyoucan’ttrustyourself,thenwhocouldtrustyou?”Coraasked,herpiercinggazeboringintome.“Besides,Idon’tthinkI’lleverbesafe,”shesaidruefully.
Anuncomfortablesilencefellbetweenus.Beyondthesoundsofdrippingwaterandscramblingrodents,Icouldhearasymphonyofhumansoundsfromfaroffinthetunnel:coughing,limbscreaking,asteadythrumofheartspumpingbloodthroughbodies.Ourimmediatevicinitywasdeserted,andIknewCoracouldn’thearourneighborslikeIcould.Butweweren’ttheonlyinhabitantsoftheUnderground.IwonderedifthatwaswhyDamonhadbeeninsuchahurrytoleaveus.
“He’sfeeding,isn’the?”Coraasked,readingmymind.
“Mostlikely,”Isaid.Isatbackontheground,thedustsettlingaroundme.Inthedarknessofthetunnel,itwasimpossibletotellwhetheritwasnightorday.Notlikeitmatteredmuch.Withoutaplan,wewereinlimbo.
“Yousawmefeedlastnight.”Itwasnotaquestion.
Coranodded.“Iheardthesnapofbonesbreaking,soIlookedover.Itwasn’tterrible.NotsodifferentthanwatchingsomeofthemenattheTavernslurpsoup.Youdon’tfrightenme,Stefan,”shesaid,asthoughitwereachallenge
“DoesDamon?”
Corashookherhead,afarawayexpressioninhereyes.“No.Maybeheshould.Buthedoesn’t.Ifanything,Damon…what’stheoppositeoffright?”Coraasked,bitingherlip.
“Isupposetheoppositewouldbecomfort,”Isaid,mystifiedastohowwe’dgottenintothisthreadofconversation.
“Comfort…no,notthat,”Coramused.Asmallsmileappearedonherpaleface.“Ithinkyou’remorecomforting,evenifyouareverydestructivetorodents.Damonkeepsme…sharp.Hemakesmethink.Ifeellikethere’sanedgetohim,andyoualwayshavetobeatthetopofyourgame.Ineverwouldhavethoughtofhimstealingtheconductor’sclothesonmyown.ItonlycametomewhenIwaswatchinghim.”
“Itwasagoodidea,”Isaid,thinkingitwasshe,notDamon,whowassharp.She’dknownaboutthistunnel,afterall.
“Well,thankyou.IonlyhopeIkeepcomingupwiththem,”Corasaid,smilingslightly.Thensheturnedaway.“DoyouthinkVioletisdrinkinghumanblood?”
“Yes.”Therewasnoreasontosugarcoatthesubject.IfVioletwaswithSamuel,shemostcertainlywasdrinkinghumanblood.Theonlyuncertaintywaswhoherfoodsupplywouldbe—acompelledblood-slaveorsomepoorsoulsoontobeconsideredanotheroneofJacktheRipper’sbloodyconquests.
“What’sitlike?”sheasked,whisperingeventhoughnooneelsecouldhearus.
“It’s…“Ipaused.Whatwasfeedinglike?I’dspentdecadestryingtoforget.Butassoonassheasked,Irememberedthewarm,richtasteofhumanblood.Ofcourse,Iwantedtosaythatitwasterrible,thatVioletwasn’tenjoyingit,andthatshe’dstopassoonaswewereabletofindherandpullheroutofSamuel’sclutches.Butthatwouldn’tbetrue.
“It’slikenothinganyonecouldimagineunlessthey’vetriedit.Isupposeit’slikecomingintoafirelitroomafterspendinganightsleepingintherain.”Ihadnoideawherethecomparisoncamefrom,butitwasremarkablyapt.Humanbloodmademefeelwhole,warm,aliveinawaythatanimalblooddidn’t.
“So…whywouldanyonestop?”Coraasked.
Ishrugged.“Alotdon’t.Buttherearebenefitstoabstainingfromhumanblood.Icanstillfeelthings,feelemotionslikeIcouldwhenIwashuman.Theneedforblood,thethirst,canbecomesooverpoweringthatyouhavetoshutthemoffwhenyou’refeedingsoyoudon’tthinkoftheconsequences.Butwithoutit,Idon’thavetofeellikeamonster,orgetlostinthedarkness.WhenIseeViolet,I’llexplainittoher.Butfornow,takecomfortinthefactthatshe’snourished,andshe’snotinpain.”
Corashookherheadindisbelief.“Ican’timaginehereverhurtingalivingthing,”shesaidquietly.“Therewasonceafieldmousethathadgottenintothehouse,andmymumwasallsettokillit.Violetwasabouteightatthetime,andshecriedandcrieduntilmymumsetitloose.Vievenusedtoputoutfoodforit,justincaseitcamebackandwashungry.”Cora’svoicebrokeandshecoveredherfacewithherhands.“Ijustwanttofindher!”sheyelled,thesoundmuffledbyherfingers.
“She’snothere,that’sforcertain.”Damonstrodeoutofthedarkness,wipinghismouth.Hewasstillwearinghisblood-spatteredclothesfromthenightbefore,buttherewerenolongerdarkcirclesunderhiseyes.Underthecircumstances,helookedincrediblyhandsome.Coradroppedherhandstoherlapandstaredathim.
“Didyoufindyourbreakfast?”Coraaskedtersely,herhandunconsciouslybrushingagainstherneck.Animageflashedinmymind:Samuel,huncheddown,fangsbaredoverCora’ssmoothskin.Iwonderedhowoftenhehadfedonher.Anditmighthavebeenmyimagination,butIthoughtIsawtwotinyscars,smallandroundaspinheadsandwaxypinkincolor,midwaybetweenhershoulderandherear.Ishuddered.
AninscrutableexpressioncrossedDamon’sface.“Yes,Idid,”hesaidsimply.“Atfirst,Iwassimplymakingsurethetunnelwassafe.Anditissafeforus.Thereareafewsoulsdownhere,althoughnonethatwillbotherus.Everyonehereisprettybadoff.Itwasrathereasytofeed.”
“Sothat’swhatyoudidallnight?AndhereIthoughtyoumightbecomingupwithagrandplan.Meanwhile,youweregorgingyourself,”Corasaidsternly.“Ihopeyoucatchadiseasefromoneofthesetunneldwellers.Itwouldserveyouright.”
“Iwon’t,MissCora,”Damonsaid,shiftingfromonefoottotheother.“ButIwouldn’tbesurprisedifStefanheremadehimselfsick.I’msurehe’stoldyouallaboutsubsistingonbunniesfromtheforest,butlookwherehelanded:thesameplaceasme,stuckunderground,thetargetofavampirewhoneedstobecutdowntosize.Therearewaystofeedonhumansandstillcareaboutthem,”Damonsaidpointedly.
IclenchedmyjawandlockedeyeswithCora.Iwantedhertostandupformybeliefsandchoices.IwantedhertoremindDamonthatnotlongago,she’dbeentheoneprovidingabloodsupplytovampires.Butinstead,shemerelylookeddisappointed.
IpacedawayfromDamon,knowingtheworstthingIcoulddowasjumpintoafight.Thepeacewe’dbrokeredafterhe’dsavedmylifeyesterdaywasfragileatbest,andIknewfromexperiencehowonesimplewordsaidinangercouldturnusbackintoenemies.Andwealreadyhadoneenemytocontendwith.
Imassagedmytemples.Thefetid,cloyingdampnessofthetunnelfeltfartoomuchlikebeingentombed.“IthinkIneedsomefreshair.Cora?”Iasked,offeringmyarm,knowingfullwellDamoncouldn’tcomewithuswhenhisfacewasineverymajorLondonnewspaper.
“Enjoyyourselves.IthinkI’lljustcontinuetodrinkinthelifedownhere,”Damonsaid,flashingmeacrookedsmile.HeknewIwasexcludinghim.
Coraglancedbetweenusbeforemovingtojoinme.Oncewereachedtheladder,Isteadiedherfootonmypalmtoboostherup.Ifollowedbehind,politelyavertingmyeyestoavoidlookingupherskirts.Inthedaylight,theladderwasmuchlessintimidatingthanithadseemedthenightbefore.
Weemergedintothestill-desertedconstructionsite.Ipulledmypocketwatchfrommytrousers.AdentnearthecrownflashedmebacktothemomentwhenSamuelhadshovedmeagainstthewallofmycottage.Still,thewatchtickedsteadily.Unlikeitsoriginalowner,Mr.Sutherland,itseemedtobeindestructible.
Halfpastnine.Aroundus,thecitywasnoisyandbustling.Aswewalkedupthewindingstepsfromtheembankment,Inoticedmeninwaistcoatshurryinginandoutoftheformidablestonebuildingsrisinguponeithersideofus.Thecobblestonestreetswerecloggedwithpedestriantraffic,andamancarryinganewspaperbumpedintomyshoulderbutcontinuedtowalkwithoutturning.NoonepaidanyattentiontoCoraandme,andIwasgladofthat.
Myshoulderssagged,andIrealizedtheenormityofmyrelief.Itwasasifthetunnelhadexacerbatedallmynightmaresandmademeassumedestructionwasimminent.Yes,mybrotherandIwereingravedanger,butLondonwasthesameasIremembered.Carriagesrattledovercobblestonestreets,peddlerswerehawkingflowersornutsornewspapers,andmenofferedtheirarmstoladies.Nothingwasdifferentandyet…
“Readallaboutthelatestmurder!”
Iwhirledaround.Onthecorner,askinnyboywascrowingtheday’sshockingheadlines,convincingthepassersbyoftheirneedforanewspaper.Hisvoicecrackedwithexcitementeverytimeheyelledthewordmurder.
Mystomachtightened.CoraandIglancedateachother.“Ishouldbuyone,”Isaid,rummagingthroughmythreadbarepocketforchange.Finally,Ifoundtwopenniescaughtinfoldsofthefabric.Ihadn’tthoughtofmoneyaswewerefleeing.Now,itwasjustanotheradvantageSamuelhadoverus.HehadaccesstorichesthatallowedhimtoeffortlesslygreasethewheelsofthemachinesthatranLondon.Meanwhile,wewouldhavetolie,compel,orsneakourwayaroundthecity.
Ipaidthenewsboyandshovedthefoldedpaperundermyarm.Ididn’twanttoreadityet.Iwantedtogetawayfromthecrowds,awayfromthetunnel.
Together,CoraandIdriftedtotheshadysideofthestreet.
“Doyouhaveadestinationinmind?”Coraasked,pullingmeoutofmythoughts.
“Ithoughtwe’dgotothepark.It’sagoodplaceto…talk,”Isaid,myeyesdartingsuspiciouslyfromlefttorightasiftoseeifanyonewasfollowing.Nooneseemedtobewatchingus.
“Goodidea,”Corasaid.“Butfirst,Ineedbreakfast.Shallwetrythatplace?”Shegesturedtowardaredawningofabakeryattheendoftheblock.
“Ofcourse,”Isaid,shieldingmyeyesagainstthesun.We’dreachedacalmer,moreresidentialareaofLondon.Townhouseslinedthewindingstreets,andelmtreesshadedthecobblestones.Faroffinthedistance,IcouldmakeoutoneofthelushgreenhillsofRegent’sPark.
Iopenedthedoorofthebakeryandwasimmediatelyoverwhelmedbytheyeastysmellofbakingbread.Mystomachturned.WhenIwashungryforblood,thescentofhumanfoodalwaysmademefeelslightlyqueasy.
“WhatcanIdoforyou,dears?”Ashort,squatwomanleanedoverthecounterandsmiledwelcominglyatus.HerarmswereaslargeasChristmashams,andforonesecondIimaginedherwarm,sweetbloodonmytongue.MystomachgrowledasIlockedeyeswithher,concentratingonherdarkpupils.
“We’dlikeyoutogiveusabagofbuns.Andaloafofbread.Actually,twoloaves,”Isaid.ThelesscompellingIhadtodo,thebetter.IfshecouldprovideenoughfoodtolastCoraafewdays,thatwouldbeideal.
ThewomannoddedslightlyasIfeltmyrequestseepintohermind,feltherwillbegintobendtomysuggestions.
“Andastrawberrytart,”Corapipedup.
IrepeatedCora’srequesttothebaker.Shebustledaroundbehindthecounter,finallyhandingmealargepapersack,steamstillrisingfromtheloafontop.
“Thankyou,”Isaid,andweleftthebakerybeforeshecouldsecond-guessthestrangetransactionshe’djustmade.
Thecloserwegottothepark,themorethesceneremindedmeoftheImpressionistpaintingsthatweresopopularinParis.Fromadistance,thetreeslookedlushandgreen,butupcloseIsaworangeandbrownleavesabouttofalltothegroundandmuddypatchesofheavilytroddengrass.
“Wouldyoulikearolloryourstrawberrytartforbreakfast?”Iasked.
“I’llhavearoll.Thetart’sforlater,”Corasaidaswewalkedthroughtwoimposingmarblepillarsmarkingtheentrancetothepark.
“Here,”Isaid,placingoneofthestill-warmrollsinCora’soutstretchedhand.“Iapologizeforthelackofjam.”
“Idon’tmind,”shesaideasily,pickingapartherroll.Atinyshowerofcrumbsfelltotheground.Instantly,fivesparrowsconvergedonthespot,peckingfuriously.
Aswemoveddeeperintothepark,therewerefewerpedestriansandnanniesoutwiththeirchargesthantherehadbeenattheentrance.Sundappledthewhitegravelpathbeneathourfeet,andeveryfewstepsanerrantleaffromtheoaktreesaboveuswaftedtotheground.Iwasn’tsurewhathadbroughtmehere.ThiswasthelastplaceVioletwouldbe;shecouldn’tbeoutsideinthedaylight,notwithoutalapislazuliringliketheonesDamonandIhad.Iwishedthat,somehow,IcouldjustknowwhereVioletwas,thesamewayIusedtobeabletosensewhereDamonwasontheVeritasestatewherewe’dgrownup.ButDamonwasofmyblood,abondIwouldneverhavewithanyoneelseinmyeternallife.ItwasthesametypeofbondthatkeptCorainthecompanyofvampires,adesperateattempttogethersisterbackinanywaypossible.
Suddenly,Coraperkedupandwhirledaround.“Look!”shecalled,pointingpastme.
Isquaredmyshouldersandfollowedhergaze,readytoseeapoliceofficerheretotakeusaway,orworse,Samuel.ButwhatCorahadseen,justafewyardsawaybehindametalfence,wasagiraffegracefullystalkingaroundapen.
Coraclappedherhandsindelight.“VioletandIalwayswalkedthiswayonourdayoff.Wecalleditthecheapzootour.Theadmissioncounterisontheotherside,butwhywouldyoupayadmissionifyoucanjustwatchfromhere?”Corastoodonhertiptoesandshieldedhereyes.Ifollowedherleadandspottedtwocamelsfeedingatatrough.ItookastepclosertoCora,drawnbyherinnocentcuriosity.
“Whichisyourfavorite?”Iasked.Forthemoment,itwasnicetobeinthesunlight,havinganormalconversation.
Corasteppedcloserandleanedlightlyontheironfence.“Ilikethezebras,butVioletalwayslikedthepeacocks.Shewasdrawntotheirdramaticflair…”Coratrailedoffwistfully.“Sometimesyoucanseethem.Butnottoday,”shesaid,disappointed.Sheturnedtowardmeandtookanotherbiteofherroll.
IrememberedhowpleasedViolethadbeenwhenshepickedoutagorgeousemerald-greendressfromHarrods,andhowsheseemedtosparklewithinfectiousenthusiasmatthefewpartiesI’dattendedwithher.
“Violetalwayswantedtobeanactress.Webothdid,”Corasaid,turningawayfromthezoo.Hergazewasfocusedonherfeet,cladinfilthywhiteshoes.“ButIthinkVioletcouldhavemadeit.Iwantedtomeetexcitingpeopleandhaveafewyearsofadventure,butIdidn’tnecessarilywanttobeondisplay.Violetwantedpeopletonoticeher.Shewantedtobespecial.”
“Shewasspecial,”Isaidafteramoment.
“Iguessnowshe’sspecialinadifferentway,”Corasaidsadly.
“IdideverythingIcouldtoprotecther…”Isaid.
“Iknow,”Corasaid,reachinguptotouchthevervainnecklacestillclaspedaroundherthroat.“Yougaveherthis.”
“Yes,andit—”
“Protectsmeagainstvampires,”Corafinished.“Damontoldme.Ijustwish…”Shetrailedoffandreachedintothebreadbagtotakeanotherroll.ItwasevidentthattherewerecertainthingsCorakepttoherself,awallaroundherthoughts.Iknewthefeeling.Sometimestheprivacyofmyownmindwastheonlythingthatkeptmesane.
“We’llfindher.I’llmakesureofthat,”Isaidfinally,knowingassoonasIheardthewordsthatitsomehowwasn’tenough.
“Willwe?”Coraasked,turninghergazeonme.“Youkeepsayingthat,andIknowyoumeanwell,butitseemsyouandyourbrotherareratheroccupied,whatwithtryingtoone-upeachother.”Shetossedtheremainingcrumbsfromtherolltowardalonepigeonhoppingdownthepath.Itstartled,thenbegantofeast,pleasedatthismealfromtheheavens.“I’llsaveherbymyselfifIhaveto.Afterall,shewastryingtosaveme.It’swhatsistersdo,”shesaidinavulnerablevoiceatoddswithherjuttedchinandproudexpression.
“Iknow,”Isaid.“Butyouwon’thavetodoitalone.I’mheretohelp.”
Coratookadeepbreathandlookedintomyeyes.“Iknow.AndItrustyou.ItrustDamon,even.Butwhenyou’rebothtogether…”Shetrailedoffandshookherhead.
“MybrotherandIhavea…complicatedrelationship.Asyou’veseen.Butwe’reonthesameside.We’renotfightingeachotheranymore.”
AbriefsmilecrossedCora’slips.“Good,”shesaid.We’dwalkedthelengthofthezooandwereenteringaroughersectionofthepark.Litterwasstrewnacrossthegrass,thepathswerecracked,andfewerwell-dressedcoupleswanderedby.Wepassedagroupofchildren,butinsteadofplayingwithexpensivewoodentoys,theywereimprovisingwargameswithsticks.
Iwatchedastwoboys,probablyonlyfiveorsix,tussledviolently.BothhadbloodyscratchesandIcouldn’thelpbutwonderwhetherthatwashowDamonandIseemedtoCora:brotherssodesperatetofight,theydidn’tcarehowchildish,counterproductive,oruselessitwas.
Justthen,Iheardacommotionbehindus.Adark-hairedfigureranbyusataspeednohumancouldpossiblymatch.Fiveofficersfollowed,notcaringaboutthepeopletheyknockeddown.
IgrabbedCora’shand.Shewaslookingatmeinfear,knowingjustaswellasIdidwhatthischasemeant.
Damonwasinthepark.
“Danger!”
“Killer!”
“Stophim!”
Almostunbidden,awordbubbledtomylipsasIwatchedDamonflashacrossthelandscape:Run!4
TheRipper!”boomedoneofficerasherushedbyinpanic.
“TheRipper?”AcrowdhadgatheredandIheardsomeonetakeuptheofficer’scry.Anotherfollowedsuit,andsoontheparkwasfullofvoicesraisedinacacophonyoffear.Peoplewererunningthiswayandthat,asthoughtheywereaflockofsheepwho’ddiscoveredawolfintheirmidst.
“Iseehim!”anotherofficeryelled,swingingaclubintheairandtakingofftowardagroveoftrees.Iwatchedinhorror.Damonwasfast,butthiswasbroaddaylight.Itwouldonlytakeonepersoninhispathtoslowhimdownlongenoughtobecaught.
ToensureDamonhadenoughtimetoescape,IknewIneededtocreateadistraction.“Help!Police!Help!”Ishouted,anideaforminginmymind.IgrabbedCora’swaistandpulledherclosetome.
“Pretendyou’vefainted,”Iwhisperedundermybreath.“Help!”Icalledlouder.
Anofficerrunningbyslowedandturnedtowardus,hiseyesflickeringwithsuspicion.
“Mysisterfainted!”Icalled,allowingmyvoicetobreakabitfordramaticeffect.Playingalong,Corahadgoneheavyandlimpinmyarms.
Twomoreofficershalted,andIbreathedasighofrelief.Secondswereparamount,andIwashopingthispausewouldgiveDamontimeenoughtoescape.Whyhadheleftthetunnel?Heknewhewasonthefrontpageofthepaper.HeknewJacktheRipperwasthenameoneveryone’slips.Whywashealwaystemptingfate?
“Boys,keepgoing.I’lltendtothis,”thefirstofficerordered,chargingatme.TheotherpolicementookoffinDamon’sdirection,buttheruseshouldhavegainedhimthirtysecondsonthem.Timeenoughtoputsignificantdistancebetweenhimselfandhispursuers.
“Please,comequickly!”Icontinued,myvoiceraggedastheofficerpuffedupthehilltowardus.IfeltCora’ssidesinvoluntarilycontractandknewshewaslaughingatmyadmittedlyterriblyoveractedperformance.“Pleasehelp!”
TheofficerleanedovertoinspectCora,andshestilled.“Probablyjustfright,”hesaid,pryinghereyelidsapartwithhispudgyfingers.Atthatmoment,Corarightedherselfunsteadily.
“What’shappening?”Coraasked,fanningherfacewithherhand.“IheardtheRipperwashere,andIjust…why,fearmusthaveovertakenme.”Corablinkedherlargeeyesupattheofficer.
“Yes,ma’am,youfainted,”theofficersaidsternlyashefishedahandkerchiefoutofhispocketandrubbeditoverhissweaty,moon-shapedface.Hewasinhislatefortiesandlookedlikehe’dratherbechasingtheRipperthandealingwithahystericalyoungwoman.“Youshouldn’tbeouthere,evenwithyourbrother.Amurdererisontheloose!”
“Oh,thankyouforprotectingus,”Corasaid.“Idon’tknowhowtorepayyou,excepttopraythatyoucatchtheRippersoon,Officer…”
“OfficerEvans,”hesaidgruffly,tippinghisblackhatather.“AndIdon’twanttoberescuingyouagain!”hecalledoverhisshoulderashejoggeddownthehill.Therestofthepolicehaddisappearedintoapatchoftrees,andIonlyhopedDamonhadoutrunthemall.
Coraturnedtowardme,herblueeyeswide,theflirtatiousexpressionshe’dgiventheofficerwipedfromherface.Shelookeddeadlyserious.“Weneedtogobacktothetunnelandfindthatidiotbrotherofyours.”
Inodded,pressingmylipstogether.IfDamonknewwhatwasgoodforhim,that’swherehewouldhideoutuntilthisallblewover.
IgrabbedCora’shand,actingasifwewerejustoutforastroll.Corasqueezedit,andtogether,wemadeouragonizinglyslowwaythroughLondon’swindingalleys.Thestreetssmelledlikesewageandrottingvegetables,andthecobblestoneswerecoveredinathinlayerofwater.Itunedintomyvampiresenses,pickingupthewhooshofbloodcoursingthroughmillionsofbodies.ButnowheredidIhearDamon.
Instead,whatIheardwasfear.Icouldn’thelpcatchingstrainsofconversationsbetweenpassersby.
“SaidhefledLondon,butwhatgooddoesthatdo?StillmeanstheRipper’sterrorizingourcountry.”
“Andforthekillertobethatwell-off?Showsmoneydoesn’tbuycommonmoraldecency.”
“Mybetishe’sbackonthetownandwillbeterrorizingagaintonight.”
“I’mtellingyou,anymanwhoallowshiswifeoutofhishouseafterdarkisaskingfortrouble.”
“Whatareyoudoing?”Coraaskedcuriously.
“Sorry.”Istraightenedupandshookmyheadabashedly.Concentratingontheconversationswaftingpastushadpushedmeintofull-onhuntmode.Myheadwascocked,myjawset,andmyeyeswereflickingbackandforthacrossthecrowd.“PeoplearetalkingabouttheRipper.”
“Ofcoursetheyare.”Corasethermouthinafirmline.“AllofLondonwantshimdead.IknowDamonthinkshecanoutwiteveryone,buthecutitreallyclose.Let’sjusthopehelearnedhislessontoday.”
“Hehasn’tlearneditintwentyyears,”Imumbledundermybreath.
Corawhirledaroundsharply,andIknewshe’dheardme.“StefanSalvatore,Ibetthere’resomelessonsyoustillneedtolearn,too.”
Inodded.“That’strue,”Isaidquietly.IlikedCora’sspirit.
Whenwegottothetunnel,Itooktheleadinclimbingdown.Evenfromthefifthrung,Icouldhearthescurryingoftherats,asfamiliarabackgroundnoisetothetunnelascicadashadbeenonJunedaysbackinVirginia.ButunderneaththatIheardanangrysighthatI’drecognizeanywhere.
“He’shere,”Isaidinrelief,takingoffintothedanktunnel.
Finally,afterafewtwistsandturns,IfoundDamon,sittinginadarkcorner,illuminatedbytheglowofamakeshiftfire.Hishairfloppedoverhisforehead,hisdarkeyeswerebloodshot,andhewasreadingawell-wornpaper.Stubblecoveredhisface,andhelookedeveryinchtheoutlawhenowwas.
“Samuel’skillingme,”Damonsaid,lookingupfromthefire.“Hehassingle-handedlymadesurethatIcannotgoanywhereinLondon.Ievenworethedisguise.Thatworkedwell,”Damonsaidindisgust,throwingthegrayconductor’shatonthefire.Aplumeofsmokeroseup.
“Whydidyougooutatall?”Iexploded.“Youknowyou’rebeingwatched.You’rethebiggestnewsstoryinthecountry!”
Damonshrugged.“Youdon’tgetanywherewithoutalittlerisk.PeoplebarelylookedatmewhenIwaswearingtheconductoruniform.Anditwasn’tasifIwassightseeing.IwastryingtofindSamuel,dothedirtyworksoyouwouldn’thaveto.Instead,Igotchaseddownlikeacommoncriminal.”Damonshookhisheadindisbelief.“Ofcourse,thosepoliceofficershadnothingonme.Ifeltsorryforthem,huffingandpuffinglikethat.”
“Theyalmostcaughtyou.You’rewelcome,bytheway,”Isaidangrily.Ifwehadn’tdistractedtheofficersandgivenDamonthespaceheneededtodashintothewoods,whoknewwherehe’dbebynow?
“Thatwasyou?‘Mysisterfainted!’”helisped,mockingme.“Well,thatwashighlyunnecessary.Iwasfine.”
“Youcouldhavegottenyourselfkilled,”Corasaidsternly.
“It’seitherkillorbekilledinmyworld,”Damonrepliedtersely.“AndIintendtokillSamuelforthis.Afterall,he’stheonewhoconcoctedthisJacktheRippernonsense.Andthentoattachmynametoit!AsifI’deverbesosloppy.”Damonfumed.“Hecan’tfacemehimself,sohesendshumanstodohisbidding.Andifthatisn’tenough,Ireadthislittleiteminthepaper.Thefool’shavingapartytomorrownighttoannouncehispoliticalaspirations.Let’sconsiderthisourinvitation.Hispartywillbehisfuneral,”Damonsaidominously.Thehaironthebackofmyneckbristled.IftherewasonethingIknewaboutDamon,itwasthathealwaysfollowedthroughonhisconvictions.
“Doyouthinkhe’scompellingthepolice?”Iasked.“Ordoyouthinktheyrecognizedyoufromthepaper?”
“HowwouldIknow?”Damonasked,throwinghishandsupindisgust.“It’snotlikeI’mprivytohismasterplan.IthoughthewasjustanotherLondonaristocrat,someoneIcouldusetointroducemetotherightpeople.Ineverimaginedhewasavampirewithrageissues.Ifanything,heshouldhavebeenthrilledtohavefoundanotheroneofhiskind.Butnow,he’srunningmeoutofmycity,andIwon’thaveit.”
“WhataboutHenry?”Iasked.“Whatdoyouthinkhismotiveis?”
“WhateverSamuelsays,”Damonspat.“Henry’sauselesssapwhofollowsSamuelaroundlikeafarmdog.NotunlikeanotherbrotherIknow.”
ButbeforeIcouldcomeupwithaninsultofmyown,Corapipedin.
“SowhoisSamuel,really?Ishethatimportant?”sheasked.
“Samuel’srunningforLondoncouncilor.Iwashelpinghimplanhiscampaign,”Damonsaid,atwistedgrinformingonhisface.
“Well,thenweneedtocomeupwithaplantostophim.We’vealreadywastedaday.”TheonethingI’dlearnedinmytwodecadesasavampirewasthatinactionalwaysseemedtobackfire.Bidingmytimeandwaitingfortheperfectmomenttostrikehadneverworked.I’dalwaysbeenlatebyaminute,anhour,alifetime.Butnomore.
Damonsmirked.“Stefansavestheday.Whatabrilliantidea.‘Weneedtofindhim.’Well,that’swhatIwastryingtodo.”
“Youcan’tjustrunaroundLondonhopingyou’llrunintohim!”Ifumed.ThatwasDamon’sproblem:Heactedonimpulse,rarelyconsideringconsequences.Itwasatraitthatworkedwhenbestinghumans.ButSamuelwasavampireandstrongerthanbothofuscombined.Ouronlyhopewastooutwithim.“Wehavetobestrategic.Maybeit’sgoodhe’sinthespotlight,”Isaid,thinkingoutloud.“Itmeanshehastoworkthatmuchhardertohidecertainthings.”
“He’sgoodathidingthings,”Corasaidsoftly,fingeringthevervaincharmaroundherneck.
“DoyourememberanythingelseaboutSamuel?”Iaskedurgently.
“ThinkIdidn’talreadyaskherthat,brother?”Damoninterjected.“Shedoesn’trememberanything.Sheonlyrecallsthewarehouseparties.Iwastheoneinhisinnercircle.”
“Icanspeakformyself,thankyou!”Corainterjected.Butwhenshedidn’tcontinue,itwasclearshedidn’thaveanyfurtherinformationonourenemy.
Damon’slipcurledashepivotedtowardme.Icouldseesparksfromthefirereflectedinhispupils.“Let’spayhimavisit,”Damonsaid.
“Payhimavisit,”Irepeatedflatly.“Justshowuponhisfrontsteps?Whenyou’reawantedcriminal?Haveyouforgottenthatwehavetobeinvitedintoahomebyitsowner?IdoubtSamuelwillextendthecourtesy.”Itwasoneofthemanythingsthatdifferentiatedusfrommortals:Inordertoenteraresidence,avampirehadtobeaskedtocrossthethreshold.Itwasasmallrestriction,butonethatmeantsomeplaceswerestillsafefrommonsterslikeus.
“Thankyoufortheetiquettelesson,brother.ButIdon’tneedtogoinside.AllIneedistospeakwithSamuel,mantoman.Or,shouldIsay,vampiretovampire,”Damonexplained.“I’mdoneplayingcatandmouse.AndI’mnotgoingtoleaveLondonwithoutafight,”Damonsaid,clenchingandunclenchinghisfists.
“Afighttothedeath?”Iaskedpointedly.InNewOrleans,whenDamonandIhadbeenforcedtobattleeachotherunderneathacircustent,ourfighthadbeenbilledassuch.We’donlybeensavedwhenCalliestartedafirethatbroughtthetentdown.DidDamontrulyhavesuchashortmemory?
“Yes,afighttothedeath,”Damonrepeated,seeminglyoblivioustomyallusion.“Butaproperone.Nosurprises,nousinghumans,nogames.Justthetwoofusagainsteachother.I’mgoingtogotohisdoorandgettheanswers.Andthen,I’mgoingtodestroyhim.”
“Letmegetthisstraight.You’regoingtoheadtohishouseandinvitehimtofight?Hedidn’texactlyofferthesamecourtesywhenhetriedtokillme,”Isaidincredulously.ItwasdramaticandoverthetopandsoDamon.Butwhileaduelwasromantic,hedidn’thaveachanceofwinning.Notinhisstate.ItriedtoimaginethewayDamon’splanwouldplayout.Samuelmaynotanticipateusringinghisdoorbellasthoughwewereguests.Hecouldbecaughtunawares,infrontofpeoplewhodidn’tknowhissecret,andhe’dbeforcedtokeephiscover.Afterall,Idoubtedhe’dstakeusinaroomfulofLondon’spoliticalelite,norcouldhecompelthemallsimultaneously.Still,theplanwasrifewithproblems.IknewIcouldn’ttalkDamonoutofit,sothebestIcoulddowasbetherewhenitfellapart.
“Yes,let’sgo.Butanswersfirst,duellater,”Isaidwryly.Iwasn’tsurprisedhe’dgottenonSamuel’sbadside.Thequestionwasn’twhathehaddone,itwaswhathe’ddonethistime.
“Yougentlemenhavefunonyourfact-findingmission,”Corasaid.“I’llheadtotheTenBells.WithSamueloccupied,it’llbethesafesttimetoaskifanyofthegirlshaveseenViolet.”
Ididn’tliketheideaofCoragoingoffonherown,unprotected.Butshewasright;itwassaferforhertobeinWhitechapelthantocomewithustoconfrontSamuel.Thelookofdeterminationonherfacewarnedmenottoargue.
“Fine,”Isaidafteramoment.“I’llgooutforsupplies.I’llbebacksoon.”Iwalkeddownthetunnelwithoutabackwardglance,myfootstepsechoingagainstthepackeddirt.EverymoveImadecausedawaveofscurryingrats,andIwonderediftheyknewhowfutiletheirfranticsearchforsafetywas.Weretheyoblivioustothefactthatifsomeonereallywantedto,theycouldbekilledinaninstant?Or,intheirtinyminds,didtheythinkofthemselvesthewayIwasbeginningtothinkofmyself—asawalkingtarget,simplyawaitingthemomentofmydoom?
Afewhourslater,Iarrivedbackatthetunnel,myarmsladendownwithtwosuits,severalshirts,apinksilkdress,andalavishpetticoat.I’dreturnedtoHarrods,whereVioletandIhadshoppedtoreplaceourtornanddirtyclothessowecouldblendinasbestaswecould.AssoonasI’denteredthestore,severalsalesmenhadgatheredaroundmeeagerly,likevulturesfeedingonacarcass.BythetimeIhadfinishedshopping,IwassodrainedfromcompellingthecrowdofsalespeoplethatIhardlyevenknewwhatIwascarrying.
AssoonasIhadmygoods,I’dmadeahastyexit,intentonfeeding.EventuallyI’dfoundamalnourishedpigeononadesertedstreet,butwasstillfamishedafterdrainingitsblood.
Thesoundoflaughterechoedinthetunnel.
“Hello?”Icalledcuriously.
Aresponsericochetedbacktome.“Backsosoon,brother?”
IturnedthecornerandsawDamonandCora,sittingoppositethefirefromeachother.Corahadananimatedexpressiononherface,andhereyesweregleaming.
“Ibroughtclothesforyou,”Isaid,placingtheclothing—hundredsofpounds’worthoffinery,whichI’dgottenforfree—inpilesonthedustyground.
“Thanks,”Damonsaid.Heleanedoverandbeganpickingthroughthepiles,finallypullingoutablackwoolcloak.I’dthoughtitmighthelphimtoblendintothenight.Hestraightenedupandtossedtherichfabricaroundhisshoulders.“Yououtdidyourself.ThiscloakmakesmelooklikeoneofGallagher’sfinestmagicians.Don’tyouagree?”
Ismiledtightly.Itwasanaptdescriptionoftheoutfit.Gallagher’swastheterriblecircuswhere,asvampires,DamonandIhadbeenheldcaptiveandforcedtofighteachother.Weweretheonlyauthenticacts.Everythingelse,fromthetattooedwomantotheconjoinedtwins,hadbeentheresultoftwo-bittrickery.
“Youdon’tlookbad,brother,”Isaid.
“No,hedoesn’t.”Corasmiledappreciatively.“Well,I’mofftotheTenBells,beforeeitherofyoucanstopme.I’llhaveyouknowthatIdon’tneedamanoravampiretoprotectme,”Corasaid,standingupandflouncingdownthetunnelintothedarkness.
“Now,there’sagirlyouwouldn’thavemetinMysticFalls,”Damonmurmured,clearlyimpressedbyherindependence.
“Probablybecausenogirlslikethatwouldhavewantedtomeetyou.They’dhavehadthegoodsensetostayaway,”Ishotback,evenasIwonderedwhatDamonmeant.WasCorabecomingaromanticinterestforDamon?Therewasnowaythatcouldendwell.
“Theirloss,”Damonsaideasily.Hethrewthehoodofthecloakoverhishead,concealinghisface.“Anyway,brother,let’sfocusonthetaskathand.It’salovelydayforafamilyhunt,wouldn’tyousay?”5
I’dgottenusedtomylifestretchinginfrontofme,asvastasanendlessocean.Butinthepasttwoweeks,myworldviewhadconstricted.Now,workingourwaythroughthealleywaysanddarkenedstreetsofLondon,allthatmatteredwerethenextfewminutesandhours.WouldwekillSamuel?WouldSamuelkillus?HowwouldhereacttodiscoveringIwasn’tapileofashesbackatAbbottManor?Andwereweabouttoenterintoadeathmatchwiththeundead?
Damonseemedtohopeso.Infact,hewastreatingtheentireordealasifweweresoldiersgoingintobattle,anditwashisdutytomusterthetroops.TheonlytimehismoodseemedtoliftwaswhenhedescribedthewayshewantedtodestroySamuel.
Eventually,Itunedhimout,allowinghimtocontinuehismonologueaboutwhetherhe’dstakeorburnSamuel,orboth.
DamonandIhurriedalongemptystreetstowardSamuel’sMontagueStreethome,dartingthiswayandthattoavoidanysuspiciousglances.Notlikethereweremany.Inournewoutfits,withthebloodstainsfinallywashedoffourskin,welookedliketwowealthyyoungmenenjoyingeverythingLondonhadtooffer.Wecertainlydidn’tlooklikehungrycreaturesofthenight,abouttodobusinesswiththedevil.
WeturnedontoMontagueinsilence,walkingunderthehazygaslightsdottingthestreet.Downtheblock,carriageswererollinguptoalarge,well-kepthouseblockedfromtheviewofpedestriansbyanivy-coveredfence.
IturnedtoDamon,buthewasdistracted,leeringatastylishwomanleaningtipsilyonthearmofhercompanion.Shewaswearingabluedressthatleftherlily-whiteneckexposedandvulnerable.
Damonarchedadarkeyebrow.“LadyAinsley,”heexplainedashewatchedhercarryonwithamanwhowasclearlynottheLordAinsleyIhadmet.“Notasfaithfultoherhusbandashe’dhope.”
IturnedtoDamoninthedarkness,arevelationforminginmymind.“Doyouthinkthat’swhySamuel’sangry?Jealousy?”
“DidItakeoneofhiswomen,youmean?”Damonasked.“Ididn’ttakeanyone.Theywereallmorethanhappytogowithme.”
LadyAinsleyandherescortturnedandwalkedupthegaslitpathtowardthehouse.
“Well?Let’sgo,”Isaid,gesturingattheirretreatingbacks.
“Yes,”Damonagreed,butheseemedlostinthought.Iwonderedhowmanyofthewomenatthepartyhe’dknown,howmanybusinessdealshehadstruckwiththeirhusbands.Samuelcouldbeholdingagrudgefordozensofreasons.Damonalwayswentafterwhathewanted,notcaringwhowasinhisway.FalloutwasinevitablewhenitcametoDamon’sconquests,andunfortunatelyIwasn’tstrangertogettingwrappedupinit.
“Pennyforyourthoughts,brother?”Damonasked,easilycatchinguptome.
“Youdon’thaveanymoney,”Ijoked.“Allyouhaveisthecloakonyourback,andIwastheonewhostolethatforyou.”
“True.ButIhaveotherwaysofmakingyoutalk.”
“Iwasthinkingthatyoumakeenemiesmoreeasilythanfriends,”IsaidaswemadeourwaytowardSamuel’shome.
Isurveyedtheexpansivegrounds.Fromthestreet,itlookedmorelikeaparkthanaprivatehome.Thefour-storyGeorgianmansiondwarfedtheredbrickhousesoneitherside.Amainpath,litupbycandles,ledtothefrontdoor.Severalsmallerdirtpathswoundaroundthehouseandthroughgrovesofmapleandelmtrees.Ishookmyheadindisbelief.HowwasitthatSamuelcouldbeavampire,couldkillatwill,andstilllivehere,withtherespectandadmirationofhumans?Meanwhile,I’dspentthepasttwodecadestryingtodotherightthing,survivingonwhateverscrapsIcouldfind,alwaysafraidtogettoocloseoraskfortoomuch.
MyminddriftedtoourestatebackinVirginia.IthadbeencalledVeritas,Latinfor“truth.”Myfatherhadnamedit,adamantthataman’sprimarypurposeinlifewastosearchfortruthandfightdeception.Maybeitwasapaththatworkedforhumans.Butforavampire,seekingthetruthoftenmeantunwittinglycausingdeath.IfI’dlefttheJacktheRippermurdersalone,Oliverwouldbealive.Violetwouldbehuman.ButCorawouldstillbeenslavedbySamuel,andcountlessmoregirlsmighthavedied.DamonwouldhavebeenframedbySamuelandmighthavebeenhungbythepolice.Nomatterwhatpathwe’dtaken,peoplewouldhaveperished.Itwasjustaquestionofwho.
IsneakedaglanceatDamon.He,too,wasstaringupatthehouse,hisjawtight.
“Well,thisisit,”Damonsaid,walkingclosertotheirongates.“Momentoftruth.Youcaneitherbeacowardandrunbacktoyourlittlehumangirlfriend,oryoucanfollowme.It’syourchoice.”
“I’mnotyourenemy,Damon,”Isaid.“Samuelis.Rememberthat.”
Silently,wefollowedanelderlycoupleupthewindingpathtothelargeoakdoorsoftheMortimermansion.Thewomaninfrontofuswascladinaglitteringreddress,whileherhusbandwaswearingatuxedo.Itwasimpossibletotellwhethertheywereroyaltyorvampires,andIrealizedthat,ifwewereletin,theentireeveningwouldplayoutlikeamacabrecostumeparty,withnoneofusknowingthedemonsfromthehumans.
Thedoorwasopenedbyawell-dressedbutlerjustastheelderlycouplereachedtheentrance.“LordandLadyBroad,”themansaid,inclininghisheadslightly.Thebutlerusheredthemin.Icranedmyneck,tryingtogetaglimpseinsidethelavishmarblefoyer.
AndthenIspottedViolet.Shelookednothinglikethehalf-deadgirlI’dlastseeninIvinghoe.Shewaswearingagreenvelvetdress,andherhairwaspinnedinanelaboratemassofcurls.Herlipswerebrightred,andhereyesseemedwiderthanever.Shewasbeautiful—butI’dalreadyknownthat.Whatstartledmewasthewayshecarriedherself,shouldersthrownback,chinlifted.Gonewastheauraofafragilefawninaforest.Now,sheseemedlikealioness—beautiful,graceful,andwhollyconfidentinherPower.Evenasshesippedchampagneandsmiledpolitelyatherconversationpartner,hereyeswerescanningthecrowd.Iwonderedwho—orwhat—shewaslookingfor.
Damonsteppedintothetriangleoflightfromtheopendoor,pullingathiscollartorevealhisface.Hisjawwasset,determined,andhiseyeswerelitwithpassionaterage.
“I’mDamonSalvatore,”heannouncedhimself,droppinghissobriquet.“AndIneedtospeaktoSamuel.Alone.”
“I’mafraidyoucan’tcomein,”thebutlersaidfirmly.Hissteadyvoiceandunflickeringeyesmadeitclearthathe’dbeencompelledbySamuel.
“We’rebusinessacquaintancesofMr.Mortimer’s,”Ilied.IthoughtofViolet,crouchedoverOliver’sbody,beingforcedtofeedafterresistingforsolong.IthoughtofSamuel,smilingdownatmeashestakedmystomach.Ithoughtofallthedestructionhe’dwroughtonLondon,ofthesmellofbloodonthecobblestonealleyways.IthoughtofitalluntilIfelthatredbegintoburn,asrealandtangibleasabrandpulledfromthefire.Igazedintothebutler’seyes,willingmyhatetobestrongenoughtooverrideSamuel’scompulsion.
“Letusin,”Igrowled,andfelthisresolvebegintoweaken.Good.“Now,”Iemphasized,notdaringtoblink.
Butthebutlersteppedbackandfirmlycrossedhisarmsacrosshischest.
“Youarenottocomein,”hesaidresolutely.“Andifyoucontinuetoask,Ishallhavetoalertmymaster.Or,ifyouprefer,theMetropolitanPolice,”hesaid,loweringhisvoiceuntilhewasspeakingbarelyaboveawhisper.“Infact,thecommissionerisinsiderightnow,andI’msurehe’dlovetoseeyou,CountDeSangue.”
IflinchedatthewaythebutlerdroppedDamon’salias.Damon’sexpressionremainedimpassive.“IfSamuel’snotwillingtoletmein,thentellhimtocomeout.Andasforthepolicecommissioner,byallmeans,sendhimmyway.Althoughbloodonsandstonemightbetrickytoclean,”hesaidominously,raisinganeyebrow.
Murmursrustledbehindus,andIrealizedacrowdofguestshadbuiltupaswestoodblockingthedoor.Thebutlerclearedhisthroatandsmiledtightly,asiftoreassuretheothergueststhatnothingwasamiss.
“I’mafraidseeingMasterMortimerisimpossible,”thebutlersaidquietly,hisvoicetightbehindhissmile.“Thisisaprivateparty,andyoumustgetoffthepropertyimmediately.”
“Samuelalwaysinvitestoomanypeople,”oneoftheguestscomplained,honkinghisbulbousrednoseintoamonogrammedbluehandkerchief.
“Youknowyouhaveafuturecouncilorwhencommonersstartcrashingtheparty,”cameanothervoicebehindme.Laughterrippledthroughthecrowd,andmyspinestiffened.Iknewwehadtoturnaround,butIwasn’treadytoadmitdefeat.NotwhenVioletwassoclose.
“Beckford,isthereaproblem?”Suddenly,apresenceloomedbehindthebutler.ItwasSamuel,dressedinaperfectlytailoredblacktuxedo.Hisblondhairglowedinthelightshedbythelanternssurroundingthedoor.Hatredboiledinmyveinsatthesightofhim.ItwasallIcoulddonottotacklehimtothegroundandholdhimdownsoDamoncouldstakehim.
HisthinlipscurledintoasneeratthesightofDamonandme.
“Well,well,well…notapairofguestsIexpectedtosee.Beckford,I’lldealwiththeriffraff.HowwillanyonetrustmeasthecouncilorofthecityifIcan’thandlethetroubleonmyowndoorstep?Considerthisacampaigndemonstration!”Hesmiledwidelyatthecrowd.“Therestofyou,pleasecomeinandenjoy!”Hethrewhisarmsoutinagestureofwelcomeasguestssqueezedpastusandintotheexpansivemansion.
Astheguestsstreamedin,twohulkingmensteppedoutside,standinglikebookendsbesideSamuel.Iwatchedthemwarily.Weretheyvampires?Orweretheyhumanguards,unawareoftheiremployer’strueidentity?Oneofthemcaughtmestaringandtookawarningsteptowardme.Iclenchedmyjawandflexedmyfingers,preparingmyselfforwhatwassuretobeanimpossiblefight.
Oncethelastguestwasinside,Beckfordclosedthedoorwithathud.Samuelglancedbackandforthbetweenus.Ishiftedfromfoottofoot,tryingashardasIcouldtoseemcalm.Afterall,I’dgottenintobattleswithvampiresbefore.I’deventhrownSamuel’sbrotheroffatrain.Itwasn’tasifhecouldstakeusonhisfrontdoorstep.Couldhe?
“Youtwo.”Samuelshookhisheadandletoutalong,lowlaugh.“Stefan,Iwouldhavethoughtyou’dbeinashesbynow.Ordrowninginself-pity.”
“Ifyou’regoingtokillme,you’llhavetotryharder,”Isaid,angerboilinginsideme.“AndIdon’tknowwhatyouandyourbrotherhaveagainstus,butIwantanswers.Webothdo.”
“Orelsewhat?”Samuelaskedcalmly.“You’reonmyterritory,somyhouserulesapply.AndIdon’tappreciatetrespassers,especiallywhenI’motherwiseengaged.Whatdidyouthinkyouwoulddohere?Stakeme?Haveabloodyvampirebattlewhilethebandplaysawaltz?”Andthat’swhenIsawit.Underhiswhitedressshirtwasapendant,gleaminginthemoonlight.Iglancedreflexivelyatmyownring.Italsosparkled,asifsensingitsnearbymatch.
Samuelmusthavenoticedmygazebecausehejerkedhistuxedojacketintoplaceandcrossedhisarms.Buthewastoolate.ThesparklingbluestonetoldmeeverythingIneededtoknow:HishatredofushadsomethingtodowithKatherine.
“NeitherofyouisassmartasIam,”Samuelcontinued.“Andjudgingfromthisarrogantdisplay,neitherofyouhasanyideawhoyou’redealingwith.”Samuelglaredatusasthoughhewereaheadmasterandwewerehiswaywardpupils
“Andyou’remorena?vethanwethought.Becausethisisjustthebeginning,”Damonsaidinalowvoice.
“Oh,Iknowitis,”Samuelsaid,smilinglikeacatwithamouseunderitspaw.“BecausenowIhavealovelydeputy.Violetisagrandgirl.Thankyouforintroducingus.”
Outofnowhere,Damonthrewapunch.ItlandedonthesideofSamuel’snose.
Samuelblinked,buttheblowhaddonenothing.
Samuelshrugged.“Justmorefodderfortheeventualflamesofyourundoing.Asyoucansee,I’munbreakable.”
Damonlaughed,oneshortbark.“You’reacoward.Iwascomingtoaskyoutosettlethisonceandforall,mantoman.Butyou’renoman,”Damonspat.“Yourdaysarenumbered.”Withthat,Damonspunaroundandwalkedaway,hisfootstepshardonthepath.
“Remembertovote!”SamuelcalledatDamon’sretreatingback.
Ihadtodosomething.Maybe,withDamonoutofearshot,itwouldbeeasiertoreasonwithSamuel.OnceIhadViolet,IdoubtedIcouldpersuadeDamonfromactingonhisrevengefantasies,butatleastI’dnolongerhavetobepartofthem.
“Samuel,letVioletfree.She’s—”Ibegan.
“Averyhungryvampire,”Samuelinterrupted.“Andalovelygirltohaveonmyarm.Now,Stefan,I’mgoingtoletyouinonasecret.Ihateyou.ButIabhoryourbrother.Playnice,andImayletyouoffeasily.Astaketotheheartnexttime.Simple.Notorture.Ormaybe—”Samuelleanedtowardme.Thesweetscentofbloodhungintheairaroundhim;hemusthavefedrecently.“MaybeI’dletyougocompletely.JustleaveLondon.Forgetaboutyourbrother.AndforgetaboutViolet.ButIwouldn’tcountonit.Afterall,asIsaytomyconstituents,I’mthetypeofpersonwhogetsthingsdone.”HelaughedmaniacallybeforepushingmesoforcefullyItumbleddownthestepsandcrackedmyheadagainstthepath.
Thedoorslammedshut.Inthedistance,Icouldhearanothergroupofguestsworkingtheirwaytowardthemansion.HadSamuelsomehowusedcompulsion—orsomethingelse—tomakesurewe’dbeenentirelyaloneduringthecourseofourconversation?Andifso,whatcouldn’thedo?
Istoodandbrushedmyselfoff,rubbingthebackofmyscalp.
Ashortmaninatophatandtailcoatgrabbedmyarm.Iwhirledaround,fangsbared.“What?”Igrowled,realizingjusthowmuchSamuelgotundermyskinasIsawthestartledexpressionofthestranger.Ineededtostayincontrol.
Themanshrankback.“I’msorry.Iwantedto…istheMortimerhouse?”
Inodded,givingaslightapologeticsmile.
“Thankyou,”themansaid,fearflashinginhiseyesasherushedaway.
Damonwaswaitingjustinsidethefence,pacingagainsttheirontrellises.“Ihatehim.Iwanttopullhimapart,limbfromlimb,infrontofallhisfancyguests.Justwaituntiltheyrealizetheirpreciouscouncilor-to-beisabloodymurderer.Itwouldserveallofthemrighttobekilled.”
“Damon,listentome,”Isaidurgently,leadinghimawayfromtheproperty.“Inoticedsomethingtonight.Hisnecklace.Didyouseeit?”
“No,Iwasn’tpayingattentiontohisjewelry,”Damonsaidaswehurriedintothestreet.Mistswirlingbeneaththegaslightscastaghostlyshadowonhisface.Ipulledhimawayfromthelight.Itwasn’tsafeforhimtobeseen.
“Hehadanecklacelikeourrings,”Isaidpointedly.Finally,realizationflickeredinDamon’seyes.
“Katherine,”hesaidfinally.
Thenamehungbetweenus,aspalpableasthecobblestonesunderourfeet.Ashivercreptupmyspine.
“Hemusthaveknownher.Hemusthave,”Isaid.Itwistedmyringaroundmyfinger.Theinsidewastarnished,andtherewasaslightcrackinthestonefromoneofthemanybloodybattlesDamonandIhadfought.Butitwasmylifelinetonormalcy—andDamon’s,too.Withoutourrings,wewouldbeboundtothedarkness,unabletowalkinthesunwithoutburstingintoflames.Damon’sringwasdarkerandevenmoretarnished,thesilvernearlyblack.Butthestonewasjustasblueasmine.AsblueasthestoneinSamuel’snecklace.
Damonnodded,afarawayexpressiononhisface.Iknewinhismind,hewasbackinthecarriagehouseinMysticFalls,Virginia.HewascurlingalockofKatherine’shairaroundhisfinger,plantingakissonherporcelaincheek,orarchinghisneckinjusttherightwaytoallowherto…
Istoppedimagining.
“Doyouthink…didKatherineevermentionSamuel?”Iaskedtentatively.Acoachdroveby,itswell-dressedpassengersmostlikelyontheirwaytoSamuel’shouse.
Damonshookhishead.“Katherinenevermentionedanyothermantome,”hesaidsharply.Theendofthesentencewentunspoken:Evenyou.
“Sheneversaidanythingtome,either.HaveyouseenastonelikethatanywhereelsebesidesonourringsorKatherine’snecklace?”
“Whatdoesitmatter?”Damonaskedangrily,hisvoicepiercingthenightair.Hethrewuphishands.“Allitprovesisthatthethreeofussharedthesamedeadvampire.”Hekickedattheground,sendingashowerofpebblesfurtherintothestreet.Heloweredhisvoice.“I’mmoreofamanandmoreofabeastthanSamueleverwas,oreverwillbe.AndIwanthimtoknowthat.”Heturnedonhisheelandwalkedbacktowardthehouse.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Icalled.
Damonwhirledaround.“Tohellwithplanningandplotting.I’mgoingtodoexactlywhatIshouldhavedoneinthefirstplace.Youwereright,brother.Vampirescan’tbetrusted.”
“No!”Ilungedathim.HisexpressionwasoneI’dseencountlesstimes.Itwasthesamelookhe’dwornwhenhekilledCallieandwhenheannouncedhisintentiontokilltheSutherlandclan.Hewasoutforblood,andIknewthatifheattackedSamuelnow,he’dbetheonetoendupdead.
Butbeforeeitherofuscouldmakeanothermove,wewereinterruptedbythecrashofadoorslammingshut.Agirlwearingajewel-encrustedbluedressstumbledout,blinkingconfusedly.Isniffedtheair.Icouldsenseherbloodwaswine-heavy,hearherheartbeatingerratically.
Shewalkedunsteadilytowardthelineofcoachesarrangedlikechildren’smodelsaroundthevicinityoftheproperty.
Damonletoutalowwhistleinthedarkness.Igrabbedhisarmanddugmyfingersintohisflesh.Whatwashedoing?NowwasnotthetimeforDamontofulfillhisurges.
Thegirlturnedaround,waveringonherfeetasshelookedaroundforthesourceofthenoise.
“Sarah!”Damoncalled.“Overhere!”
“Doyouknowher?”Imutteredundermybreath,notsurewhichanswerwouldbeworse.
“Justwatch,”Damonwhisperedthroughgrittedteeth.
Thegirlstumbledtowardus,herhandssmoothingherskirtsoverthecurveofherhips.“Why,I’mnotSarah…”shesaid,trailingoffashergazelandedonDamon’srichclothes.“AlthoughIcouldbe,dependingonwho’sasking.It’sdreadfullyboringinthere,”shepouted.
Damonbowed.Asherightedhimself,heswepthiscloakaroundhimwithaflourish,maskinghisfeatures.“Deeplysorrytomisidentifyyou.I’mLordFox,”heinvented.“Andyouare?”
“Beatrice!”shehiccupped.
“Ofcourse.Beatrice,”Damonsaidinanexaggeratedshowofpoliteness.“Youwillforgiveme,butinthislight,youlookedlikeSarahdeHaviland.”
“Theactress?”Colorroseinthegirl’schipmunklikecheeks.“Oh,I’mnot,butsheisinside,ifyou’dlikemetogether.Ormaybeyou’denjoygettingtoknowmejustaswell?”sheaskedboldly.
Damonwinked,actingasifheandBeatriceweretheonlypeopleintheworld.Iwatched,transfixed.Damonhadmoretricksuphissleevethansimplecompulsion.
“I’dlovetogettoknowyou.Butfirst,let’splayalittlegame.IwanttoplayaprankonmyfriendHenry,who’sinsiderightnow.Willyoudomeafavor?Flirtwithhim,andgethimtocomeoutsidewithyou?Butmakesureyoudon’tmentionme—Iwantittobeasurprise.”
Beatricesmiled,revealinganunfortunatecrookedincisor.“Ilovesurprises!”shesaid,clappingherhandstogether.“I’llgethimrightaway.”
“Terrific.AndonceIreturntotheparty,I’dbehonoredifyou’ddancewithme,”Damonsaid,takingBeatrice’shandandgivingitakiss.Sheblushedevenmoredeeplyandquicklyturnedaway,eagertodoDamon’sbidding.
“Oh,andBeatrice?”Damoncalled.
“Yes?”Thegirlwhirledaround.
“Myfavoritedanceisthewaltz,”hesaidwithawink.“Rememberthat.”Beatricepracticallyskippedbackintotheestate.
“Sonowwhat’stheplan?”Iaskedimpatiently.I’dlastencounteredHenryduringourbattleatopthetrain,andIhadnodesireevertoseehimagain.
“Iguessyou’llfindout,”Damonsaid,hisfingerstwitchingasifhewerecravingafight.Iwatchedhimnervously.PartofmewantedtotellhimIwantednothingtodowiththishalf-bakedscheme,wishhimluckandthenwalkaway.ButIcouldn’t.Atthispoint,therewasnoturningback.
BeforeIcouldsecond-guessmycommitmenttoDamon,HenryandBeatricestumbledoutside.HenrywastryingtopullBeatriceinforakiss.Hisredhairwasneatlyslickedback,buthisshirtwascominguntucked,asignthathe’dbeenenjoyingtheparty.WhenI’dfirstmethim,Iimaginedhimtobeeighteen,anoversizeschoolboyonthelookoutforfun.Knowinghistruenaturemadehisyouthfulappearanceallthemoredisconcerting.
“Comeon,sweetheart,justalittletaste,”HenrysaidtoBeatrice,oblivioustoourpresence.
Beatricejustlaughed.“Sorry,mydancecardfortonightisalreadyfull,”sheteasedassheslippedbackintotheparty,givingDamonapartingflirtatioussmile.
Justthen,DamonflewtowardHenryatvampirespeed.HegrabbedHenrybyhisbroadshouldersandshovedhimagainstthewallofwhatseemedtobeanabandonedstable.HenrywrithedinDamon’sgrasp,hisfangsgrowingandflashinginthemoonlight.
“Ineedastake!”Damongrowled.IgrabbedthefirstbranchIcouldfindonthegroundandcrackeditovermyknee.Itwaswillow,notnearlyassubstantialasI’dhoped,butitwoulddo.Itwouldhavetodo.
Ichargedtowardthem,thestakeinmyhand.Inmymind’seye,IrememberedthewayHenryhadchargedtowardmeduringourbloodyfightonboardthetraintoIvinghoe.Irememberedtheproprietarywayhe’dallowedhishandstoroamdownViolet’scurvesduringapartyatthewarehouse.Irememberedthewayhe’deagerlyclappedDamon’sbackataparkpicnic,asthoughtheywerenothingbutloyalfriends.Hehadbetrayedus.
“Thisendsnow,”Ihissed,holdingthestakeinchesfromthesnow-whiteshirtthatcoveredHenry’schest.Iimaginedwhatthefabricwouldlooklike,piercedbythewillowbranchandstainedwithHenry’sblood.I’dneverreallystakedavampirebefore.AtGallagher’scircus,I’doncebeenforcedtorunavervain-lacedstickthroughDamon,butI’ddeliberatelymissedhisheart.Thiswasdifferent.
“Don’tkillhimyet,”Damonsaid,wrappinghisfingersaroundthebranch.“Heneedstotalkfirst.”
IheldthestakeouttowardDamon.Itmayhavebeenmybattle,butitwasmybrother’swar,andIwouldn’tstandinhisway.
“Idon’ttalktotrash,”Henrysaidpetulantly.Instantly,DamonlaunchedthebranchforwardandpiercedHenry’sthroat.Bloodbubbledathisthroat,butthewoundquicklyhealedwhenDamonremovedthestick.Henrymusthavefedrecently.
“Youdisgustme,”Damonspat.
“Well,Icanassureyouthefeeling’smutual,”Henrygurgled,hateevidentinhiseyes.“Andyouwantedmetotalk,soI’lltalk.Youandyourbrotherarebothstupidandimpulsive,andhavenoideawhoyou’refacing.Isthatwhatyouwantedtodiscuss?”Hesmiledashepulledahandkerchieffromhispockettowipethebloodoffhisneck.Anowlhootedinthedistance.WherewereSamuel’sbodyguards?Couldthisbeatrap?
AsIwasabouttovoicemyfears,HenrytwistedoutofDamon’sgrasp.
“Youthinkyoucankillme?That’srich,”hesaidashesmiledatus.“Youboyswilltryanything,won’tyou?It’stheAmericanway,Isuppose.”Hecircledarounduslikeadog,sniffingastrangerthatcrossedhispath.Iwatchedeverystep,myentirebeingreadytoattack,shoulditbenecessary.“Ifatfirstyoudon’tsucceed,try,tryagain.AlthoughIthink,inyourcase,‘Ifatfirstyoudon’tsucceed,tryanddieagain’mightbeabitmoreaccurate.”Henrychuckledathisownjoke.
“WhatdoesSamuelhavetodowithKatherine?”Damonasked,hisvoicelow.Icouldseehimstrugglingtocontrolhistemper.IwantednothingmorethantopickupwhereheleftoffandfightHenrytothedeath.
ButHenrycontinued,unconcerned.“Itisunfairtobehuntedwithoutknowingwhy,isn’tit?Afterall,it’ssomuchmoreenjoyableifyourvictimscantakesometimetoruminateontheirchoices.So,whydomybrotherandIhateyou?”Hepausedandpretendedtothink.“Well,forone,youtwoareawfullypushy.Inthiscountry,wevaluepeoplewhorespectoursocialrules.Andthatdoesnotincludeelbowingone’swayinwithcompulsionandlies.Sothere’sthat.”
“WhataboutKatherine?”Iinterrupted.
“Katherine,”Henrysaid,chucklingtohimself.“Well,Katherine’sacategoryuntoherself.Oneofakind.Thetypeofgirlyouseeonceandrememberforever.Whichiswhymybrothercan’tforgiveeitherofyouforkillingher.”
“Ididn’t…”Damonsputtered.
“That’snotwhatweheard,”Henrysaidinalowvoice.“IknewthemovetoAmericawouldn’tbegoodforKatherine.Samuelknew.Butshewasinsistent,andwhenthatgirlgotanidea…”Heshookhisheadandsnickeredruefully.“Itwassupposedtobetemporary.Shecalledither‘GrandTour,’achancetoseetheworldandliveabitbeforeshesettleddown,”Henrysaid,glancingtowardthemainhouse.“Mybrotherwasdevastatedwhenshedidn’treturn.Helovedher.AndIlovehim,soI’mgoingtodowhateverittakestohelphimtakehisrevenge.Isthatclear?”
“ShewouldneverhavereturnedtoSamuel,”Damonsaid,disgustevidentinhisvoice.
“Oh,butshewouldhave,”Henrysaid,aslysmileonhisface.Wasittrue?HadKatherinesimplybeenbidinghertimeinVirginia?EverystatementHenrymadebroughtupmorequestions.“ShewasgoingtomakehernameinAmerica,andhewasgoingtolayclaimtoLondon.Then,they’dcombinetheirfortunes.Butofcourse,they’dalsohavetheirfun.United,thetwoofthemwereunstoppable.Youcouldn’ttiethemdown.Theywereambitious,beautiful,andpowerful.”Henrysighed.“Andthenyouruinedit.”
“HowaboutIhelpyoubothbyputtingyououtofyourmisery?I’llkillSamuel,sohecanjoinKatherineinhell,”Damongrowled,hiseyesnarrowing.TheywerepacingaroundeachotherasIlookedon,forgottenforthemoment.ThistrulywasGallagher’scircusringalloveragain:twovampirespittedagainsteachother,andonlyonewouldsurvive.AsmuchasIhatedtoadmitit,Damon’soddsdidn’tlookgood.
“Don’tyouwanttohearmore?Ihaven’ttoldyouhowKatherineusedtowriteletterstomybrother,laughingaboutthetwocountrybumpkinboysshe’dmetinVirginia,”Henrytaunted.
DamonlungedatHenryandthrewhimtotheground.“Katherinelovedme,”hescreamedintoHenry’sface.ButHenryonlychuckled.Then,withincredibleforce,hepushedDamonoffhimandagainstatree.Inaflash,HenryhadDamon’swristspinnedtothetrunk.HerearedhisheadbackandspatinDamon’sface.
“Katherinewouldhavekilledyoueventually,youknow.Thatwasalwaysherplan.Andnow,itseemsIhavetofinishherjob.”
Gatheringmystrength,IsurgedforwardandpushedHenryawayfromDamon,intendingtogethimtotheground.Buthewasstrongerthanme,andshruggedoutofmygraspaseasilyasslippingoutofacloak.Thetwoofusstoodfacingeachother,pantingwithexertion.Hisarmhunglimpbyhisside,andIfeltajoltofsurprisedsatisfaction.AtleastI’dmanagedtoinjurehim.
“I’mnotwastingmytimewithyourightnow,”Henryhissed,cradlinghiselbow.Heturnedtoheadbackintotheparty.“Trytohavebettermannersnexttime.Andthat,ofcourse,includesnotstakingyourhosts,”hecalledoverhisshoulder.
Damonstood.“Coward.Let’sgo,brother.I’mnotgoingtowastemyenergyonthattwit.”
Together,weturnedandwalkedintothedarkness.Damonstrodeahead,clenchingandunclenchinghisfists.IknewhewasdeeplydisturbedbyHenry’sstory.He’dlovedKatherine.Hestilldid.Sayinghernamewastheonlythingthatcouldbringafar-offexpressiontohiseyesandstophiminthemiddleofasarcasticdiatribe.
“Areyouallright?”Iasked,puttingmyhandtentativelyonhisshoulder.
Heshruggedmeoff.“Iwillbe.OnceSamuel’sdead.”6
KatherinePiercewasagruesomevampire,neverhesitatingtodrinkfromastranger—oralover.SowhycouldIstillrememberthefeelofherlipsagainstmine?AndwhywasIsuddenlyobsessedwithwhetherornotsheandSamuelhadbeentogether?Katherinehadsuchaholdonmybrotherandme,evenwithherbodylongsincecharredandburied.Whichoneofuswouldhavetodieforherspelltofinallybebroken?
Lately,I’vebeenrememberingthingsIthoughtwerelostlongago.WhenIwasfifteenorsixteen,Istarteddreamingofagirl.ThedreamalwaystookplaceinaverdantfieldthatlookedlikethefarcornerofVeritas,wheretherollinggreenhillsmettheforest.Shealwaysseemedafewpacesbeyondmyreach,separatedfrommebyadark,murkycloud.Thegirl’sfacewasalwayshazy,butIcouldseeherstraight,long,brownhairandheroliveskin.Evenunabletoseeherclearly,Iknewshewasbeautiful.
WhenImetKatherine,IthoughtI’dfinallyfoundher,thegirlI’dbeendreamingof.Theonewhofilledmewithunrelentingdesireandlonging.ButasIslowlycametodiscoverthemonsterKatherinetrulywas,Iknewinmyheartshewasn’ttheone.
Istillheldouthope.Maybe,rightnow,Iwasbeingtested.MaybewhenIfinallyfoundher,Iwouldbeworthyofherlove,thatgirlofmydreams.
Ididn’tspeaktoDamonduringourwalkbacktothetunnel,andhedidn’tspeaktome.Tensionlaythickbetweenus,andIknewwewereboththinkingofKatherine.Therewasnothingtodistractusfromourmemories.Thestreetsweredeserted;mostpeoplewerestayinginsideafterdark,afraidofmeetingtheRipper.Theclockhadstruckmidnightalongourwalk.Iusedtolovethistimeofnight.Itwasatimetohunt,atimetoletmythoughtsunpackthemselves,atimetofeeltheworldslowingdown.Now,Ifeltlikeweweretheonesbeinghunted.Afterall,Samuelwouldretaliate—itwasinevitable.Butwhen?
Finally,wereachedtheembankment.
“Homesweethome,”Damonwisecrackedashesteppedontotheladderandbegantheclimbdownintothetunnel.
MymoodturnedassoonasIreachedthebottomandsawfirelightdancingontheoppositewall.Apetticoatwasstrungacrossthetunnel,creatingamakeshiftwall,andarusty,dentedteakettlewasbalancedprecariouslyoverthefire.
“Welcomehome!”Corasaid,spreadingherarmswide.Kohlrimmedhereyesandshe’dpulledherredhairintoahighbunontopofherhead.SheworeoneofthedressesI’dbrought,whichmadethemostofhersmallframe.
Forthefirsttimethatevening,Ifeltlikethingsmightactuallybeallright.Cora’shardworkremindedmeofafairytalemymotherusedtoreadtous,aboutSnowWhite,abeautifulprincessforcedintohidingamiddwarves.Thisversionwasmuchmoresinister,butCoraplayedherpartadmirably:thekindwomantryingtotameoursavagetendencies.
“DidyouseeViolet?”Coraaskedurgently.“IaskedaroundattheTenBellsbutAlfredhadn’tseenher.AndthenIwantedtocomebackincaseyouhadfoundher.Iwantedtobeheretogreether,”shesaid,shruggingsadly.
Damonnodded.“She’ssafe,”hesaidshortly.
“Oh,good!”Corasaid,herhandsflyingtoherfaceinrelief.Sheturnedhereyesupasifinprayer.“Thankyou.Andisshe…”
“Wedidn’tspeaktoher,”Isaid.“Weweren’tabletogetinsideSamuel’shouse.”
“Whathappened?”Coraasked.
Isettledontothegroundandbegantellingherwhatwe’dfoundatSamuel’s.Occasionally,Damonwouldchimeinwithhisownobservations.Coranodded,butIcouldtellallofit—revenge,staking,abeautiful,centuries-oldvampirecontrollingmyselfandDamonandinspiringSamuel’shatredofus—wasbeyondhercomprehension.Itwasbeyondanyone’srationalcomprehension.
“Ultimately,we’vegottenalmostnowhere,”Isaid,discouraged.
“Notexactly,”Corasaid,hopefully.Shepulledapaperfromherdresspocketandbegantounfoldit.“IfoundthisinWhitechapel.It’sanadvertisementforabenefitfortheMagdaleneAsyluminjustafewdays.Andlookwhatitsaysatthebottom:‘HostedbySamuelMortimer,VoteSamuelforCouncilorofLondon,’”Corareadoutloud.“He’sthrowinganotherparty,givingusanotherchancetogettoViolet.”
“TheMagdaleneAsylum?”Iasked,takingtheadvertisementandreadingitformyself.“Whatisthat?”
“It’sforunwedmothersandwaywardgirls,”Corasaidknowingly.
“Waywardgirls?”Damonrepeated.
“Yes.Andwhensomegirlscan’tmakerent,theMagdaleneAsylumwilltakethemin.OneofthegirlsfromtheTenBellshadtogowhenshebecamepregnant,”Coratrailedoff.“JennywentinbackinMay.ShehadherbabyinAugust,butwehaven’theardanythingabouteitherofthemsince,”Corasaid.
“Doyouthink…”Ipaused,wonderingattheenormityofwhatIwasgoingtoaskher.
“IthinkweshouldfindoutmoreabouttheAsylum,abouthowSamuelisinvolved,”Corasaid.Itwastrue;ifwecouldgetclosertoSamuelfromanotherangle,maybewe’dhavemoreclues.AndmoreleadstoViolet.We’dhavetobesmarterthistimearound,notrevealourselvestoosoon.
“WhatifyouwenttoliveintheAsylum?”IaskedCora,thebeginningsofaplanforminginmymind.Itwasrisky,butitwastheonlythingIcouldcomeupwith.
FearflickeredinCora’seyes.“Whatdoyoumean,live?”
“Notforever,”Isaidhastily.“Justforafewdays,toseewhatreallygoesonthere.We’dmakesureyouwereprotected.Isawthewayyouperformedinthepark.Ifyoucoulddothat,they’dneversuspectyou.AndthenwecouldfigureouthowSamuelisconnected.”
“It’snotaterribleidea,”Damonsaidgrudgingly.“ButwhatifSamuelrecognizesher?”
Ipausedbriefly.Ihadn’tconsideredthat.“Whatifhedoesrecognizeher?”Iasked,thinkingoutloud.“He’llthinksheleftthewarehousewhenhefledLondonlookingforusandendeduponthestreets.Inhismind,she’dbejustanotherwaywardgirl.Hedoesn’tknowshe’swithus,”Isaid,hopingitweretrue.
“Awaywardgirl?”Corawrinkledhernose.“MywholelifeinLondon,I’vebeentryingtoprovethat’snotwhoIam.”
“Youdon’thavetodoit.Iwasjusttalkingoffthetopofmyhead,”Ioffered.Maybeitwasaskingfartoomuchfromher.“Iwantyoutobesafe.”
Corashookherhead.“Damon’sright.It’snotaterribleidea.Andifithelpssaveothergirlsfrombeingcompelled…”Sheshivered.“We’llallgotomorrow.YoucansayyoufoundmeinthestreetbytheTenBells.I’llputdirtonmyfaceand…”
Justthen,steambeganeruptingfromtheteakettleinthecenterofthefire.
“Imadeyoutea,”Corasaidshyly,interruptingherself.“Doyoudrinktea,oronlyblood?”
“I’dlovesome,”Isaid.Iwasn’tthirstyfortea,atleastnotthehumankind.Butdespitemyself,myheartwentouttoCorafortrying.SheremindedmeofViolet,alwaystryingtoseethebrightsideofthingsandneverseemingdepressedforlong.
Nottobeoutdone,Damonnoddedinagreement.“Isthereanythingyoucan’tdo,MissCora?You’reoursecretweapon,”DamonsaidinanexaggeratedSoutherndrawl.
Ismiled.Afteramoment,Damonsatdownnexttome.Itwasatinydétente,butitwassomething.Itookasipoftea,andasthehotliquidwarmedmyblood,Ididn’tthinkaboutfeeding.
“Youknow,KatherinealwaysthoughtIwasagentleman,”Damonmused,glancingatme.“Exceptduringafewchoiceactivities.”Istiffened.Itwastheverbalequivalentofacrackofthunder,asignthatDamonwasn’tinterestedinkeepingthepeacebetweenus.
“Katherine?”Coraasked,herfaceregisteringconfusion.“Shewasthebeautifulvampire?”
“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Isaid.
“Apparently,she’sthereasonwe’reallontherunfromSamuel,”Damonsaidatthesametime.“Shefellinlovewithme,andSamuelcouldn’tdealwithit.”
“Damon,letitgo.”Myimpatiencewasgettingthebestofme.“Itdoesn’tmatterwhathappenedtwentyyearsagoorwholovedwhommore.Katherine’sgone.Shecan’tloveanyone.”Iknewhewaslookingforafight,butIwouldn’tgivehimthatsatisfaction.
“Shewasmine,”hesaid,seething.
“Really?”Cora’svoicecutthroughthetension.Shesteppedbetweenus.“That’swhatyouplantodo?Fighteachotheroversomelong-deadvampirewhilealiveoneisterrorizingthestreets,nottomentionframingDamonformurderandholdingmysistercaptive?”
“No,”Damonsaidcontritely.“Ijustdon’tlikeitwhenmybrotherdisrespectsme.IfStefanmindshimself,thenwe’llbefine.”
“Right,”Ishotback.“AndifnoonebruisesDamon’sfragileego,we’llbebestfriends.”
Coraopenedhermouthasiftosaysomething,thenclosedit.Sheglancedbetweenthetwoofus.“Fine.Butifyoukeepfighting,thenI’mleaving.AndI’mnotsureanyofuswouldsurviveonourown.”
Withoutanotherword,shesweptoffintothedarknessofthetunnel,leavingDamonandmealone.
Thefirelightflickeredonthedirtwall,makingourshadowsloomlargeandghostlyoverus.
“Katherinewastheoneforme,”Damonsaidpetulantly,lostinhisownworld.“Whycan’tyouacceptthat?”
“Shedidn’tloveeitherofus,”Isaidflatly.
“Maybeshecompelledyou,”Damonsaid.“Butwithme…”
“Stopit!”Iexploded,springingupandshakinghisshoulders.Istaredintomybrother’seyes.Thewhiteswerebloodshot,buttheirisesweredarkandhugeinthelightfromthefire,thepupilsdilated.IheldontohisshouldersevenasIsensedDamon’smusclestwitchingbeneathmygrasp.Buthedidn’ttrytobreakfree.
Heraisedadarkeyebrow.“Stopwhat?Stoptellingthetruth?”
Iroughlypushedhimaway.“Stopbringingupthepast,”Isaid,ballingupmyfists.“It’spointless.Katherineisdead.Andyouwillbe,too,ifyoudon’tgiveupthisridiculousvendetta.Cora’sright—weneedtoworryaboutthevampiresthatarestillalive.WeneedtosaveViolet,andthenleaveLondon.Canweatleastagreeonthat?”
“Whateveryousay,brother,”Damonbitback,standingupandstretchinghisarmsoverhishead.“Now,ifyou’llexcuseme,I’mgoingtofeed.”
Oncehisfootstepshadfaded,Ilaydownquietlytosleep.7
Allin,brother,”Damonadvised,clappinghishandonmyshoulder.
IwasbackinMysticFalls,deepinthewoods,wherewealwayswentinouryouthwhenwewereuptonogood.We’dtieourhorsestoatreeandstayupallnight,drinkingslugsofwhiskey,playingcards,andtalkingaboutgirls.Therewasaheavymistoverthepineneedle-coveredgroundandasharpchillintheair.Itwasfall,andIwasfifteen,eagertobeamaninanysituation.
SurroundingmeweretheGiffinbrothers,MatthewHartnett,NathanLayman,andDamon.Afewyearsolder,DamonhadbeenskippingoutonourgatheringsinthewoodslatelyinfavorofnightsattheTavern.
“Heain’tallowedtohaveacoach!Stefan’sgottaplayforhimself,orelseIain’tinterested,”EthanGiffincalled,swiggingfromhisflask.Withhiscurlyredhairandroundface,Ethanremindedmeofanoverfedtoddler.
“I’mnotcoaching,I’mjustgivingsomebrotherlyadvice.Doyouhaveaproblemwiththat?”Damonchallenged.
“Fine,”Ethansaid,sittingbackonthelog.Hisbrother,Calvin,glaredatusangrily.
“Besides,Stefandoesn’tneedmyadvice.He’ssmarterthanme,”Damonsaid,glancingathisowncards.Afewcrumpledbillswerethrowninapile,alongwithabeltbuckle,acigarettelighter,andClementineHaverford’shandkerchief.(“Straightfromherbosom!”EthanGiffinhadassureduswithacackle.)Thewinnerwouldtakeitall—orloseeverything.
“Allin,”Isaid,throwingafive-dollarbillonthepile.Itwasmyownsmallfortune.
Onebyone,everyonedisplayedtheircards.Myheartpoundedmoreandmorewitheachreveal.MyhandwasbetterthanthetwojacksthatCalvinpresented,andbetterthanNathan’sthreequeens.Finally,Ishowedmyownhand—astraightflushofhearts.
Iscoopedupmyprizes,beamingatDamoninvictory.
“Riseandshine!”Iwasstartledawakebythevoice.Disoriented,IblinkedupatDamon,hisoutburstfromthenightbeforeapparentlyforgotten.Seeinghimnow,justafterhe’dappearedinmydream,wassurprising.Hewassosimilarinappearancetothebrotherofmyyouthandyetsuchaprofoundlydifferentperson.Backthen,ithadbeeneasy.Weknewourstrengthscomplementedeachother’s,andweweregenerouswithourmutualadmiration.Hewasconfidentanddaring,whileIwassmartandcautious.Now,weviewedeachotherwithsuspicion.
Theshadowofabeardcoveredthelowerhalfofhisface.I’dneverseenDamonwithabeardbefore,butitsuitedtheairofmenaceheprojected.
IhadtolooktwicewhenCoraappeared.Truetoherword,she’dtakenthepreparationsfortodayseriously.Shewaswearingthetattered,staineddressshe’dworntwodaysprior.Herhairwasmussedsoitstuckupinoddanglesaroundherface,andshe’drubbeddirtonhercheeksandforehead.Shelookedthepartofafallenwoman.Whichwasexactlythepoint.
“Allin,”Imurmured.
“Allin?”Damonglancedatmecuriously,butIdidn’texplainandhedidn’tpress.Ididn’twanthimtoruinwhatwasstillanuntarnishedmemory.
Oncewegotaboveground,weturnedintheoppositedirectionofLansdowneHouse.AccordingtoCora,theMagdaleneAsylumwasjustontheedgeofWhitechapel,thesiteofSamuel’sRippermurders.WouldanyonerecognizeDamon?Hewaswearinghiscloakwiththehoodpulledfaroverhisforehead.Combinedwiththebeard,helookednothinglikethedashing,debonairsuspectthenewspapershaddescribed.Iallowedmyshoulderstorelax.
Finally,wereachedadecrepitbrickbuildingatthefarendofanalleyway.Itwasenclosedbyanironfence,andthesolidblackdoorsoftheentrancelookedominous.Itdidn’tseemthetypeofplacetosavewomen.Rather,itlookedlikeasortofprison:aplacewherewaywardwomencouldbelockedawayandforgotten.IglancedatCora,worried,butshestaredresolutelyahead.
“Atleastyou’llhavearoofoveryourhead.Morethanwehave,atanyrate,”Damonsaid,breakingthesilence.
IshotanannoyedglanceatDamon,butCorabrokeoutintonervousgiggles.“Itisawful,isn’tit?”shesaid.“Andyet,ifIhadtochoosebetweenhere,Whitechapel,orthetunnel,IsupposeI’dchoosehere.AtleastIknowthey’lloffermealsthataren’trat’sbloodorAlfred’shorribleTenBellsfishspecial.Don’tbetoojealous,lads.”Sheflashedasmile,butIcouldtellshewasuneasy.
Iwas,too.“I’llcomevisiteveryday.Webothwill,”IsaidasIsteeledmycourageandrappedsharplyonthedoor.Thethreeofusstoodinanticipationasitslowlycreakedopen.
Anenormouslytallmanwearingapriest’srobeopenedthedoorandstareddownatus.Acrucifixhungfromhisneck,swingingbackandforthlikeapendulum.Iavertedmyeyes.Whileitwasamyththatcrucifixescouldbeusedtotormentourkind,theyneverfailedtoremindmehowunholyandevilmypasthadbeen.
“Yes,mychildren?”heaskedstiffly.“WhatbringsyoutotheMagdaleneAsylum?”
Damonsteppedforward.“I’mDamonde…Croix,”hesaid,catchinghimselfjustbeforeheintroducedhimselfasDamonDeSangue.“Andthisismybrother,Stefan.LikeeveryoneinLondon,we’reshockedbytherashofmurdersinourcityandwishtohelpkeeppotentialvictimsoffthestreets.WefoundthisyounggirlattheTenBellsTavernandofferedherourhelpbyguidingherhere.”
“Quitegood,”themansaid,hisgazeflickingtoCora,standingonthestepbelowus.She’dcrossedherarmsoverherchestandwasrockingbackandforthonherheels.Icouldn’ttellifshewasactingorifthestresshadsimplybecometoomuchforhertohandle.Whateverthereason,itwaseffective.
“Comein.”Thepriestusheredusthroughtheheavyblackdoors,shuttingthembehinduswithathud.Inside,theentrancehadavaultedceiling.Directlyinfrontofus,asaintstaredoutsorrowfullyfromastained-glasswindow.Theairsmelledlikedustandincenseandantiseptic.Itremindedmeofachurch,withitsmanystatuesandcandles.
Icouldhearpipesclanking,andtheshuffleoffootsteps.Agirlhurriedby,herheadbowed.Shewaswearingagraydressandbonnetandmutteringtoherself.IwatchedCora’seyesfollowher.Ireachedouttosqueezeherhandtoletherknoweverythingwouldbeallright,butstoppedwhenInoticedthepriest’sdisapprovinggaze.
“I’llfetchSisterBenedicttoassistyou.She’llassessthegirl’s…suitability,”thepriestsaid,asheheadedupasetofstairs.
“Homesweethome,”Coramurmuredshakily.
Justthen,asmallwomaninanun’shabitglideddownthestaircase.Herfacewasredandwrinkled,andsheworesmallspectaclesoverherwaterygreeneyes.ShestaredatCorawithaninscrutableexpressiononherpinchedface.
“Hello,Sister,”Damonsaid,bowingtoher.
ThenunswiveledtowardDamon.“Goodday,”shesaid,asmallsmilelightingupherwizenedface.TypicalDamon.Hecouldcharmanyone.“I’mSisterBenedict.Please,comewithme,”shesaid,noddingtoasmallannexunderneathanotherstainedglasssaint.Theroomwasfurnishedwithadesk,abookshelf,andseveralchairs.
Shesatatthedeskandblinkedupatusexpectantly.“Gentlemen,pleasesit.”Aswegotsettled,SisterBenedictpulledawell-wornleatherBiblefromabookshelfandwordlesslyhandedittoCora.Coratookit,curtseyed,andperchedonaricketychairinthefarcornerofthealcove.
“MybrotherandIhavetakenaninterestinyourfineinstitution,”Damonbegan.“We’vebeenreadingthenewsoftheRipperwithhorror,andwanttoprotectanyvulnerableyoungladieswecomeacross.Thisseemstheplacetocarryoutourmission.Webelievethatthereisprovidenceinthefallofasparrow.”
“Yes,thanktheLord,”thenunsaidpiously,crossingherself.IglancedsharplyatDamon.Providenceinthefallofasparrow.ThatwasfromHamlet.SincewhendidDamonquoteShakespeare?Butheonlyhalf-shruggedatme,asiftosay,Youdon’tknoweverythingaboutme,brother.
“WeintendtobegenerousbenefactorsoftheAsylum,”Damonsaidinalow,charismaticvoice,holdingthenun’sgazewithhisown.“Wouldonethousandpoundsperannumbesuitable?”
WatchingDamonusecompulsionremindedmeofwhen,asachild,hewouldturnamagnifyingglassontheantsthatmarchedaroundtheporchofVeritas.They’dbemindingtheirownbusinesswhenallofasudden,they’dbecaughtandwrithinginDamon’sgrasp.Itwasasterribletowatchthenasitwasnow,eventhoughIknewitwasnecessary.
“Onethousandpounds!”SisterBenedictgasped.“Why,thatwoulddosomuchforourgirls.And,ofcourse,forthisgirlyoufound,whomwe’remosteagertoassist,”shesaid,shootingalookatCora,whokepthereyesdowncast.“Wehavemuchexperiencereclaimingthesoulsofthewicked.”
“Thegirl’snameisCo…Cordelia,”Ilied.CordeliahadbeenourmaidbackinMysticFalls.She’dbeenwiseandwatchful,andI’dalwayssuspectedsheknewofKatherine’struenature.Inmanyways,Corahadsimilarattributes.“Andshe’snotwicked.Notlikethat.Wefoundheroutsideatavernwheresheworkedasabarmaid.Shehadbeenthrownoutonthestreetforrefusingthetavernowner’sadvances.”
“Well,Idoappreciatetwogenerous,God-fearingmenlikeyoutakinganinterestinherandinourmission.We’llsetheronthepathtoabetterwayoflife.Andtothankyouforyourgenerousdonation,ofcourseyou’reinvitedtoourbenefitattheendoftheweek.”
“Abenefit?”Damonasked,leaningtowardher.Outofthecornerofmyeye,Isawaphotographonthewall,underneathapictureofasorrowfulSaintAnthony.ThephotographwasofSamuel,smilingtriumphantlyashecutaribboninfrontofthesameheavyblackdoors.
“Why,yes,”SisterBenedictsaid.“Allthegirlsgettogo;it’saveryexcitingevent.SamuelMortimerarrangesit.I’msureyouknowofhim?”sheaskedexpectantly.
Damon’smouthtwistedintoagrimace.“Ido.Mr.Mortimerisashiningbeaconofphilanthropy,atrulyinspiringman.Unfortunately,ourfamilygotintoabitofamessydisagreementyearsback,andthere’sstillsomebadbloodbetweenourclans.I’djustasratherbe…silentdonors,”Damonexplained.
“Ofcourse,”SisterBenedictsaidquickly.
“Thankyou,”DamonsaidasIpulledatmycollar.Theroomwasboiling,andIfeltuncomfortableinmorewaysthanone.
“Iknowyou’rebothbusy,solet’sgetCordeliatakencareofanduponherfeet.”SisterBenedictsnappedherfingers,andimmediatelyIheardtheclickingsoundsoffootstepsonthewoodfloor.Atallnun,nearlymyheightandtwicemygirth,stormedintotheroom.Herfacewaslongandhorselike,withapointynoseandlipssothinandpaletheyalmostdisappearedintoherface.Shehadafewerrantblackwhiskersstickingoutfromherchin.Irecoiled.Nunornot,shewastheugliestwomanI’deverseen.
“SisterAgatha,wehaveanothergirl.Andshe’scometousinthenickoftime.”SisterBenedictpointedatCora.“Don’tworry,gentlemen.Youdidwelltobringhertous.Bythetimeshe’srehabilitated,noonewillevenrecognizeher.”
“Pleasetakegoodcareofher,”IsaidasSisterAgathaescortedCoraoutoftheroom.Thenunglancedatmeoverhershoulderdisdainfully,andIfeltmystomachsink.Corawasinforaroughtime.
Coraturnedtousfromthedoorway.“Thankyousomuch,sirs.Ihopetoonedayrepayyourkindness.”Shegazedstraightatmeandsmiledsweetly.
Inodded,andshegavemeanalmostimperceptiblewink.
“SisterAgathawilltakegreatcareofher,”SisterBenedictsaidhaughtily
“Ofcourse,”Damonsaidsoothingly.“Mybrothersometimestakestheconceptofturningtheothercheekandbeingkindtotheneedyabittoofar.Butthereareworsevices.Tosethismindatease,andforourownconsiderationasweallocatefundsfortheMagdaleneAsylum,maywehaveatour?Wealwaysliketofeelinvestedinthecauseswesupport,andwe’dliketomakesureyoungCordeliaisintheplacemostappropriatetoherneeds.”
IhadtohandittoDamon:Whenitcametogettinghisway,hewasgood.
SisterBenedictrosefromherchair.“It’snormallyagainstpolicytoallowgentlemeninside.Butconsideringyourgenerosity,aswellasyourclearcommitmenttothepoor,lostgirlsofWhitechapel,IsupposeIcouldshowyouaround.ButIdohavetowarnyou.Thegirlsarenotfullyrehabilitated,andseeingamemberoftheoppositesexsometimesoverexcitesthem.”
“Thankyouforlettingusknow,”Damonsaidseriously.“We’llbecareful.”
“Justdon’tbealarmed.Followme,”shedirected.“SisterAgathawilltakeCordeliaonherowntourandgethersettled.I’mcertainyou’llfeelit’stherightplaceforher,”SisterBenedictsaidasshesweptoutthedoor,hardlylookingbacktoseeifwewerefollowingassheledusdeeperintotheAsylum.
Themorestepswetookintothebasement,thehotteritbecame.Damonhadbeenwrong.Thetunnelwasn’ttheclosestwecouldgettohell—thebasementoftheMagdaleneAsylumwas.
Attheendofthestaircasewasasinglewoodendoor.SisterBenedict,seeminglyunaffectedbythetemperature,twistedtheknobandinstantly,Irealizedwhyitwassohot.Vastmetaltubsfullofscaldingwatercrowdedtheroom,eachonelinedwithgirlsingraysmocks,theirsleevesrolledupastheywashedpileafterpileofsoiledlinen.
“Thisisourlaundryroom,wherethegirlswork.TheycleanthelinensfromtheMagdaleneSistersofCharityhospital.Wefindthatphysicallaborpreventsidlethoughts.Andsinceidlethoughtsleadtoevildeeds,theyareliterallyscrubbingtheirmindscleanofsin,”sheexplainedproudly,gesturingtotherowsofgirlsbentoverscrubboards.Theirfaceswerebrightredandshinywithsweat,andnoneofthemacknowledgedoneanother,northefactthatwewerewatchingandtalkingaboutthemasthoughtheywereanimalsinazoo.
Justthen,SisterBenedictturnedanddirectedhergazetowardasmall,dark-hairedgirlinthecorner.Thegirl’sshoulderbladesstuckoutfrombeneathhergraycottonsmocklikewings.
“Daphne,”shebarked.Thegirlturnedtowardus,blinkinginfear.“Idlehandsarethedevil’stools.”
IsuddenlyregrettedourdecisiontobringCorahere.WhenshehadfirsttoldusabouttheMagdaleneAsylum,I’dimaginedittobesimilartotheroominghousesabovetheTenBells:fullofgirlswho’dfallenonhardtimes,butwhohadaroofovertheirheadsandfriendstocommiseratewith.Iwasn’texpectingittobesomesortofworkhouse.Eventhetunnelseemedbetterthanthis.IwonderedifitwastoolatetofreeCora;Ididn’twanthertohavetoendureevenadayofthistorment.
“I’msorry,Sister!”thegirlsaidasshewentbacktorubbingasheetagainsttheboard.
“Mayweseetherestofthefacility?”Iasked,wantingtosparethegirlanothermomentofSisterBenedict’spresence.
“Seetherestofthefacility?”SisterBenedictrepeated,herglassesslidingdownhernose.“Well,itwouldn’tbeappropriatetoallowgentlemenintothelivingquarters,wherethegirlschangeandsleep.Wedowanttoprotectourcharges.”
Iwastemptedtoargue,butdidn’t.Instead,Istaredintoherwateryeyes,concentratingonasinglewhitespeckembeddedinherleftiris.Inayoungwoman,themarkwouldhavebeenfascinatinglybeautiful,butonSisterBenedictitlookedsinister.
“Iunderstandthat,”Isaidslowly.“Butit’snowherenearnightfall.Wesimplywanttoseewhetherweshouldaddanadditionaldonationfortheimprovementofthefacilities.”
SisterBenedict’seyeslitupgreedily.“Oh!Well,inthatcase,I’msurewecanmakeanexception,”shesaid.“Allright.Butonlybriefly,”sheallowedassheturnedonherheel,herlongrobesweepingthepathweweretofollow.
Aswewalkedupthestairs,Iheardafar-offshriek.Itwasaheartwrenchingcry,butSisterBenedictdidn’tseemtheleastbitperturbed.
“Didyouhearthat?”IaskedDamonsoftly,butDamononlyshrugged.
“Howmanygirlsarehere?”Iasked.
“Weusuallyhavefiftyorsoatatime.Andofcourse,ourhopeisthattheywillallberehabilitated.Butsome…”SisterBenedictshookherhead.“Somearetoofargonebythetimetheygettous.Imagineapigeongettingstuckonaslickoftar.Ifyougotitoutrightaway,brushedoffitsfeathers,andcleaneditsfeet,it’dberightasrain.Butwaittoolong,andit’sstuck.Ruined.Wehopetogetthegirlsbeforethatpoint.Andofcourse,beforeanythingelsegetsthem,”sheadded.
“SuchasJacktheRipper?”Iasked.
“Shh!”Sheturnedtomesharply.“Wedon’tspeakofhimhere.Wedon’twanttofrightenthegirls.”
Atthetopofthestairs,shetookanironkeyfromaringhiddeninthevoluminousfoldsofherrobe,andopenedalargewoodendoor.
Iblinked.Theroomwasballroom-sizedandlinedwithfiftyidenticalcotspushedclosetogether.Somewereoccupiedeventhoughitwasdaytime.Isawagirlatthefarendoftheroomwrithingbackandforth,asifinterriblepain.Herhandswereoverherfaceandshewasmakinglow,gutturalsounds.
“Whathappenedtoher?”Damonasked.
“Shehasbaddreams,thatone.Doesn’ttalktoanyone.We’rewaitingforthedoctortocomeandseewhat’swrong.”SisterBenedictsighedheavily.
Justthen,adoorattheoppositeendoftheroomopenedandCorashuffledin,followedbySisterAgatha.Corawasdressedinthesamefloor-lengthshapelessgraysmockalltheothergirlswore,andherhairwascoveredbyadingygraybonnet.Hereyeswerewidewithfright,andevenfromacrosstheroomIcouldtellshewasnolongeracting.
“Well,thatwaseverything.Areyousatisfiedwithourfacilities?”SisterBenedictasked.
IstoleaglanceatCora,whonoddedandtriedtolookmoreconfident.
“Yes,”Isaid,hopingIwouldn’tregretit.
“Good,”SisterBenedict’sfacebrokeintoasmile.“Now,ifyou’llbesokindastocomebackdownstairs,we’lldiscussthespecificsofyourdonation.”
“Please,”Isaid.“Beforewedepart,IwanttosaygoodbyetoCordelia.I’dliketoleaveherwithsomeencouragingwords,ifthat’sallright,ma’am…Imean,Sister,”Isaid,catchingmyself.
“Ofcourse,”SisterBenedictagreed.Icrossedtheroom,gratefulthatSisterAgathatookthehintandsteppedafewpacesaway.DamondidhispartbydistractingthenunswithquestionsabouthowtheAsylumwasfounded.
“Cora,”Isaid,makingsureIstoodfarenoughawaythatourconversationwouldn’tarousethesuspicionofthenuns.Itookinhernewattire,mygazelandingonherbareneck.
“Where’syourcharm?”Iaskedurgently.
“Theymademetakeitoff,butIhaveitinmypocket.”Shegavemeacrookedsmile.“Don’tworry,I’llbefine.Icanhandlemyself.Andthesenunsseemharsh,butthey’renothingliketheonesthattaughtusattheparishschoolbackinIreland,”shesaid,tryingtoassuagemyfears.
Shewasbrave,butthatdidn’tmeanweneededtobereckless.“Ifitevergetstobetoomuch,ortoodangerous…wecantrackSamuelanotherway.Wecan—”
“I’llbefine.Wedon’thavemuchtimenow.Meetmeacrossfromthegatestomorrowmorningatsix-thirtysharp.Thegirlsallgotothemorningmassatseven.I’llsneakaway.”
Justthen,Iheardtheinsistentsoundofrosarybeadsclickingclosertowardme.Iwhirledaround.
“Areyouready?”SisterAgathaasked,archingoneofherdarkeyebrows.Damontrailedafterher.
“Yes,”Isaid.
Damonclearedhisthroat.“We’llbebacksoon.Andremember,you’vealreadyreceivedourfirstcheck,”Damonsaid,pinningthenunwithhiseyes.SisterBenedictnoddedonceassheescortedusoutoftheroom,downthestairs,andbackoutside.
“We’lltakegoodcareofCordelia,”SisterBenedictsaidassheclosedthedooronus.“Andofcourse,theinvitationtothebenefitisanopenone.Iknowtheworldofbusinesscanbegodless,butingooddeedsthere’salwaysunity.Andwithsuchahandsomecheck,Ican’timaginethatourbenefactor,Mr.Mortimer,wouldn’twanttothankyouhimself.”
“Iagree,andwhenthetimeisright,we’llbedelightedtomeetwithhim,”Damonsaid,sarcasmsoheavyinhisvoiceIshotawarningglanceathim.Therewasachillintheair,andtheskywasfilledwithlargeblackrainclouds.Afewdropsspatteredagainstmycoat.Iglancedup,tryingtogaugewhenthecloudswouldbreak.
AllIcouldhopewasthatthestormwasn’tawarningofthingstocome.8
IglancedbackattheimposingdooroftheMagdaleneAsylum,wonderingifCorawasbeingputstraighttoworkinthelaundryorwhetherourfakegenerositywouldinspireleniency.ForCora’ssake,Ihopedso.
“Let’shaveadrink.Atumblerofwhiskeymightcalmyournerves,”Damonsuggestedassoonasweturnedthecorner.
Iconsideredtheoffer.Iwashungry,andwhiskeyoftenworkedwelltoquenchacraving.ButwhiskeyhadalesspredictableeffectonDamon.Sometimes,hecoulddrinkitandseemrelaxed,asthoughhedidn’thaveacareintheworld.Othertimes,he’ddrinkitandseemedgyandviolent.Idecidedtotakemychances.
“That’dbenice,”Isaid.
DamonnoddedasheturnedawayfromWhitechapel.“Youknow,brother,therewasatimeIthoughtwe’dneverspeakcivillytoeachotheragain.Butnowlookatus.You’vechanged.”
Whataboutlastnight?Iwantedtoask.Ididn’t.ItwasfunnythewaythatjustthementionofKatherine’snamecouldunhingehim,evenafteralltheseyears.Butifhewasn’tbringinguphernamenow,Icertainlywouldn’teither.Instead,Iindulgedinhisbeliefthatweweregettingalongexceptionallywell.MaybethemoreItriedtobelieveit,themoreitwouldbetrue.
“Ihaven’tchanged.Unlessyou’refinallyseeingthemanIreallyam,”Isaid.I’dspentthepasttwodecadestryingtoreturntothehumanI’dbeenbeforeKatherinehadenteredmylife.ButDamonwastheonewhoseemeddifferent.Stillimpulsive,stillpossessiveofKatherine’smemory,andstillbrooding,butalsoalittlebitmore…human.
“Whateveryousay,”Damonsaid,smiling.“Maybeit’sjustthatmiddleagesuitsyou.Itwasalwayshowyouacted,”heteasedasweheadedtowardtheglitteringThames.ItwasfunnyhowfamiliarIhadgottenwitheverycityinwhichIhadlived.Wasitsimplybecausecities,likehumans,nolongersurprisedme?Ofcoursethereweredifferentcustomsandresidentsandaccents,buteverycityhaditsdarkhistory,itshiddensecrets.
“IwonderwhetherSamuelhaskilledanyonetoday,”Damonsaid,noddingatanelderlymancarryingasackofnewspapersonhisback.
“Hasn’thealreadykilledenough?”IaskeddullyasDamoncompelledthemanintogivinghimapaper.“I’mnotsureIwanttoknow.”
“Ido,”Damonsaid,foldingthenewspaperunderonearm.“Samuelthinkshe’ssoclever,butweknowallofhismovesnow.Andthat’sencouraging.Myguessisthatwe’llkillhimandhisbratofabrotherbeforetheweek’sout.Andthen,brother,thecityisours.Or”—Damonscratchedhishead,asthoughheweredeepinthought—“thecitywillbemine.Andmaybe,ifyoudon’tannoyme,I’llletyoulivehere,too.”
We’dreachedFleetStreet,justafewmilesdownfromourtunnel,andthestreetswerebustlingwithlate-afternoonfoottraffic.NowwasnotthetimetotalkaboutSamuel.
“It’snotthateasy,Damon,”Isaid,butIknewmywordswouldfallondeafears.AllIwantedwaswhiskeyandachancetoforgetwhatI’dseenthatmorning,evenifonlyforafewhours.
“Haven’tyoulearnedbynow?”Damonasked,glancingsharplyatme.“Nothing’seasy.”Hequicklyturnedacornerintoanalley,thenduckedthroughalowentranceway.Thebarinsidewasnarrowanddarkandsmelledofsawdustandspilledale.Irelaxed.Noonewouldfindushere.
“Nothinglikehavingadrinkanddiscussingoldtimes,”Damonsaidashemadehiswaytothebackofthebar.Theresattwosunkenclubchairs,secludedfromtheotherpatrons.“It’slikewe’rebackattheMysticFallsTavern—allthat’smissingisasultryvampireandsomeConfederatesoldiers.”
“Idon’tthinkanythingcouldbelikeoldtimes,brother,”Isaid,reflexivelylookingbehindmetoseeifwe’dbeenfollowed.Butnooneseemedconcernedwithanythingbuttheirdrinks.Mostofthepatronsweresittingaloneattables,somewritinginledgerpads,othersstaringoffintothedistance.Thepubwasclearlyonewherepeoplelikedtogowhentheywantedtobealone.
“Whateveryousay,”Damonsaid,sinkingintoacrackedleatherchairandproppinghisfeetuponalow-slungtable.Hepulledoutthepaperandflippedimmediatelytothesocietypages.“Soifnothing’slikeoldtimes,thenmaybeit’syourturntogetmeadrink.”
OfcourseDamonalwaysfoundawaytotwistmywordstohisbenefit.
Thebarmanwaselderlyandhadaclose-cutwhitebeard.Hewaswearingafilthyapronsplatteredwithdrinkstains.Iwishedwecouldswitchlives.I’dgladlyspendtherestofeternityservingdrinkstomenwhosebiggestsinwasdowningtoomanypintsofbeer,notpintsofblood.
“Twowhiskeys.ChargetoSirStefanPine,”Isaid,waitingforthesensationwhenmymindmeldedwithhis.
Butthistime,somethingwaswrong.Itfeltlikethecompulsionwashangingintheairbetweenus,suspendedandunclaimed.Andthat’swhenIrealizedthebarmanwaspayingnoattentiontome.Instead,hewaslookingovermyshoulder,atDamon,stillrecliningintheleatherclubchair.Hisanklewascrossedoverhisknee,hishairwasfloppingoverhiseyes,andhistiewasundone.
“Twowhiskeys?”Iproddednervously.Damonwasflippingthroughanewspaper,oblivioustomypresence.Butthebarmandidn’tturn,andIrealizedwithhorrorthathewasn’ttheonlyonefocusedonDamon.Twomenhadleftoffplayingcardsinthecorneranddirectedtheirstaresatmybrother.Theywereglancingataspotabovethebarman’shead,thenbacktoDamon.Ifollowedtheirgazeandsawwhathadarrestedtheirattention.Abroadsheetfromthenewspaperwasaffixedtothewall,justbesideashelfofdustyliquorbottles.
JACKTHERIPPER!NOONEISSAFE!
Whatwasunderneaththewordscausedmychesttoseizeinfear:adrawingofDamon.Thistime,thelikenessbetweentheimageandDamonwasundeniable.
“Damon!”Ihissedundermybreath.“Run.They’verecognizedyou.”Iwouldn’trisklookingathim,lestsuspicionfallonme,too.Ifocusedonthepittedsurfaceofthebar,asthoughIwaspatientlywaitingformywhiskeys.
Iheardacommotionbehindmeandwhirledaround.Damonhadshotupandwasracingoutofthebaratvampirespeed,histiefallingtothefloorasheran.Iwatchedhimdashpastme.IknewitwasarisktobeassociatedwithDamon,butIhadtofollow,todowhatIcouldtoprotecthiminthemazeofLondonstreets.Iboltedafterhim.
“JacktheRipper!”
“Callthepolice!”
Iheardthecacophonyofvoicesbehindus,eachdesperateyellspurringmetorunharderandfaster,blindlyfollowingDamonthroughtherain-soakedstreets.ThewidecobblestonethoroughfareofFleetStreetwascrammedwithcarriagesgoinginbothdirections.FollowingDamon’slead,wetookourchancesdodgingthroughthechaoticLondontraffic.Ourfootstepsthwackedagainstwetgroundandbloodrushedinmyears.Iforgotaboutmyhunger—allIcaredaboutwasDamonandmemakingitbacktothetunnel.
“Go,go,go!”Iurged,althoughIcouldn’ttellwhetherIwasspeakingtoDamonormyself.
“Stopthem!”
“Police!”Therewasnowacrowdonourtail,andcoachmenwerejumpingdownfromtheircarriagestojointhefray.Behindus,Iheardaloneshot,followedbyglassshattering.Andthen,afigureleaptinfrontofme.
Ifoundmyselfface-to-facewithawild-eyeddrunk.Hewasdressedinrags,andhisbreathsmelledstaleandrancid.
“Gothim!”heyelled,clampinghishandaroundmyarm.Ireflexivelyjerkedmyarmback,slammingtheman’sbodyagainsttheglasswindowofastorefront.Theimpactbroketheglassbehindhim,andwhenthescentofbloodfilledtheair,Iknewhe’dbeencut.
“That’snottheRipper!”anothermanyelled,runninguptome.Istayedstill,hopingDamonwasfarenoughaway.Moreandmoremenwereapproaching,brandishingknivesandbrokenbottles.
“Hewaswithhiminthetavern!”Iheardavoiceshoutfromthebackofthecrowd,butitwasfartoolate.Inthecommotion,Ibrokefree,usingmyvampirespeedtocatchuptoDamon,andthemoboffiftythatwashotonDamon’strail.Inthefardistance,Iheardtheringingofpolicebells.
Ididn’tdarelookbehindme.ItwasasifmybrotherandIwerebackinthepastureatVeritas,racingagainsteachothertogettothestables.Onlynow,weweren’trunningforpersonalbraggingrights.Wewererunningforourlives.
Wepushedourselves,givinganextraburstofspeeduntilthenoiseofthemobfadedbehindus.Finally,wereachedthetunnelandjumpeddown.Theairsmelleddank,anddropsofwateroozedfromthewallslikebloodfromawound.Still,Iwasrelievedtobethere.
DamonandIstaredateachother,pantinghard.
“Well,atleastIworkedupanappetite,”Damonsaiddully.Herosetohisfeet,andIcouldtellhewastryingtohidethefactthathewasstillwinded,sweatrunningdownhisface.“I’mgoingtofindsomefood.Don’twaitforme.”
“Fine,”Isaid,stillcatchingmybreath.
Afewminuteslater,IheardamoanasDamonundoubtedlysunkhisteethintoanamelesstunneldweller.IfeltmyownstomachgrowlinprotestasIturnedmyfacetothewallandlistenedforthescrabbleofarattoatleastquellmyhunger.Buttherewasnothing.9
Thenextmorning,Iawokeearly.OrperhapsIhadn’tfallenasleep.AllIcouldthinkofwasCora,aloneinthecold,unfriendlyAsylum.ButwheneverIclosedmyeyestoconjureherfaceinmymind—herproudeyesandthesprayoffrecklesonhernose—allIcouldimaginewasKatherine.
Inmyvision,Katherinewassmilingatme,herhairplaitedinalongbraidtossedoveronebareshoulder.
“Can’tyousmile,Stefan?”sheasked,shakingherheadatmymorosecondition.
Itossedandturned.IwantedtoforgetaboutKatherine.ButitwasimpossiblewhenIwaswithDamon.Faintlightwascomingthroughtheopeningtothetunnel.WithoutwakingDamon,Iscrambleduptheladderandintotheearlymorning.ItwaswetandcoldandthefogmadetheThamesdifficulttoseeevenfromafewpacesaway.
IhurriedtotheMagdaleneAsylum,handsjammedinmypockets,shufflingmyfeetandsinginganill-mannereddrinkingsongthatoftenbrokeoutatpubs.IwantedanyonewhosawmetoassumeIwasjustadrunkandleavemealone.Rainwasfallingsoftlyfromthedove-graysky,andthecobblestoneswereslick.
MidwaytotheAsylum,Ispottedabakerywitharedawning.ItwastheshopwhereCoraandIhadgonebeforethepark,whatseemedlikealifetimeago.
Onawhim,Ientered.
“Sixbuns,please,”Isaid,holdingthebaker’sgazeuntilshenoddedandbroughtmeawhitesack.
“Thankyou,”Isaid,noticingtheposterbehindthecounter.Mystomachsank.Damon’sfacewaseverywhere.
Thewomanfollowedmygaze.“He’sbackinLondon,”sheexplained.“Nobody’ssafe.”Shesquintedharderatme,andItookthatasmycuetohurryaway.ThefamilyresemblancebetweenDamonandmewasfaint,butitwasthere,asindelibleasink.Icouldn’trisksomeoneassociatingmewithmybrother,especiallysincewe’dbeenspottedtogetheratthetavernlastnight.
Treatsinhand,Isettledonanivy-coveredbenchacrossthestreetfromtheAsylum.Ipulledoutmywatch.Twentyminutesaftersix.
Asexpected,asidedooropenedafewminuteslater,andtwolinesofgirlsfiledout,asthoughtheyweresoldiersonthemarch.Therewereaboutfiftyinall,identicallycladingraysmocks,theirhairpulledbackandcoveredbybonnets.Someofthegirlslookednoolderthanthirteen,whileothersseemedtobeintheirlatetwenties.Ihadtosquinttotellthemapart.ItwouldbedifficulttofindCora.
“Order!”SisterBenedictbarkedatthefrontoftheline.“Now,thinkoftheprayersyou’lloffertoGod!”Shemarchedthemthroughthegatesandontothestreet.
“Cora!”Ihissed,disguisingitasacough.“Cora!”
Isawmovementfromthefarline,andthenCoraturnedtowardmeandgaveaquicksmile.Asthegroupturnedacorner,shestoleaway.
“Youmadeit,”Corawhispered,herbackpressedagainstthesandstonebuildingassheinchedfartherdownthestreetandtowardatinycobblestone-pavedalley.
“Ofcourse.Iwasworriedaboutyou.Areyouallright?”Iasked,followingherleadandtryingtoshieldherwithmybody.Inthedistance,thechurchbellspealed.
“Thankfully,yes,”Corasaidurgently.“Butothergirlsweren’tsolucky.Isawsomethinglastnight,”shecontinued,sinkingtositonaconcretestep.Here,inthealley,wewerepartiallycoveredfromtherainbythestoneoverhangofanabandonedbuilding.
“What?”Iasked,myimaginationrunningwild,thebakerybaginmylapallbutforgotten.
“SamuelandHenrycametotheAsyluminthemiddleofthenight.”
“What?Why?”Iasked.
“They’redrinkingfromthegirls.Isawitwithmyowneyes.Itwasterrible.Youhavetostopit.”Silencehungintheairbetweenus.Iwasafraidtostir.Inthedistance,acrowcawedandapolicebellrang,allremindersthatwewerenotalone.
“Ittookmeagestofallasleeplastnight,butIeventuallynoddedoff,”Corasaid,glancingupatthesky.“ThenextthingIknew,Iwasstartledawakebyanoise.IsawSamuelandHenrywalkintotheroom.AssoonasIsawthem,Ipulledmysheetovermyheadandlayonmyside,pretendingtobeasleep,butthesheetsaresothinthatIstillsaweverything,”Corasaidbreathlessly.“Theystoppedbyafewbeds,silentlywakingthegirls.OneofthemwasWinnie,whowassleepingtotherightofme.IstayedasrigidasIcouldandwasjustclutchingmycharm.Oh,Stefan,atonepoint,theyweresocloseIfeltHenry’shandbrushagainstmyforehead.IheardSamuelsay,‘Freshblood,’andIalmoststoppedbreathing,Iwassofrightened.Butthentheymovedontoanothergirl.Hedidn’trecognizeme,I’msureofit,”sheaddedwithconviction.
“Howmanygirlsdidtheytake?”Iasked.IimaginedSamuel,debonairandfreshfromanightout.He’dbewearingcologneandatux,withhishairslickedbackandhisnecklacetuckedunderneathhisstarchedwhiteshirt.IimaginedhimandHenrystealingintothegirls’dormitoryandchoosingtheonestheyweretofeastonasiftheywerepastriesatabuffet.Iimaginedthegirls—sleepyandterrified,heavy-footedundertheveilofcompulsion,followingthemdownthericketystairstothelaundryandofferingtheirnecks,feelingpainradiatethroughtheirbodiesasHenryandSamueldranktheirfill.Ishuddered.
“Five.Maybesix.Itwashardtotell.”Coramaskedherfacewithherhands,asifevenrememberingthescenewasfartoomuchforhertobear.“TheytookWinnieandEvelyn,andLouise,andIthinktheytookalittlegirlnamedClareaswell.ShewasIrish,soofcourseIwashopingtolookoutforher…”Coratrailedoff.Whenshespokenext,itwasinatinyvoice:“Ifollowedthem.”
“Youdid?”Iasked,impressed.
Coranodded.“Itriedtobesoquiet.IknowhowyouandDamonhearthingsthatnormalhumansdon’t.I’venoticedit,”shesaid,smilingtoherself.“Inoticealotofthings,”sheadded.“Buttheyneverlookedback.Theybroughtthegirlsdowntoaroomnexttothelaundry.Therearealotofroomsdownthere,alonghallwayofdoors.I’mnotsurewheretheylead.”
Inodded,encouragingCoratocontinueherstory.Icouldfeeltheanticipation;wewereontosomethinghere,gettingclosertoSamuel.Despitethehorrorsshewasdescribing,Iwasexcited.
“Theytookthegirlsintooneoftherooms,whatlookedlikeanoffice,andtheystartedfeeding.Butitwasn’tlikethetimeyouatethatrat.Thatseemedallright.This…they’dsinktheirteethdeepintothegirl’sneck.Icouldseeblooddripdowntheirbacksastheydrank.AtfirstIalmostscreamed.Butthen…”
“What?”Iasked.Ilacedmyfingersinhersandgaveherhandasmallsqueeze.Itwassosmallandfragile,andmademefeelasifIwereholdingababysparrow.
“Samuelwouldleandownandwhispertothem.Almostasifhewerebeingsweetonthem.ButHenry…”Herfacehardened.“Henryhadnomercy.Wouldsaythatscreamingwouldn’tdoanything,andthiswasalltheydeserved.Thatnoonewouldcareiftheydiedandhewasdoingthemafavor.Itwasterribletowatch.BecauseallIcouldthinkwas,whatifhewashadbeendoingthattomysister?”
“He’snot.Violet’savampire.Shecanlookoutforherselfnow.”Itwascoldcomfort,butitwassomething.
Coranodded.“Iknow.ButIcouldn’twatchanymore.Ithought,itwouldbejustmyluck,andsostupid,ifIweretogetcaught.I’dbenousetoVioletafterthat.”
Isqueezedherhandagain.Thatwastheproblemweallfaced:Wewereinthistogether.Andalthoughdeathmightbeeasier,weneededtosurvive,foreachother.
“Thismorning,thegirlswerebackintheirbeds.ItriedtotalktoClareatbreakfast,butSisterBenedictyelledatme.Sherappedmyfingers.Ihadn’tgottenthattypeofpunishmentsinceschool,”Corasaidwryly.Sheloosenedmygraspandshowedmethebackofherhand.Indeed,afaintbluishbruisewasspreadingacrossthewhiteskin.Iwinced.
“It’sallright,”Corasaid.“I’velearnedmylesson.We’resupposedtodevotebreakfasttosilentprayer.Andit’snotthatbad.Someofthegirlsarenice.There’sone,Elizabeth,whousedtoworkatatavernevenworsethantheTenBells.AndCathy’sbeenkindenoughtoshowmearound.I’llbeallright,Stefan,”Corasaid.
Iwantedsobadlytobelieveher.No,Ineededtobelieveher.IthoughtofSamuel,hisratlikefaceburieddeepintheneckofoneofthesegirls,andfeltmystomachtwistwithasenseofrenewedhatred.Hewouldpayforhisactions.Hehadto.
Corareacheduptotuckherhairbehindherears.Inthatgesture,Inoticedthechainofhervervaincharmmove,hiddenbeneathherdress.Andsuddenly,thekernelofaplanbegantoforminmymind.
“Soyoualleatbreakfastatthesametime?”Iasked.
“Ohyes,”Corasaid.“SisterBenedictmakesus.Wehavefifteenminutesformeals,inbetweenprayersandwork.”
Inthedistance,thechapelbellbegantochime.One,two…
“Ishould…”Corasaid,hereyesflickingtothechurchinconcern.Theservicewouldbegettingoutsoon,andCoraneededtorejointhelineofthegirlsbackwithoutanyonerealizingshe’dbeenmissing.
“Ibroughtthisforyou,”Isaid,holdingoutthestill-warmbagofpastries.
“Oh,Stefan!”Corasaid,herfacebreakingintoawidesmile.ShewassopleasedatsuchasmallgesturethatIfeltashamedIhadn’tdonemore.Shedeservedgoldanddiamondsforwhatshewasdoing.Andinstead,shewasexclaimingoverabitofbreadasthoughitwerethegreatestoftreasures.OncewevanquishedSamuel,I’dgetheranythingherheartdesired.Thatwasapromise.
“Wouldyoulikeone?”shesaid,offeringthebagtome.
Ipickedoneoutandtookasmallbite.Thebreadstucktotheroofofmymouthlikeglue,tasteless.Ihadnoenjoymentforhumanfood,butIwantedtohaveasmallmomentofnormalcywithCora.
“Mmm,”Corasaidcontentedly.“Theyfeedusgruel.Thisisgood.Thanksforthinkingofme.”
“Ofcourse,”Isaid.Then,hesitantly:“You’reallI’vebeenthinkingof.”Inadifferentworld,thesentencewouldhavebeenaprecursortoadeclarationoflove.Instead,Ihurriedon.“Listen,Ihaveaplan.Youknowyournecklace?”
“Ofcourse,”Corasaid,reachingintohersmockandpullingitout.Itglintedinthesun:atinyrayofhopeamidaswirlofdarkness.
“Thevervainworksinafewways.First,itmakesitimpossibleforvampirestocompelyou,butitdoesmorethanthat.It’spoisonousandburnsus.Eventouchingthecharmishardforme.”Thepealingofthebellsstopped,andIknewIhadonlyminutestorefinemyidea.
“Buttheworstiswhenvervaincatchesavampireunawares.WhenIwasahuman,myfatherdosedmewithvervain.Ididn’tknow.Iwasinlovewithagirl…”
“Katherine?”Coraaskedpointedly.
“Yes,”Isaid.Coracertainlydidnoticeeverything.“AndKatherinewasavampire.Myfatherwassuspiciousofher,sohedecidedtocreateatest.Heslippedvervainintomydrink.AndassoonasKatherinesankherteethintome,shesprangbackinagony.Shewaswrithingonthefloorandfoamingatthemouth.Andthen…”
“Heknew,”Corasaidsimply.
“Yes.Andsodideveryoneelse.Butwhat’simportantwasherreaction.Shewasinagony.Vervainislikepoison—itrendersushelpless.Soifwecouldonlydosesomeofthegirlswithvervain,andwaitforSamueltodrink,then…”
“YouandDamonwillbeabletoattack,”Corasaidquietly,twistingthenecklacebackandforthinherfingers.Inthedistance,IcouldhearSisterBenedict’svoice.
“Notalking!”shewassaying.“Contemplatewhatyoulearnedinchurch.”
“Youneedtogo.DamonandIwillfindmorevervainandcomeupwithawayforyoutodistributeit.Sametimetomorrow?”Iasked.
Coranodded,clutchingatthecharm.
“Good.Staysafe.AndknowthatI’mthinkingaboutyou,”Isaid,brushingmylipsgentlyagainsthercheek.Herskinfelticecold.
“Good-bye!”Corasaid,rushingtowardthestreetsoshecouldslipbackinline.Shehadahighflushinhercheeks,andIknewourplanhadgalvanizedher.Anditwouldwork.Ithadto.Afterall,ifithadworkedagainstKatherine,thenitwouldcertainlyworkonsuchabloodthirstyduoasHenryandSamuel.
Istoodupandstretched.Therainshowednosignsofrelenting,butthegloomyweathernolongermatchedmymood.Instead,Ifeltaliveandreadytotakeonanyone.Andthatincludedvampires.10
Ipracticallyflewbacktothetunnel,knockingintopedestriansandcoachmenalongtheway.AtonepointIstopped,catchingsightofabroadsheetpostedoutsideabank.
CRIMINALMOSTFOUL!proclaimedtheheadlineabovethenow-familiaretchingofDamon’sface.Soon,theseposterswouldcomedownandDamonwouldbeabletoroamthestreetsofLondonasafreeman.Butfornow,Iwasworriedabouthimleavingthetunnelevenforamoment.
“Bloodyawful,don’tyouthink?”Iturnedtofindamanstandingnexttome,staringatthebroadsheet.
“Isupposeso,”Isaidstiffly.
“Won’tbeforlong.We’vegotallofLondonlookingforhim.Thinkshe’safancymanabouttown,butthengetshisjolliesfromrippingapartthemgirls.Terrible.”
“Isupposenooneiseverreallywhattheyseem,”Isaiduncomfortably.“Ifyou’llexcuseme.”Ibackedaway,pickingupmypaceuntilIlostsightofhim.
Ireachedthetunnelandclimbeddowntheladderintothedarkness.“Damon!”Icalled,notbotheringtobecautious.
“Goodday,brother,”Damonsaid,noddingatmefromhisperchontheledge.Hewasplayingagameofsolitaire,slappingeachcarddownviolently.Iknewhewasangryaboutbeingstuckbelowground.Butthatwasn’tmyproblem.IwassickoftiptoeingaroundDamon’smoods.
“IsawCora,”Isaid.
“Oh?Andhowisshe?”heaskedpolitely,asthoughhewereinquiringaboutalong-lostcousin.
“They’reusingthemforblood.SamuelandHenryarefeedingonthegirls,”Isaid.IswungmyselfontotheledgesoIwassittingnexttomybrother.
“Really?”Damon’seyeswidened.“That’stheirbloodsupply.That’sbrilliant,”hesaid.
“It’sawful!”Iretorted.
“Right.Ofcourseitis.Butjustthink.Nohunting,andsomanygirlsavailablethattheydon’tfeedenoughtokillthem.Ihatetosayit,butSamuelknowswhathe’sdoing,”Damonsaidgrudgingly.“Iftheyweren’ttryingtokillme,Iwouldprobablyjointhem.”
Igrimaced.IknewDamonwasn’tsayingittoshockme—heactuallywouldhave.
“IthinkIhaveaplantocatchthem,”Isaidquietly,almostafraidtovoicetheidea.Iknewitcouldwork.ButIdidn’twanttoseeDamon’ssneerorlistentohimlistallthereasonstheplanwouldn’twork,allthewaysitcouldgowrong.
“Really?Doesitinvolveyousacrificingyourself?Nowthat’saplanIcouldgetbehind,”Damonquipped.
“Vervain,”Isaidsimply.“Coracansneaksomein,andshe’lldosethegirlsatbreakfast.Then,whenSamuelfeeds,he’llbepoisoned,andwe’llbeabletoattack.”
“Vervain,”Damonrepeatedthoughtfully.“That’snotbad,brother.”
“Itgrowseverywherebackhome.Buthere…”Irememberedhowhardithadbeentotrytocultivatevervaininthelimestone-richEnglishsoil.Itwasn’tsomethingthatgrewnaturally.I’dnurturedatinypatchonthegroundsofAbbottManor,butithadrequirednearconstantdiligence.BackintheStates,ithadbeenawfultowalkthroughafieldonlytosuddenlyfeeldozensofstingsaroundmyankles.ThevervainIgavetoViolet,whichCoranowwore,wasfromSanFrancisco—crumblyanddried,likeapressedflower.
“Wedon’tneedtogrowit.Brother,youneedtostopthinkinglikeafarmer.We’reinLondon,wheremoneycangetyouanything.Wecanstillfindit,”Damonsaidmysteriously.
“Where?”Iasked.
“Whereverthere’sacityofvampires,thereareantidotes.DoyouthinkthewarbetweenusandSamuelistheonlyonebrewinginourworld?”Damonaskedwithatwistedgrin.“Come.We’regoingtotheEmporium,”Damonsaid.Hepulledonahattodisguisehisface.Nowthathisangularcheekbones,shockofdarkhair,andpiercingeyeswerecovered,hedidn’tlooklikethemanonthebroadsheet.HelookedlikejustanotherLondonershieldinghimselffromtherain.
Withoutsayingaword,Ifollowedhim.
Soon,IrealizedtherewerepartsofLondonfarworsethanWhitechapel.WhitechapelhadremindedmeofsomeoftheslumsofNewYorkCity,communitieswe’donlypassedthroughinacoach.Buttheseareaswereevenmoredecrepit.Straycatsyowledinthealleyways,andboarded-upwindowsfacedthestreetsbelow.Itwasimpossibletotellwhetheranyofthehomeswereinhabited.Ihopednot.
“Howdoyouknowthispartoftown?”Iasked.ItwasnothingliketheelegantblocksDamonusuallyfrequented.
“Unfortunately,Ilivedinthishellhole,”Damonsaid,grimacing.“You’renottheonlyonewho’shadtoslumit,brother.”
“Youlivedhere?”Irepeatedindisbelief,pickingmywayoverapileofgarbageandbrokencrates.
“Youdowhatyouhavetodo.Obviously,Ipreferfeatherbedsandchampagne,butthosearen’talwaysavailable.Besides,thedarknesssuitsme.Noonelooksatyou,noonecaresifpeoplegomissing.It’sreallife,brother,”Damoncontinuedaswewalkeddownthewindingalleyway.Thepassagewassonarrowthatonlyonepersoncouldfitatatime.
“WhendidyouarriveinLondon,anyway?”Iasked.IrealizedIhadnoideawhatDamonhaddoneforthepasttwentyyears.Ofcourse,hehadnoideawhatI’ddoneeither,butIdidn’tthinkhewasparticularlyinterested.Thosetwentyyearshadpassedlikeasummer.LexiandIhadtouredthecountry;we’dhadlongconversationsandhadoccasionallytakenoddjobstopadourpockets.WhathadDamonseen?
“I’vebeenhereforawhile.IknewtheStatescouldn’tcontainme.Ihadtoseekadventureelsewhere,”Damonsaidcryptically.Hestoppedinfrontofthedoorofahousesimilartoalltheotherderelictresidencesonthestreets.
Heraisedhisfistandrappedthreetimes.
“Who’sthere?”Alow,croakyvoicecalledfromtheotherside.
“DamonDeSangue,”DamonsaidinaflawlessItalianaccent.
Thedoorcreakedopenandatiny,wizenedmansteppedout.Hewasmissinganeye,andtheotherwasoozingamilkywhitesubstance.Itwasdifficulttotellhisage,orifhewasevenhuman.
“James!”Damonsaidwarmly,reachingdowntoshakehishand.
“Damon!You’vebeengonefartoolong.Itrustyou’renotgettingintotrouble?”Jamesasked,raisingthewhitetuftedeyebrowabovehissightlesseyesocket.Suddenly,hisremainingeyelandedonme.“Who’sthis?”heaskedsuspiciously.
“ThisisStefan,”Damonsaid.“Mybrother.Alsoavampire.Stefan,thisisJames,afriendtoEngland’screaturesofthenight.”
“Oranyonewhopays,”Jamessaid,lookingmeupanddownuntilhiseyesfinallysettledonmylapislazuliring.Hegrinnedwryly.“SowhatcanIdoforyouboys?Wehaverhinocerosblood.It’satreatforthediscerningpalate.AndcanIgetyoutwoacupofgoat’sbloodtea?”heasked,hustlingusinsidethetiny,clutteredfrontroom.
IstartledwhenIheardmentionofgoat’sbloodtea.Mostvampiresdidn’tdrinkanythingbuthumanblood,andI’dthoughtgoat’sbloodwasadelicacyonlyLexienjoyed.IwonderedwhoJames’sothercustomerswere.
ThethoughtdriftedawayasIsteppedfartherinside.Iblinkedinamazementatoursurroundings.I’dthoughtI’dseenitall,oratleastheardaboutthingsfromLexi.ButnowIrealizedtherewassomuchIstillhadtolearn.Frogspackedinjarswerelinedupagainstonewall.Onanother,purplish-redheartspulsed,suspendedinafilmysubstance.Andanentireshelfwascrammedwithbowlsfullofgemstones.WasthiswhereKatherinehadgottentherings?
“Youknow,Damon,theofferstillstands.I’llbewillingtoputupaveryprettypennyforthatring.I’vehadseveralinquiries.Iknowonlytheownercanbenefitfromitsproperties,butseveralofmykindwouldliketostudyit,”Jamessaidgreedily.
“No,thishasacertain…sentimentalvalueattachedtoit.”Damonshookhisheadandpulledhisarminsidehiscloak.“Andteawon’tbenecessaryforme.I’mstillenjoyinghumanblood.WhatI’mhereforisvervain—alotofit.”
“Vervain.”Jamessmiledasheclimbedonastepstoolandpulleddownafewjarsofthelilaclikeflowers.“Idon’toftengetvampireslookingforvervain.Witches,yes.Butvampirestendtoavoidthesubstancesthatharmthem.”
DamonsmiledtightlyasJamesarrangedthejarsonthecounter.Iwincedjustlookingatit.
“So,thiswillbe…twentypounds,”Jamessaid,pullinganumberfromthinair.
Ipulledoffmycufflinksinfrustration,hopinghewouldaccepttheminlieuoftwentypoundsinhardcash.Idoubtedit.Twentypoundswasanastronomicalsum.Anditwasn’tasifwecouldcompelJames;runningthisshop,he’dobviouslytakengreatlengthstoprotecthimself.Icouldsenseanimperviousairaroundhim.
“Sure,”Damonsaidsmoothly,pullingafistfulofcoinsfromdeepwithinhispockets.
Iblinkedinamazement.Intheflickeringcandlelight,thegoldsandsilversblurredtogether.Thecoinswereround,square,andoctagonal,andlookedliketheycamefromallovertheglobe.Wherehadheamassedsuchafortune?Andwhyhadn’theoffereditupbeforenow,forcingmetorelyoncompulsiontogetuseverythingfromclothingtocakes?
James’seyesglintedgreedily.“Why,thankyou,Damon.Ofcourse,wewelcomevariouscurrencies,butifyou’regoingtobepayinginanythingthat’snotsterling,thereisa…processingfee.”
“Takeit,”Damonsaidcavalierly,pushingthemountainofcoinsacrossthedirtycounter.
Jamestookaheavy-lookingsquarecoinandsquintedatit,causingmoreliquidtooozefromhiseye.“Africa,eh?Youdon’tseemanyfromthere.Howwasit?”
“Hot,”Damonsaidshortly,obviouslynotinterestedinhavingaconversation.
Africa?Iblinkedatmybrother.Hewasdefinitelyunpredictable.
“Well,here’senoughvervaintotakedownanarmyofvampires.Althoughdon’toutrightkill’em—it’dbebadforbusiness!”Jamessaid,laughingandpoundingthecounteratthehilarityofhisjoke.
“Thankyou,”Damonsaid,watchingimpassivelyasJamesputthejarsofvervainintoalargeburlapsack.
“Now,canIhelpyouwithanythingelse?IhavethebloodofaBengaltiger.It’ssupposedtohelpwithstrengthandtemperament!”Jamessaidhopefully,hisgazeflickingbetweenmeandDamon.
Mystomachgrumbled.Ineededtofindapigeonorasquirrelbeforemyhungergotanyworse.Or,IcouldtakethedrinkJameswasoffering.“Allright,”Isaid.LetDamonpayforit.Hecouldcertainlyaffordit.
“Twoglasses?”Jamesasked,glancingatDamon.
“No.Tigerbloodisn’tinmydiet,”DamonsaiddisdainfullyasJamespassedmeatincupfilledwithaliquidasblackascoffee.Itookasmallsip.Thebloodwasrichandbutterytasting.Aftertwodecadesofdrinkingwaterybloodfromrabbits,thiswasheaven.Idrainedtheglass,enjoyingthewarmthofthemealcoursingthroughmyveins.
Jamessmiled.“Gladyouenjoyedthat.Andthere’smorewherethatcamefrom.”
“Hereyougo,”Damonsaid,flippingahexagonalcoinontothecounteraspaymentformydrink.
WebidJamesgood-byeandwalkedoutofthestore.Iblinkedatthesunlight,wonderingwhetherthereweremorestoreslikethat,hiddenallaroundtheworld.MyminddriftedbacktoMysticFalls.Amother-daughtervampirepairhadruntheapothecaryintown,butnoonehadknowntheywerevampiresatthetime,andthey’donlysoldcuresforhumanailments:herbsforheadaches,poulticesforwounds.Somehow,Icouldn’timaginethemhavingjarsofliveheartspumpingintheirbackrooms.Butmaybetheydid.
“It’salwaysgoodtohavefriendsofvarioustalents,don’tyouagree,brother?AlthoughIcouldhaveboughtanelephantforthatamountofmoney.Iwastemptedto,once,backinIndia.ButthenwhatwouldIhavedonewithit?”Damonasked,aswewalkedthroughthedesertedstreets.DamonledusinthedirectionofSt.JamesPark.Wewalkedinsilence.Iwasenjoyingthesunshine,whileDamonstillhadtoremaincloaked.Tooutsiders,wewerejusttwomen,perhapsplayinghookyfromwork.Andforonce,Idesperatelywantedtobelievetheruse.Sadly,thatwouldneverbethecase.11
Thenextmorning,IhurriedacrosstowntoWhitechapel,eagertodeliverthevervaintoCora.DamonandIhadspentthenightpressingtheflowersintoliquid,bravingtheangryredrashesitleftalloverourhandsandarms.Evennow,safelypackedinglassvials,thescentmademyskintingleandmyeyesburn.Ourinteractionshadbeensimilarlyprickly.I’davoidedanymentionofKatherine,butDamonhadseemedonedgeandtriedtodisguiseitbydiscussinghismanyconquests.Afterawhile,I’dstoppedlistening.Thestorywasalwaysthesame:beautifulwoman,deliciousblood,beinginvitedtothefinestpartiesintheareabeforegettingboredandmovingon.Hedidn’tyearnforahomethewayIdid.Andmoreandmore,Iwonderedwhetherthatwasablessing.
Imadeahastystopatthebakery,thenhurriedtothealleywherewe’dmetbefore.Corawasalreadythere,huggingherkneestoherchest.
“Cora!”Icalledtoher.Herfacebrokeintoaforcedsmile.
“Stefan!I’mgladyou’rehere.Doyouhavethevervain?”Coraasked.
Iheldupthevialsinresponse.
“Good,”shesaid,relieved.“Theycameagainlastnight.ThistimetheytookCathyandElizabeth.They’remyfriends,and…”Sheshookherhead.“Wehavetostopthem.”Cora’slowerliptrembled.ItwasthefirsttimeI’dseenheractinganythingotherthanstrong,anditcaughtmeoffguard.
“Don’tworry.DamonandIcameupwithaplan.”Ihandedherthevials.Theglassglintedinthesunlight.“Ineedyoutoputsomeineverygirl’sdrinkbeforethebenefittonight.Itonlyneedstobeadrop.Canyoudothat?”
Coranoddedsolemnly.
“Itwillbefine,”Iassuredher,standingupandplantingakissonthetopofherheadasIputthebagoftreatsnexttoher.“I’llseeyoutonight.Thiswillallbeoversoon,”Ipromised.
“Ihopeso,”Corasaid.
“Itwillbe,”Irepeated.“Youjusthavetobelieveitwill.”
Coragavemeasoftsmileinreturn,butIcouldtellhermindwasspinninginherown,privateway.
“Ishouldgetgoing,”Isaid,standingupandleavinghertoherthoughts.BeforeIcontinueddownthealley,Igavehershoulderalightsqueeze.Somehow,Iwouldmakesureshewasokay.
Thatnight,abrilliantgolden-orangesunsetlituptheSeptembersky,usuallysothickwithclouds.Itwasabeautifulevening,andalongtheThamesartistsweresketching,loverswerewalkinghandinhand,andbuskerswereplayinginstrumentsandproddingvisitorstogivethemmoney.
DamonandIblendedintothecrowd.Weweredressedinblack,monkrobesthatI’dprocuredfromalocalchurch.Ihadn’tevenbotheredtocompel—instead,I’dstolenthemoutright.Itdidn’tmatter.Itwasn’tasifIwasinGod’sgoodgracesinthefirstplace.
TheMagdaleneAsylumbenefitwasbeingheldintheLanesboroughHotel,oppositeHydePark.Damonassuredmehe’dbeentodozensofballsthere.Icouldn’tunderstandwhyhe’dbother.Didn’thetireofthem?I’donlybeentoafew,buthadfoundthemalltobethesame:toomuchchampagne,toomuchperfume,toomuchdancing,andtoomuchtalking,noneofitaboutanythingofconsequence.Ofcourse,mysolitarywalksandendlessthinkingweren’tmuchbetter.
“Themonk’sattiresuitsyou.It’stoobadyouareacreatureofthenight,oryoumighthavehadquiteacareerasamanofthecloth,”Damonsaid,takinginmydarkrobes.
“Ialreadyhaveaguiltyconscience.IdoubtIcouldlistentootherpeople’ssins,”Isaid,swattingathisarm.Butthemovewasmoreofabrotherlypunchthanthestartofoneofourformerbrutalfights.
“Nodrinking,noswearing,nooverindulging,nokilling…faceit,youalreadyliveamonk’slife,brother.Aren’tyougladIsavedyoufromtheboredom?”
“No,”Ishookmyhead.“Aren’tyougladIcametoshakesomesenseintoyou?”
Damonpaused,asifpretendingtothinkitover.“No,”hesaidfinally.“SenseandIdon’tmix.Youknowthat.”
“Whatdoyouthinkyou’lldoafterthis?”Iasked,asweturnedontothewindinggravelpathintothepark.
“Idon’tknow,”Damonsaid,afarawaylookinhiseyes.“Whatdoyoudowhenyou’vebeeneverywhere?Youhavetokeepthingsexciting.Maybesomedaythey’llinventamachinetobringmetoanotherplanet.”
“I’mserious,”Isaid.“Doyouthinkyoucouldcreatealifehere?”Iwantedsomethingsubstantial,somethingthatwouldallowmetoknowmybrotherasmorethanthemonsterhe’dbecomeinmymind.
“Idon’tthinkIneedtocreatemylife.Ilivemylife.That’swhatyouneedtodo,brother,”Damonsaid.Ishruggedoffhisminimalistphilosophy—itwasdevoidofmoralstructure,butIdidn’thavetimetoargueit.
Theentrancewaslitupbylargetorches.Well-dressedservantslinedthepath,andcoachesstreameddownthecobblestonestreets.TheMagdaleneAsylumseemedtobethemostpopularcausetosupportinLondonthesedays,andifwehadn’tbeendisguisedasmonks,ourinvitationswouldhavebeenscrutinizedclosely.Asitwere,wewereusheredthroughthelargeglassdoorsandintoavastballroomwithoutabackwardglance.NoonewantedtooffendtheChurch,andeveryoneassumedweweresimplytheretooffersupportandprayerstotheAsylumgirlsthebenefitwasallegedlyhonoring.
Thewallsandroofwereallglassandreflectedthewhirlingdancersalreadyontheballroomfloor.Garlandsofflowerswrappedaroundthecolumnsdottingtheperimeteroftheroom,andserverswerecirculatingamongtheguests,theirarmsladenwithplattersoffood.Scatteredthroughoutthepartyintheirfamiliar-lookinggraysmockswerethegirlsoftheMagdaleneAsylum.Theywereobviouslytheretoremindpatronswherealltheirmoneywasgoing,butpeopleweregawkingatthemasthoughtheywereperformersatacircus.Most,however,werehuddledincornersingroups,fearfullylookingattheattendeesasthoughtheymightbite.Whichtheymight.
Isquinted,tryingtopickCoraoutofthecrowd.Finally,Isawher.Shewasengagedinalow,whisperedconversationwithaslightgirlwhosedarkhairhungintwoplaitsdownherback.
“Theresheis.”IelbowedDamon,andtogether,wemadeourwayovertoher,passingdirectlyinthepathofSisterBenedict’shawklikestare.Shewavedusonwithoutglancingatourfaces.
“Cora!”Iwhispered.Coraglancedover,herexpressioninstantlychangingfromconfusiontorecognition.Shepickedherwaythroughthegirls,whoallbeganwhisperingamongeachother,wonderingwhyshewastheonechosentohaveanaudiencewithtwomonks.
“Why,hello,Brother.Don’tworry,Isaidmyprayersyesterday,”shesaid,winking.
IsmiledasIleanedintowardher,somymouthwasonlyinchesfromherear.“Yougavesometoeverygirl?”Iasked.
Justthen,Ifeltataponmyshoulder.IwhirledaroundandfoundmyselfeyetoeyewithSisterBenedict.
“Hello,Brother,”SisterBenedictsaid,hervoicedrippingwithpiety.“Howareyoufindingtheevening?”
“Blessyou,Sister.”Iboweddeeply,notgivingherachancetonoticeIsharedaremarkableresemblancetooneofthegenerousdeCroixbrothers.“Theeveningisajoy.I’dlovetopaymyrespectstotheorganizeroftonight’sevent.Whenwillhebearriving?”Iasked,hopingmyanticipationwasn’ttooevidentinmyquestion.
SisterBenedict’sfacebrokeintoacrookedsmile.“Whenyouask,Godprovides.Look!”Shegesturedtowardabalconythatoverlookedtheballroomfloor,litbyabrightgaslamp.AmanIdidn’trecognizesteppedtowardthebalcony’srailingandlookeddown.Thebandstoppedplaying,andthemanspreadhisarmswideasifingreeting.
“Welcome,friends,totheMagdaleneAsylumBenefitBall!”hesaidtoaroarofapplauseandafewwhistles.“Andnowforyourhost,SamuelMortimer!”
IlookedupalongwiththerestofthecrowdasSamuelburstthroughthedoorsandontothebalconytotheroarofapplause.Hisblondhairwasslickedbackbehindhisearsandcurledrightabovehiscollar,makinghimlookmorelionlikethanever.Andonhisarm,withherfacepaleandherlonghairpiledontopofherhead,wasViolet.Ifpossible,hereyeslookedlarger,andhermouthmorered,althoughfromthisdistanceitwasimpossibletotellifitwasmakeup,atrickofthelight,orasmudgeofbloodfromherlastfeeding.Samuelstoodclosetoher,butitdidn’tlooklikeshewasbeingheldagainstherwill.Ifanything,wheneverSamuelshiftedawayfromher,shewouldpullhimback,asifshehadtohaveSamuelbesideheratalltimes.
Iheardmurmursripplethroughthecrowd.Icouldimaginewhattheywerewhispering.I’msuretheywerewonderingwhereshe’dcomefrom,whySamuelhadchosentoescorthertothebenefit.Ifonlythey’dknownherlessthanaweekago,beforeshe’dbeenforcedtodrinkOliver’sblood.Ifonlytheyknewthemanonherarmwasevilincarnate.Andifonlytheyknewthatvampireswalkedamongthem—andthatsomewerecapableoffarmoredestructionthantheycouldevenimagine.
“Violet!”IheardashriekasIsawCoraspringfromherchairatthefarendoftheroomandruntowardhersister.Luckily,thebandhadresumedandtheballroomwasabuzzwithchattering,glassclinking,andfootsteps.Noonehadheardheroutburstexceptafewgirlssittingnearby.Buteventhatwastoomany.AnyattentiondrawntoCora,ortous,putourplanatrisk.
“No!”DamonandIyelledatthesametime,racingintothecrushofbodiesthatseparatedusfromCora.ButDamonwasfaster,andinstantly,hewasbyherside.Heseizedherarmwithonehandandcoveredhermouthwiththeother.“Bequiet!”heordered,wrestlingherbackintoherchair.Then,heleanedinfrontofher,hishandsclaspedinprayer
“She’shysterical,”hesaid,loudlyenoughsothegirlsandSisterBenedictcouldhear.“Itsometimeshappenswhenyoungwomenaren’taccustomedtolargecrowds.We’llsayanextraprayerforher,”DamonaddedasIjoinedhiminfrontofCora.
“Whatwereyoutryingtodo?”Ihissed.Shewincedatmyharshtone.IglancedovermyshouldertoseeifViolethadheardCora’scry.Luckily,shewasattheoppositeendoftheroom,curtseyinginfrontofatall,thinmanwhomIvaguelyrecognizedastheLordMayorofLondon.
“I’msorry!”Corawhispered,thecolordrainingfromherface.Shepulledahandkerchieffromherpocketandtwisteditinherhands,staringintentlyatthefabricinsteadofme.“Idon’tknowwhatcameoverme.IjustsawVioletandwassohappytoseeher…I’msorry.”
“It’sfine,”Isaid.IshotDamonalook.Theplanwasstillinplace.Everythingwouldbefine.
“He’sright,”Damonsaid.“Youweren’teventhatloud.I’veheardStefanscreamlouderathisownshadow,”Damonquipped.
AglimmerofasmilecrossedCora’sface.IsupposeshefeltthatifDamonandIwerestillengagingincivilbanter,everythingwouldbeallright.Shepuffedouthercheeksandexhaled.“DoyouthinksheknowsI’mhere?”sheasked,hereyessearchingmine.
“Vampireshavegoodsenses,buttheyaren’ttelepathic.Theycan’ttellwheresomeoneelseisunlesstheyhearorseethem,”Iexplained.“Now,pleaserememberthatthequieteryouare,thebetterchancewehaveofgettingViolet.”Ilockedeyeswithherandnodded,reassuringherthatwecouldstilldothis.HerdeterminedexpressionremindedmesomuchofOliver’swhenhewouldtrytoconvincemetotakehimhuntingthatmyheartclenched.
Ilookedbackatthecrowd.VioletwasstilldeepinconversationwiththeLordMayor,butSamuelhadleftherside.IsawthathewasnowclaspinghandswithSisterBenedict,onlyafewpacesawayfromme.Ifroze,panicsettinginasIimaginedhimaskingaboutthepairofmonkswhoweren’tontheapprovedinviteelist.
Butthen,SisterBenedictusheredhimintothecrowdofAsylumgirls.Hetappedoneontheshoulder.Shewasstocky,withbrownhairthatgrazedhershouldersandlarge,doelikebrowneyes.
IsuckedinmybreathasIplacedawarninghandonDamon’sshoulder.Ididn’ttrusthimnottotrytosurpriseSamuel.Buthestayedbymysidesilently.Onebyone,Samuelpickedhisvictimsandescortedthemtowardthebackoftheballroom.
“It’stime,”IwhisperedtoCora.
Shenodded,herlargeeyesshining.“Goodluck.”
Ismiledconfidently.Ididn’tneedluckanymore.Ihadafoolproofplanandrevenge-hungryDamononmyside.Nowallweneededtodowasfightforourfreedom.12
DamonandIhurriedafterSamuel,followinghimintothecavernousservantareaacrossfromtheballroom.Mossgrewfromcrevicesinthewalls,andthehallwaysmelleddamp—almostlikeaswamp.Samuelhadduckedoutofsightintooneofthewoodendoorsdottingeithersideofthehall.Ihadnoideawherehecouldbe.Itestedoneofdoorknobs.Locked.
Izigzaggedfartherdownthecorridor,puttingmyweightagainsteachdooruntilIheardablood-curdling,otherworldlyscreamcomingfromthefarendofthehall.Itechoedinmybonesandmademecertaintheplanhadworked.Anticipationbuzzedinmyveins.
“Ready,brother?”Damonwhispered.Hiseyeswereredwithanger.Weran,sidebyside,followingthesoundofthecry.
Damonusedhisbrutestrengthtobustthroughthelockeddoor.Inside,Samuellayontheground,writhingandclutchinghisgutasifhisinsideswereonfire.SurroundinghimwerefourterrifiedandbewilderedAsylumgirls.Onegirlwasclutchingherneckasbloodseepedthroughherfingers,whiletheotherthreeweregatheredaroundher.Thefourwhitewashedwallswereemptyexceptforasinglewoodencross,andalonecandleburnedonawoodentable,castinganeerieglowonthescene.Wewerefarenoughawayfromthepartythatnoonecouldhearus,whichIsupposewaswhySamuelhadchosenthisroominthefirstplace.He’dprobablybroughtgirlshereduringeveryMagdaleneAsylumfund-raisingball.
“Run!”Ibarkedtothegirls.Theydidn’tneedanymoreurging.Onebyone,theytookoffdownthecorridor.IwonderedwhattheywouldsaytoSisterAgatha,butbrushedthethoughtaway.Wewereonborrowedtime,andIknewitwasimperativewekillSamuelrightaway.
Hewascompletelyatourmercy,andwewerereadytostrike.
“Notsopowerfulnow,areyou?”Damonsneered,reachingintothefoldsofhiscloakforawoodencrosshemusthavebeenplanningtouseasastake.Heletloosealow,demoniclaughandIsteppedback.ImayhavebeenafterSamuel’slife,butDamonseemedtobeaftersomethingmore.Hewasn’tjustintendingtokillSamuel.Hewasintendingtotorturehim.
“Youthinkyoucandestroymewiththat?”Samuelgasped,musteringaweaklaugh.
JustasDamonrearedback,readytostrike,Samuellungedtohisfeet,pushinghimagainstthewall.Thecrossclatteredtothefloor.Igrabbedit,slashingattheair.ButSamuel’squickmovementhadextinguishedthecandlelightingtheroom,andaswewereplungedintodarkness,Samuelstruck.Ifeltasearingpainbelowmykneeandstaggeredontomyback,suddenlyunabletomove.Astakewasjuttingoutfromundermykneecap.
Icouldn’tmusterthestrengthtopullmyselfintoaseatedpositiontoyankitout.Itwisted,tryingtogetaviewoftheroom.SamuelandDamonwerecirclingeachother.Damon’sjawwasclenchedandbloodwasrunningdownhisface.
Killhim,Iwilled.Notorture.Juststrike.Youdon’thavetime.
Inmypain,Icouldn’tbesurewhetherIwassayingthewordsormerelythinkingthem.ButIheardDamon’slow,mockinglaugh.
“Readytoberevealedasamonster?WhatwillLordAinsleythink?Bettercallinallyourpoliticalfavorsnow,”Damonsaid.“UnlessIjustkillyou.Takeyouofftheirhands.”
Justkillhim,Ithoughtdesperately.
Samuelturnedtowardme—thattime,I’dspokenaloud.“I’mafraidyourbrotherwon’tbekillingme,”hesaidevenlyashepulledaglittering,jewel-encrustedknifefromhisjacket.Thesoundofsizzlingfleshassaultedmyears;Icouldtelltheknifehadbeendippedinvervain.
“Damon!”Iyelled,butitwastoolate.SamueltooktheknifeandshoveditintoDamon’sabdomen.Bloodimmediatelyseepedthroughhisrobes.
Samuellookedbackandforthatusboth,hiseyesglitteringinthedarkness.Iglaredathim,stillunabletomove.Hecontinuedtolaugh,alow,dangeroussound,asominousasanearthquake.
“Ihavetohandittoyou,boys,”hesaid,tappinghislongfingerstogetherandpacingtheroom.Iwonderedifthiswaswhenhe’dstrike,orifhe’dholdout.“Youtriedvaliantly.Ididn’tthinkyouhaditinyou.Spikingthoselittlebratswithvervainwasadmirable.Butunfortunately,Ihavequiteabitofvervaininme.Starteddosingmyselfwithityearsago.Nastyandunpleasant,yes,butitdoeshelpbuildimmunity.”Hewipedhismouthwithhishandkerchief.“See,notsomuchtheworseforwear.”Heclappedhishandstogether,causingdriedredflecksofbloodtofalltothegroundlikerain.
“WhichismorethanIcansayforyourlittlefriends,”hecontinued.“Youthinkyou’retheonlyoneswhocanspoilanevening?JacktheRipperknowshowit’sdone.NowseemsliketheperfecttimeforhimtoheadbacktoWhitechapelandstrikeagain.Theonlyquestionis,inabenefitfullofwhores,whowillbetheluckylady?”Samuel’smouthtwistedintoasickeninggrin.
“No,”Isaid,asthehorrorofitinvadedmyimagination.IpicturedoneoftheAsylumgirls,rippedfromtheinsideout.Mylegwashurtingbadly,andIknewI’dlostalotofblood.ButmyinjurieswerenothingcomparedtowhatSamuelwoulddotothosegirls.Corawasoutthere,alone…
Ilurchedupright,pullingatthestakeinmyshin.
Samuellaughedatmylameattemptatstoppinghim.“It’sbeenapleasure,boys,”hesaidasheturnedtoleave.
IglancedoveratDamon,crumpledonthefloor.Bloodwastricklingoutofhisstomach.Iyankedagain,butthestakeinmylegwouldn’tbudge.Instead,everyattempttopullitoutcausedmetofallbackinspasmsofagony.
Farinthedistance,Iheardthefaintstrainsofawaltzintheballroom,andthecheerfulchatterofthepartygoers,completelyunawareofthedemonintheirmidst.13
Afewagonizingminuteslater,Imanagedtoyankthestakefrommykneeandstanchedthewoundwithastretchoffabricrippedfrommyrobe.IstoodupandhobbledacrossthedarkroomtowardDamon.Mylegseemedallright,consideringthebonehadbeenbrokenonlyminutesbefore.MybodyhealedfastandalreadyIcouldtellmykneewasonthemend.ButDamon…hewasstillonthegroundinagony,bloodgushingfromhisgutevenashetriedtostand.Thiswasn’taninjuryhe’dbeabletowalkoff.Idebated:ShouldIleavehimhereandruntoWhitechapel?OrwasSamuel’schallengeatrap?Icouldn’tthinkclearly,butIcouldsensethemomentscountingdown.Agirl’sbloodwouldbeonmyhandsifIdidn’tactfast—andmaketherightdecision—soon.
Coraburstintotheroom.Herfacepaledasshetookinthesightofus,butshemovedforwardpurposefully.
“Whathappened?”sheaskedasshesanktothefloorbesideDamon.“Ishe…”
“Samuelstabbedhim.Vervain.He’llbeallrighteventually.”
“WhatcanIdo?”sheasked,lookingdownathim.
Ihesitated.IknewDamonwasinbadshape,butwithouthimIwouldnotbeabletostopSamuelfromkillingagaintonight.AndIknewwhatDamonneeded.Iwouldnotforceher,butifshediditwillingly…“Youcouldgivehimyourblood,”Isaid.
Cora’shandsflewtoherthroat.“Butwhere…how?”Coraasked.
“Ijustneedyourwrist.Notalot.Doyoutrustme?”
Coranoddedsilently,tookoffhervervaincharm,andheldoutherwhitewrist.EvenafterlivingintheAsylum,Cora’sskinsmelledlikeanintoxicatingcombinationoffreesiaandmilk.
Itookastepback.Ididn’twanttobetempted.Instead,Itooktheblood-coveredknife,wipeditonthesleeveofmyrobetoremoveanyvervainleftonitssurface,andhandedittoher.
“Justasmallcutwilldo.Nottoomuch—hehastobeabletostop,”Icautioned.
Withouthesitation,Coratooktheknifeandhelditagainstherskin,pushinguntilshecreatedalong,cleanchannelofblood.
“Good,”Isaid.“Nowlethimdrink.”
Atfirst,DamontentativelylickedCora’swrist,butthenbegansuckingharderandmoreinsistently.Iturnedaway,partofmejealousthatDamonwasabletoexperienceCora’ssweetnessinawaythatIwouldneverallowmyselfto.
“That’senough!”Isaiddesperately.Therewassuchafinelinebetweenlifeanddeath.
Damonglancedupatmeandraisedhiseyebrows.
“Didyouseehim?”heaskedCoraafterbrieflykissingherwristinthanks.
“Yes.”Coranodded,eyeswide.“AndhetookElizabethandCathy!Justwalkedoutthedoorwiththem,andnoonesaidaword.IcamedownhereasfastasIcould.IknewIcouldn’tgoafterhimalone.”Cora’svoicewasunnaturallyhigh.
“He’sgotthem,”Damonsaiddarkly,asifitwereapointoffact.Hewasstandingnowandlookedasstrongasever,exceptforthelargeredbloodstainonhisrobe.
Corasniffed.“ElizabethandCathydrankthevervain.Sothey’llbeallright,won’tthey?”sheaskedinasmallvoice.
“Vervaindoesn’tworkonSamuel,”Isaid.“He’sbeendosinghimself.Weneedtofollowthem.”Ididn’ttellheraboutSamuel’sdemonicwager.Icouldn’t.
“Weneedtofindthem.”Damon’smouthwasset.“AnotherJacktheRipperattackwillhappentonight.Heknowswe’rehere.Andhewon’tstopkillinguntilthetrailofbloodleadsthepolicetous.”
DamontookadistraughtCoraunderhisarmandledheroutoftheroom.
Weleftthroughabackentrance,andthethreeofusranthroughthestreetsforwhatfeltlikeaneternity.Thewindwashowling,andthepartyseemedagesaway.Aswepeltedtowardtherain-soakedalleysofWhitechapel,Ifeltasifwe’dbeentransportedbacktoMysticFallsafterthevampiresiege,whentheentiretownhadsmelledofvervain,fire,blood,anddeath.ExceptWhitechapelwasfilledwithsnakingsidestreetsandtinycourtyardsmaskedbytoweringboardinghouses.ItwouldbeimpossibletofindSamuelintime.Andyet,wehadto.
IsniffedtheairtopickoutSamuel’sdirection.Thewindcarriedtheunmistakablescentofbloodtowardus.Itwassostrongmyfangsautomaticallybulgedundermygums.
Weweretoolate.
Rushingtowardsourceofthesmell,Isawmovementatthecenterofthesquare.
“He’shere,”Damonsaidtersely.
Inodded,freezinginmytracks.
Thenanothersoundcapturedmyattention.Imighthavechalkedituptothewind,whistlingthroughthenarrowalleys,butDamonhadheardit,too.Hesprangtowardtheendofthealley.IurgedCoratostayputbeforefollowinghim.
Andthere,Isawhim.LitbyathinsliverofmoonlightwasHenry.Aknifeglitteredinhishand,drippingwithblood.BelowhimlaythepronebodyofCathy,theAsylumgirlwho’dbefriendedCora.
Mystomachlurched.I’dbeenresponsiblefordozensofdeaths,andI’dseenterriblevampiremurders.ButI’dneverseenadeathlikethis.ItbroughtmebacktwodecadestotheSutherlands’well-maintainedlivingroom.There,theentrailsofeverymemberoftheSutherlandfamilywerespatteredacrossthewallsandthefloor,makingitimpossibletotellwhichbodypartoriginallybelongedtowhom.
Andhere,Cathy’sgutswerebeingsplayedoutontothestreet.Henryseemedentrancedbythegore.Mostvampireskilledcleanly,drainingbloodfromtwosmallholesintheneck.ButHenryhadsplitopenCathy’sentirebody,andhadmadeslashafterslashacrossherneck.Herclothingwassobloodstainedthatitwasimpossibletoascertaintheoriginalcolorofherdress.Thiswastheworkofaderangeddemon.
Henrylookedup.Iwassureheknewwhatapicturehewaspaintingforus,bowedoverhisprey.“Why,hello.I’mafraidyou’relatefordinner.Iwouldhavewhippedupadessert,butmybrothertoldmethisbloodwasruinedforvampireconsumption.Whatawaste.”Henryleeredatus.ThenhestoodandlungedtowardDamon.
Damonsidesteppedhim,causingHenrytoricochetagainstthewall.Hefelltotheground,butquicklybouncedbackup,laughingdemonically.WithDamonoccupyinghisattention,IrushedtocheckonCathytoseeifanythingcouldbedone.
Ikneltbesideherbody,thankfulthatshewasdead,notaliveandinagony.Hopefullythedeathhadbeenquick.ThenIthoughtaboutElizabeth,too,whomightnothavebeensolucky.Chanceswere,sinceshewasn’therenow,she’dalreadymetherfate.
“Goodlucktryingtofixthatmess,”asmooth,lowvoicesaidbehindme.“I’dsaybetterlucknexttime,buttherewon’tbeone.”
Iwhirledaround.ItwasSamuel,asnow-whitehandkerchieftuckedinhisjacketpocketandahalfsmileonhisface.
“I’msurprisedyou’resodisgusted.Idoknowhowfondyouandyourbrotherareofmesses.Isn’tthatwhatyoubothhavebeendoingsinceyouarrivedinLondon?Findingyourselvesinimpossiblesituations?It’sasifyoutwohaveadeathwish.”Samuelshookhishead.“Inaway,it’stooeasy,”hemused,kneelingdownandsmoothingCathy’shairbackfromherpalefaceastenderlyasahusbandcaressinghisbride.Fromtheneckup,shelookedasifshewasmerelysleeping.
IleapedtowardSamuel,guidedbyinstinctasIthrewawildpunch.Myfisthitflesh,andSamuelstaggeredback.MaybethevervainhadaffectedhimmorethanIthought.Iwoundup,readytohitagain,whenawild,rawscreamrangoutbehindme.IwhirledaroundandsawCoranexttoCathy’sbody.Seeingherface,torturedbythesightofherfriendrippedtopieces,Ihurriedtoherside,myfightwithSamuelallbutforgotten.
Samuel,standingtallandstrongasever,turnedtowardCora,abemusedexpressiononhisface.“So,shallIkillyourlittlefriend?Ormakeheroneofus?”Samuelaskedashepulledoutagoldpocketwatchandnotedthetime,smilinginsatisfaction.IpulledCoraclosertome.“Bymyaccount,theWhitechapelVigilanceCommitteeshouldbehereinminutes.I’vebeenaskingthemtopatrolMitreSquareeveryhour,onthehour.Ialwaysthoughtitwastheperfectplaceforacarelesskillertobecaught.Soyou’llforgivemeifIbreakupthegames,”hesaid.Hewhistledonce.HenrylookedupfromhisscufflewithDamonandimmediatelyracedtohisbrother’sside.“They’llappreciatecatchingthekillersred-handed.Takeitlikemen,willyou?”Withthat,SamuelgrabbedthebackofDamon’sneckandforcedhisfaceintoCathy’sinnards.Coramoanedindismay,andIfeltmyowninsidestwist.
DamonchokedasthevervaininCathy’sbodyhithislipsandtriedtojerkback,sputteringinequalpartsangerandagony.
“Stefan?Asnack?”Samuelasked,cackling,thenshookhisheadasifhe’dthoughtbetterofit.“No,tooeasy.Andtoounkind.Iknowhowyourbrotherabhorssharingthespotlight.Justlikeheabhorssharinghiswomen.Katherinewouldalwaysrelayhowhumorousitwastopitthetwoofyouagainsteachotherandwatchyoufightforheraffections.Asifeitherofyouevercouldhavewonherhand,”helaughed,asapealofpolicebellspiercedthenightairandcandlelightappearedinthewindowsofthebuildingsfacingthesquare.Curiousfacespeekedout,andIknewwehadonlysecondstoescape.
“I’llseeyousoon,Stefan.AndDamon,enjoyyourdemise,”Samuelsaid,releasingDamon’sneck.HeseizedHenrybythearmandtheytookoffaroundthecorner.TheWhitechapelVigilanceCommitteewascoming,andDamonwasagainweakenedbyvervain.Still,Iyankedhimtohisfeetandsearchedforanescaperoute.Anarrowpathranbetweentwohousesnearby.Thatwouldhavetodo.
“Wecan’tjustleaveher!”Corashouted,staringatCathy’smutilatedbodyindespair.
“Cora,wehavetogo!”Isaid,grabbinghershouldersandshakingherslightly.Ididn’twanttohurther,butIneededhertopayattention.IfCorabecamehysterical,noneofuswouldbesafe.
Corastraightenedhershouldersandpressedherlipstogetherinatightline.Asingleteartrickledfromthecornerofhereye.Shedidn’tbotherwipingitaway.
“I’mfine,”shesaid,noddingherheadasifwillingittobetrue.IdraggedDamonwithmealongsideCoraasweran,windingdownonealleyandanotheruntilwecametoatinypassagewaybetweenstreets,filledwithrefuseandrats.
“Here,”Corasaid,walkingmidwaydownthestreetandthrowinghershoulderagainstawoodendoor.Nothing.Isteppedinfrontofherandtriedagain.Itswungopeneasily.
Assoonaswewalkedinside,Iheardratsscurryingandbatssqueaking.Thestructureseemedtohavebeenamilliner’sshopatsomepoint,anddustyhatsanddresseshungfromracks,rotting.Iquicklylocatedaheavyblacktrunkanddraggeditinfrontofthedoor.
“We’resafe,”Corasaidflatly,sinkingtothegroundandhuggingherkneestoherchest.
IwasabouttobreatheasighofreliefwhenIfeltmyselfpinnedtothewallbyanunseenhand.IlookedaroundwildlyandrealizedthehandwasconnectedtoDamon.Hesqueezedmyneckandscowledatme,hatredevidentinhisdarkeyes.
“Whatnow?”Iasked,pushinghimaway.Wehadtwovampiresonourtrail,avigilancecommitteeafterus,andacadreofpolicemenlookingforus.Damonhadthebloodofaninnocentgirlalloverhisface.Yetallheseemedtobeconcernedwithwasreignitingouryears-oldfeud.
“Well,Stefan,”Damonsaid,practicallyspittingoutthewords.“Howdoyoufeelaboutyourgrandplansnow?Twomoreofyourprecioushumansaredead,andnotonlyarethepoliceafterme,butaVigilanceCommitteeislikelycomingformewithtorchesandhandcuffs.AndinsteadoftryingtodestroyHenryorSamuel,tryingtohelpmeinthefight,allyoucaredaboutwashowCorafelt.”Damonreleasedhisgripbutkepthiseyeslockedonme.“Youhavenoideahowtobeavampire.Youhavenoideahowtofight.AndI’mtiredoflisteningtoyou.”
“I’msorry,”Corasaidinasmallvoice.“Ishouldhavebeenbraver.”
“Youshouldhavebeennothing,”Damonspat.“Youshouldn’tevenhavebeenthere.Thisisourworld,andStefancan’tseemtounderstandthatheneedstoliveinit.Allhewantstodoisorchestrateeventstohisliking.He’sbeentellingmewhattodosincewegottoLondon,andlikeanidiot,I’velistenedtohim.ButI’mnotlisteninganymore,”Damonsaid.“We’redone.”
Thewordswerelikeaknifetomystomach.
“DoyouthinkIlikelivingintunnelsandfeelinglikeI’mhunted?DoyouthinkIlikeseeinginnocenthumansdie?I’mdoingthistohelpyou,”Ishouted.
“HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyou?Idon’twantyourhelp,”Damonhissed,hisvoicelowandominous.“Ididn’tneedyourhelpwhenwewerehumans,andIdon’tneedyourhelpnow.We’redone,brother.We’redoneforever.”
“Fine!”Iyelled.Itwaspetulantandpathetic,butitwastrue.Becauseweweredone.Ididn’twanttoworryandplanandalways,endlessly,feelunappreciatedanduseless.ImayhaveputupwiththatwhenIwasahuman,forevertheyoungerbrothertrailing,puppylike,behindDamon.Butnotanymore.“Go.”
Withthat,Damonstormedoutofthedecrepitshop,battingthetrunkawayfromthedoorasifitweighednothing.Islammedthedoorbehindhim.IfhewantedtorunrightintothearmsoftheWhitechapelVigilanceCommittee,thenlethimgoahead.Weweredone.MythoughtswereinterruptedbyawhimperfromCora.Iplacedahandonherarm,knowingitwouldn’tdomuchtocomforther.
“It’sallright,”Isaid,eventhoughitwasn’t.Ifeltthebeginningsofaheadachethrobbingatmytemples.Damonwasgone,anditsoundedlikehewasgoneforgood.AndIdidn’tblamehim.I’dbeenangrywithhiminthepast,butthiswasthefirsttimeI’dtoldhimtogo.
Goodriddance,Ithought,willingmyselftobelieveit,tryingtocastDamonasjustanotherill-manneredvampire,liketheonesI’dlivedwithinNewOrleans.
Buthewasn’t.ItwasthesamedamningconclusionI’dalwaysreached:Bloodmattered.Damonmattered.EvenifIwishedhedidn’t.
Thesoundofpolicebellsdrewcloser,andIcouldhearfootsteps.Torchlightdancedalongthewhitewashedwallsofthemillineryshop,andonceagainIwasthankfulforCora’squickthinking.
Justthen,weheardacryfromoutside,solouditrattledthewindows,followedbythesoundofdoorsslammingandfootstepsechoingonthepavement.
“TheyfoundCathy,”Coranoted,hervoicedevoidofemotion.Inoddedhelplessly.“IwonderwhereElizabethis.Shecan’tbealive,canshe?”
“No.”Ishookmyhead.SayinganythingelsewouldimplythatIhadhope.AndIdidn’t.Theworldwasevil—Iwasevil—andeverythingItouchedbecamesurroundedbyblood,destruction,andchaos.IncludingCora.Itwasnowaytolive.
“It’shard,isn’tit,”Corasaidsoftlyinthedarkness.
“Whatis?”Iasked.
“Living,”shereplied.“It’sharderthandeath,Ithink.BecausethefirstthingIthoughtwhenIsawCathywashowluckyshewas.Shedoesn’thavetolivethroughthis.Shedoesn’thavetoseeherfriendstornapart,andshedoesn’thavetolivewithanyregretforbringingthemintoherproblems.She’sfree.It’sawickedthought,isn’tit?”Coraasked.
“No,it’sthetruth.Ithinkit’swhatDamonbelieves,too,”Iadmitted.IrememberedwhenhehadbeggedforthedeathIrefusedtogivetohim.Wasthattherootofallourproblems?Andifso,whatcouldIdoforforgiveness?InthemomentwhenCora’sterrifiedshriekpiercedthenightair,Ihadgonetoherwithoutasecondthought.Butindoingso,IhadbetrayedDamon,scufflingwithHenrynearby.DamononhisowninLondonwasasgoodasdead.IfSamueldidn’tgethim,thentheWhitechapelVigilanceCommitteewould.
“Youknowhewasn’tmadatyoutonight.Thatwasjustanexcuse.”
“Maybehewasright.Youchoseme,”Corasaidinasmallvoice.
“Ididn’tchooseanyone.Damoncanlookoutforhimself.You…”
“Can’t?”Coraasked,witharawlaugh.
“…justsawyourfrienddeadonthestreet,”Ifinished.“Butno.Damon’salwayslookingforareasontohateme.And…”Itookadeepbreath.“Maybeheshould.Becauseyousee,Ilovedmybrother.AndwhenIbecameavampire,Iwantedhimwithme.Iforcedhimtoturnagainsthiswill.HewasfightinghistransitionandImadehimdrinkhumanblood.Andhe’llnever,everforgivemeforthat.”
“Idon’tthinkthatIwouldhateVioletifsheturnedme,”Coramused.“IthinkifIknewshediditfortherightreasons,Iwouldunderstandandforgiveher.Atleastwe’dbetogether.”
“It’snotthatsimple,”Isaidafteramoment.
Wewerequietforsometime.Throughthegrimecoatingtheshopwindows,Icouldseethefainteststreaksofsunlightappearinglikebrushstrokesagainsttheinkyblacksky.Theworstofthenightwasbehindus.
“Nothingthat’sworthitiseversimple,”Corasaidinthedarkness,pickingupourearlierconversationandyankingmebacktothepresent.
“Hmm?”Iasked,startled.
“Nothingthat’sworthanythingiseversimple.That’swhatmakesitworthit.That’swhatVioletalwaysusedtosaywhenthingsgothardforus.ShewastheonewhopushedforustomovetoLondon.I’dhavebeenhappytostayinDonegal,settledown…”Corasighed.“Violetconvincedourparentstoletusmove.Andrightbeforeweboardedtheboat,mydatookmebytheshouldersandtoldmetolookafterhislittlegirl.”
“Youdidthebestyoucould.”
Corashookherhead.“Ididn’t!IwascharmedbySamuelthesecondhecameintotheTenBells.HesatatthebarandtoldmeIwasbeautiful.Ididn’tgiveasecondthoughttowhatwouldhappentoVioletwhenIwentwithhim.Andthen…Iwassostupid!”sheexplodedangrily.“Whycouldn’tIresisthim?Iknewwellenoughthatnonoblemanlikehimwouldwantagirllikeme,sowhycouldn’tIignorethecompulsion?”
Ipulledhertowardme,rockingherbackandforthinmyarms.“Thereisnowayyoucouldhavefoughtthecompulsionwithoutvervain.Itwasn’tyourfault,”Isaidsoothingly.Sherelaxedagainstmychest.Inoticedacreasebetweenhereyesthathadn’tbeenthereafewdaysearlier.Shelookedexhausted,andIwantedtodoeverythinginmypowertomakeherpainandhurtandconfusiongoaway.ButIcouldn’t.
“Somanymenareouttherelookingforgirlsjustlikeyou.You’reamazing,”Isaid,brushingthehairbackfromhereyes.Ididn’tloveher,atleastnotinthewaythatcausesahumanhearttoflutterwithanticipation.ButwhatIfeltforherwasdeepandsincere:Itwasasifweweresoulmatesinthestrictestsenseoftheword,boundbydutytoourkinandwillingtodoanythinginthefaceofevil.Shewasatruefriend.AndIhopedshecouldtellhowmuchIvaluedher.
“Thanks,”shesaidwryly,tiltingherchinuptome.Herangularfacewasbathedinaswathofearlymorninglightcomingthroughacrackinthewindow.“HowcanIgowrongwhenIhavetheapprovalofvampires?”
Ichuckled.Itwasn’tfunny,notreally,butasIcontinuedtolaugh,agigglerosefromCora’slips.
“Shh!”Iexclaimed,pressingmyhandtohermouth.
“Ican’t!”shesaid,stilllaughing.Tearssprangfromhereyesandleakeddownhercheeks,andIknewitwasn’tthejokemakinghercry.Iheldhertighterandlethertearswashoverme.Theworldwasaharshplacetolivein,buthereandnow,atleastwehadeachother.14
Ifellasleeplisteningtotheba-dum,ba-dumofCora’sheartbeat.Itwasrhythmicandsteady,ametronomicreminderthatnotallwaslost.Andsomehow,thesoundgotmethroughthenight.
Iawoketothinraysoflightseepingthroughthegrime-cakedwindows.IblanchedasIblinkedatmysurroundings.Thewoodenfloorwascoveredwithdust,andIcouldseethepawprintsandtailmarksofrats.Cockroachesscurriedalongthebaseboards.
“Wakeup,”Iwhispered,nudgingCora’sshoulder.Herhandswereclaspedtogetherasthoughinprayer.
Corablinkedupatme.Theshadowsunderhereyesweresodarkandpronounceditwasasifshe’ddrawnthemwithkohl.Hersmockhadshiftedassheslept,exposingherfrailcollarbone.Ihatedtowakeher,bringherbackintothishorriblereality.
“Goodmorning,”Iwhispered.“Howdidyousleep?”
“BetterthanIimagined,consideringthecircumstances,”Corasaidinasmallvoice,sittingup.
“Iknow,”Isaid.“Butthegoodnewsiswe’rehere,andwe’resafe.Andeverything’salwaysbetterinthemorning.”Ismileddespitemyself.ItwasaphrasemymotherhadusedwhenIwasachild,worriedaboutmonstershidingundermybed.Onlynow,themonstersweren’thiding.
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”sheasked.
“We’llthinkofsomething.Itwillbefine,”Isaid.Thathadbeenmygo-tophraseforthepastfewdays,andIwassureCorawasjustastiredofhearingitasIwasofsayingit.EveryplanIthoughtofwasmorefantasticalanduselessthanthelast.Mymindfeltoverworkedandunwieldy.Butwhatcouldwedo?Vervainwouldn’thurtSamuel,andhehadtheentireLondonpoliceforcewrappedaroundhislittlefinger.
MyminddriftedtoKatherine.Samuelhadbeenright;she’ddelightedinpittingDamonandmeagainsteachother.IwantedtogetintoKatherine’sbrainandtrytoimaginewhatshewoulddoinmycircumstances.Maybethatwastheanswer.Whatbetterwaytofightamaniacalvampirethantothinklikeonemyself?
Katherine,though,washardlyalone.Andnotjustwithherabundanceofmalesuitors.Shehadhermaidservant,Emily,byherside.Emily,whowasalsoawitch.She’dperformspellsforKatherine,givingheranadvantageoverhumansandvampiresboth.
IneededsomethingbeyondthePowerIhadasavampire.IneededtotalktoJames.
“What’sthat?”Coraaskednervously,pullingmeoutofmyreverie.SomethingwasscuttlingaroundbehindamolderinghatboxinthecornerandCorawaslookingaroundtheshopasthoughexpectingtofindoneofthemannequinshadcometolife.Remarkably,theabandonedstorewasmorefrighteningintheweaklightofdaythanithadbeenindarkness.
“Let’sgo.Ihaveanidea,”Isaid.
Shestoodupandbrushedoffherdress.Shelookedexhaustedanddirty,butresolute.Despiteeverythingshehadseen,shewaschoosingtomoveforwardandkeepfighting.Andthatinspiredme.IfCorawasstrongenoughtostaredownimpossibleodds,Iwasgoingtomakesureshesurvivedtohavealongandfulfillinglife.
WhenwereachedtheEmporium,Irappedthreetimes,listeningforsoundsontheothersideofthedoor.
“Who’sthere?”Jamescalled.Iheardjarsrattlingabout.
“It’sStefan,Damon’sbrother,”Ireplied.Sometimes,myrelationshiptoDamoncameinhandy,Ihadtoadmit.Finally,Jamesopenedthedoor.Hisgoodeyewasoozingevenmorethanithadbeentheotherday,andhelookedrightpastmetoCora.
“What’sshedoinghere?”heaskedsuspiciously.
“She’sallright.She’safriend,”Ianswered.
“Ahuman?Iswear,somevampiresneverlearn,”hesaidroughly,buthehustledusinsidethetinyshop.Helockedeyeswithme.“Youneedgoat’sbloodtea.Onthehouse.Iliketodomybestcustomersfavors,becauseIknowit’llcomebacktomeinsomeway.Andyoucertainlyhelpedmegetridofmybackinventoryofvervain.”Hegesturedtoasmalltableinthecorner,wavingustositdown.
Ishifteduncomfortablyfromonefoottotheother,unsureofhowtotellhimwhathadactuallyhappenedwiththevervain.Idecidedtostall,hopingthatthemagic-infusedproductsliningtheshelveswouldinspireanewplan.“Teawouldbeterrific.”
JamesbustledaroundinthebackoftheshopasCoraandIsatatthericketytable.
“Aspecialdrinkforthemiss,”Jamessaidashereturned,offeringCoraasteamingmugofbroth.“Ithasrhinoceroshornflakes.Goodforbravery,”heexplainedsolemnly.Coraclutchedthecupwithtwohandsandtookatinysip.
“It’sgood,”Corasaid.“ItjusttastesliketheIrishteabackhome.”
“Well,you’renotherefortea,solet’stalk,”Jamessaid,takingaseatbehindthecounteranddraininghisownmug.“Where’syourbrother?”
Ichosemywordscarefully.“He’sonadifferentpathnow,”Isaid.Thatmuchwastrue.Whethertheroadwasleadingtodestruction,Iwastryingnottothink.“Butweneedyourhelp.TheJacktheRippermurdersarebeingcommittedbyadementedvampire.Londonisindanger.”
“London’sindanger?”Jamesaskedskeptically,crossinghisarmsoverhischest.“London’salwaysindanger.Forthepastthousandyears,peoplehavebeensayingthat,andyetthecityisstillstanding.AndwhyshouldIcareaboutthecurrentcrisis?There’lljustbeanotheroneafterit.”
Irackedmybrain.Itwastrue.Whyshouldhecare?Hewasunconcernedwithpettyfightsbetweenvampires.Ifanything,he’dpreferafeud—moreincomeforhim.
“Becauseyou’reagoodman,”Corasaidsimply.“JustlikeStefan.Pleasehelpus.”
Jameslaughed.HeslidoffhisstoolandcircledCora.
“I’magoodman?No,sweetheart,I’manawfulmanwho’sseenanddonesometerriblethings.ButIlikeyourinnocence.Youprobablythinkthere’shopefortheworldyet.”
“Thereishope,”Corasaid,hervoicestrongandsteady.
Jamesnodded.“Ithinkyouhaveatouchofwitchinyou.It’sveryslight,must’vebeenanancestorwayback,butit’ssomewhereinthere.”
“Doyouhaveanythingelsethathurtsvampires?”Iinterjected.“Thevervaindidn’twork.Samuel…thevampire…hasbeendosinghimselftobuildupimmunity.”
“Smartbloke,”Jamessaidtohimself.“Mostofyouvampiresaretoobloodthirsty,toofocusedonyournextmealtoseethebiggerpicture.Butmaybesomeofyouarebeginningtothinkthingsthrough.Dosingwithvervain,Ihadn’tthoughtofthat.AndIcertainlyneverimaginedseeingavampirelikeyouwithahumangirlonhisarm.Andyouhaven’tevenbeenfeedingonherorcompellingher.Remarkable,”Jamessaid,shakinghishead.
“Socanyouhelpus?”Coraasked.
“Well,I’mafraidI’venothingherethatwouldblockadeterminedvampire,”hesaid,glancingupatadustybookshelfandrunninghisfingeralongthetitles.
“Oh,”Isaid,myheartfalling.“Well,then,thankyouverymuchforyour—”
“Hangon!”Jamessaidindignantly.“Listen.That’sthetroublewithyouvampires.Alwaysjumpingtoconclusionswithouthearingthewholestory.That’swhyIpreferwitchesmyself.Theythink.Now,IsaidIdidn’thaveanything.ButIdidn’tsayitdidn’texist.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Iaskedslowly.
“Now,normallyIwouldn’tconsiderhimforyou—hehatesvampireswithapassionandhasn’tbeenthesamesinceonethrewhimoffLondonBridge—butsinceyou’redesperate…heisgoodinacrisis…”Jamestrailedoff,thinking.
“Whois?”Iaskedurgently.
“Ephraim,”Jameswhispered,asthoughitwereanincantation.
“Who?”Itwasasifhe’dmentionedGodorLuciferoranotherentityIshouldhavebeenonafirst-namebasiswith.
“Ephraim.He’sadangerous,powerfulwitch.Orwasinhistime.Butthenhegottoogreedy.Demonsfromallovertheworldsoughthimout,andhe’dperformhisspellsforwhoeverhadthemoney,nomatterwhetherthepersonwasonthesideofgoodorevil.Ofcourse,hechargedthewitchesalittlelessandthevampiresalittlemore,buthe’ddoworkforanyone.Lately,though…peoplesayhe’schanged.Buthispowerhasn’tebbed.Ifanything,he’sstrongerthanever.”
“Ephraim,”Corarepeated.“Whereishe?”
“TopofBigBen,”Jamesanswered.“Butyouhavetotimeitright.Isupposeit’swhypeoplecallitthewitchinghour.Whentheclockstrikestwelve,youcanfindhim.He’llbeexpectingyou.”
“MidnightatBigBen.We’llbethere,”Iagreedquickly.
“Good.Becausehedoesn’tlikewaiting.Makeshimnervous.Now,makesurenooneseesorfollowsyou.Atthefarendofthetower,there’satunnel.It’sunguardedatalltimes,”Jamessaid,noddingashepulledarumpledpieceofpaperfromadrawerandhandedittoCora.“Theinstructionsshouldbeclearenough.Givethispapertohimsohe’llknowIsentyou.Considerityouradmissionticket.”
Corashovedthepaperintohercoatpocket.
“Iwarnyou,Ephraimwillaskforpayment.Notnecessarilycash.Butthere’salwaysapricetopay.”
“Iunderstand,”Isaid.“Thankyou.”
“Don’tthankmeyet,”Jameswarned.“I’vebeenaroundalotlongerthanyou.Remember,evenifyouhaveanantidote,itdoesn’tmeanthepoisonwon’tkillyou.”Hestaredglumlyintohistea.“There’sbeenawarbetweengoodandevilragingonforyears.Sometimesgoodwins,sometimesevilwins.It’sacointoss.”Asiftoprovehispoint,hepulledahexagonalcoinfromhispocket—IinstantlyrecognizeditastheonethathadboughtmeamealofBengaltigerblood.Hethrewthecoinintotheairandthethreeofuswatcheditfalltothetable.Itlandedonasidethathadacomplicatedgeometricpattern.Ipulledthecointowardmeandflippeditover.Theothersideshowedthesamepattern.
“Whichsideiswhich?”Iaskedinconfusion.
Jamessmiled.“Sometimesnooneknows,”hesaid.
Ofcourse.Itriedtocontainmyfrustration,butitwashard.Ihadn’tcomehereforriddles—Icameforanswers.ButallIwasleavingwithweremorequestions.Morequestions,adouble-facedcoin,ascrapofpaper,andamysteriousname.
“Comeon,”Corasaid,slidingherchairawayfromthetableandplacingahandonmyshoulder.“Andthankyou,”shesaidtoJames.
Weexitedtheshop.Inthestreet,Iturnedbacktolookatit.Thewindowwasfrostedandfilledwithcobwebs,thedoorcoveredoverwithboards;anyonewalkingbywouldthinkthebuildingwasabandoned.Butwasn’tthatjustanotheroneofJames’slessons?ItwasoneIunderstood:Nothingiswhatitseems.Butinthiscase,wewereclearlyonthesideofgood.IonlyhopedEphraimwouldbemoresympathetictoourpositionthanJameswas.Becauserightnow,thisvampire-loathingwitchwasouronlyhope.15
CoraandIavoidedthetunnelfortherestoftheafternoon.WithoutDamon,itfelttoosilentandempty.Instead,wewanderedthestreetsofLondonasCoratoldmestoriesaboutitshistory:thatafirehadravagedtheentirecityhundredsofyearsago,thatravenswerekeptintheTowerofLondoninasuperstitiousefforttowardagainstthecity’sdestruction,andthathumanbodieshadbeensacrificedtoLondonBridgesoitwouldnevercollapse.Iwasn’tsurewhetherthestoriesweretrueorpulledfromherimagination,butIlikedlisteningtoherliltingIrishaccent.Theydistractedus,andIknewwebothneededdistractionfromtheveryrealhorrorswe’dencounteredinthiscity.
Butfinally,we’dreachedourdestination:BigBen.Wearrivedjustasthemagnificenttowerclockreadeleven-thirty.Thestructurewasimposing;allsharpanglesandhardsurfaces.Nearbywastheriver,andParliament,whileWestminsterAbbeywasastone’sthrowaway.IknewnowwhyBigBenwasaniconicsymbolofLondon.
“Andhereconcludesourtour,”Corasaid,gazingupatitinreverence.“I’veneverbeenherebefore.”
Surroundingthebuildingweresoldierswearingreduniformsandblackhats.Evenatthislatehour,theywerestandingsharplyatattention,theireyestrainedonthesilentstreet.Aloneboatsaileddowntheriver.Itlookedempty,andIrememberedoneofthestoriesCorahadtoldmeaswewerewalkingalongthedocks,aboutghostshipsinthetimeofpiratesonthehighseas.Ishivered.
CorapulledoutthewornpieceofpaperJameshadgivenherandsmootheditagainstherkneebeforereadingaloud:
“AlthoughitmaybecalledBigBen
Andring’daroundbyguardsmen
Takenoteofthethingsthataren’tmeanttobeseen
UnlikeanentrancefitforaQueen
Thinklikeamouseorratorflea
AndatEphraim’sentranceyou’llbe.”
“Wheredoyouthinkitis?”Coraasked.
“Somewherelowtotheground,mostlikely,”Isaid.Ilovedpoetry,butithadbeenawhilesincemylastencounterwithnurseryrhymes.Wecircledtheclocktwice,scanningthegroundforanentrance.I’dhadnoideaBigBenwouldbesoheavilyguarded.I’dbecomeusedtoLondonbeingdesertedatnight.Butthereseemedtobenowaytobypasstheguards.
“Thingsthataren’tmeanttobeseen…”Coratrailedoff,lostinthought.“Doyouthinkthatwouldbethebackoftheclock?That’ssomethingthat’salwayshidden,right?”
Justthen,theclockstrucktwelve.
“Wedon’thavemuchtime,”Corasaid.Astheguardsmarchedinformationforthetraditionalchangingoftheguard,weheadedtothebackofthehulkingstoneedifice.TheclocktowerwasconnectedtothesprawlingstructureofthePalaceofWestminster,andupcloseIcouldmakeoutnumerouscracksinthelimestone.
“Look!”Coracalledinexcitement.Sheclappedahandoverhermouth.“Sorry,”shesaidabashedly.“It’sjust…there’saholethere,”shesaid,pointingtoacrackatthebaseofthetower.
“Cora,I’mavampire,notanelf.”Theentrance,ifthatwaswhatitwas,couldn’thavebeenmorethanafoothigh.Itwasatriangulargapwhereonelimestoneblockhadbecomeloosefromitsneighbor.
Coragavemeaquicksmilebeforecrouchingdownandstickingherhandinsidethehole.“I’mgoingtotryit,”shesaid.SosubtlyIassumeditwasatrickofthelight,theholebegantogrow.Coraputherarmfartherin,andtheholegrewbiggerstill.Sheturnedtome,eyebrowraised.
Ephraimmustbepowerfultohavesuchanenchantedentrancetohislair.
“I’llgofirst,”Idecided.IslidinsideandCorafollowed.Wefoundourselvesinanarrowtunnelfacingawindingsetofstairsthatseemedtorisetotheheavens.Silently,webegantoascend.
“Stefan,”Corasaid,hervoicewavering.“Whatifthisisamistake?WhatifEphraimisbeyondreason?”
“It’llbeallright.We’realmostthere,”Isaid,eventhoughIhadnoidea.Iwonderedifthestairs,too,werenotwhattheyseemed.ForallIknew,theywererotatingbelowourfeet,keepingussuspendedindarknesswhileweclimbedendlessly.Anythingwaspossible.
JustasIwasconsideringtheworst,thestairsendedabruptly.Wefacedanirondoor.Ipushedatittentatively,notsureifweweregoingtosetoffatraporburstintoflames.
“Whogoesthere?”avoiceboomed,seemingtocomefromallplacesatonce.
“Icomeasafriend,”Isaid,suddenlycalm.Wewereherenowandtherewasnobackingout,sowhatwouldbewouldbe.
Iglancedatoursurroundings.Theroomwastinyandoctagonal.Atmost,itcouldholdfivepeople,andIhadtoducktokeepmyheadfromgrazingthesloping,cob-webbedstoneceiling.Thevoicehadcomefromamansittingonaloneconcreteblockinthecenterofthetinyroom.Burningcandlesdottedthedampfloor,andasingleopening,nolargerthanabrick,wascutintoonewall.Throughit,allofLondonwaslaidoutbeneathus.Acrossfromuswasanotherarchway,whichmusthaveheldtheclockitself.Icouldseethelargebrasselementsmovingponderouslyaroundanenormouscircle.IwonderedwhyEphraimhadchosentoresideinBigBen,andifanyoneknewhelivedhere.
Themanturnedfromthewindow.Helookedtobeinhisfiftiesandworeatatteredrobe.UnlikeJames,hewouldn’tstandoutasgrotesqueonthestreets,althoughtherewassomethingabouthisbearingthatwouldunnervestrangers—anervoustensionresonatingthroughouthisbody,givingthesensethathewasalwaysonhighalert,preparedtoattackorfleeatamoment’snotice.
Heeasedtowardme,sniffingtheairasthoughhewereadogmeetinganotherdogontheroad.WithJames’swarningsinmind,Istoodstill,allowinghimtocontinuethisunorthodoxmodeofintroduction.Coraremainedatmyside,herhandsclaspeddemurelyatherwaist.
“She’sahuman?”themanasked.“Ephraimlikeshumans.Ephraimdoesn’tlikevampires.”
Corasteppedforward.“Yes,”shesaidwithaslightnod,causingherhairtofalloverhereyes.“Iamahuman,butStefanisnotatypicalvampire.”
“Ephraimwillbethejudgeofthat.”
“CanwespeakwithEphraim?”
Iheardacawingsoundasalargeblackravenflappeditswingsandflewfromacornerontotheman’sshoulder.IrememberedthestoryCorahadtoldme:IftheravenswereevertoleavetheTowerofLondon,thenallofEnglandwouldfall.IwonderedifthesameweretrueofEphraiminBigBen.Maybehewasembeddedthere,stuckforeverintheloreandlegendofEngland.Ifeltthehairsriseonthebackofmyneck.
Themanregardedtheraventhoughtfully,thenturnedbacktous.
“IamEphraim,”heproclaimed.“Whyhaveyoucome?”
“Vampires,”Isaidsimply.
“Vampires!”Ephraimspat.Hegentlystrokedtheraven’swingwithtwoofhisswollen,misshapenfingers.Whilehisfaceappearedmiddle-aged,hishandslookedaswitheredandgnarledasthebranchesofanancientoak.“VampiresremindEphraimofleeches.AndEphraimknowsleechesaregoodforspells,butnotforcompany.”
WhileJameshadnotunderestimatedEphraim’sanimositytowardvampires,Iwonderedifhehadperhapsunderestimatedhismadness.
“Youdon’tknowhim,”Corasaid;hervoicewasclearasaclarion.
Ephraimchuckled.“Wedon’tknowhim!”hesaidtotheraveninasingsongvoice.
“Goodmorning!”theravencroaked,insuchaperfectEnglishaccentthatIblinkedinsurprise.
“He’sagoodman,”Coracontinued,unperturbedbythetalkingbird.ShelaidoneofherthinhandsonEphraim’swrist.“JustlikeJames.AndJameswastheonewhosentustoyou,”sheexplained,passinghimthepaper.
“WhatelsedidJameshavetosayaboutEphraim?”
Corashookherhead.“Jamessaidyou’dhadatoughtimewithvampires.Buthesaidyoucouldhelpus.AndIbelieveyoucan.Please.”
Iwatched,impressed,asCorausedanentirelydifferentsortofcompulsion.SheplacedahandonEphraim’sshoulderandsqueezedslightly.Ephraimsmiled,clearlyinastateofblissatbeingfawnedoverbyabeautifulwoman.
“Well,Ephraimcanhelpyou.Ofcourse.ButEphraimknowswhatpeoplesayabouthim.DidJamestellyouEphraimisinsane?Doyoubelieveit,too?”Ephraimasked,suddenlyindignant.“BecauseEphraimisn’t.Butthequestionis,whywouldEphraimhelpyou,vampire?”
Heswungtofaceme,hisgazesuddenlysharpandprobing.
“Fartoomuchblood,toomuchviolence,”hecontinued.“Allyoucareaboutissatisfyingyourthirst,andthemoreyoudrink,themoreyouwant.Awasteoftime.Now,witchesontheotherhand…we’reamajesticrace.”
“Youaremajestic,”Isaid.“Andthat’swhyIneedyourhelp.Ican’ttakedownthisvampirealone.”
“Youwanttodestroyanothervampire?Ephraimneedstohearwhy.”Ephraimgesturedinfrontofhim,asifinvitingmetotakethefloor.“Ifyoutellagoodstory,Ephraimmayhelpyou.Andifnot…”Ephraimtrailedoffominously.
Ilookedintohisbeadyeyes.“IamStefanSalvatore,”Isaid,thenametastingstrangeonmytongue.Ihadn’tusedmysurnamesinceI’dbeeninEngland.“AndI’mavampire.IturnedtwentyyearsagobecauseIwasyoung,andstupid,andblindlyinlove.AndIcauseddestruction.Iturnedmybrother…andIkilledmyfather.”IheardCoragasp.I’dnevertoldherhowIkilledmyfather.Ithoughtshe’dneverunderstand.ButnowthatIwastellingmystory,Ifeltcompelledtoconfessallmysins.IhadasensethatEphraimwouldknowifItriedtoleaveanythingout.“Ikilledmen,women,andchildren.Butthat’sinthepastnow.Ihavereformed.Ihavetriedtoatoneformyearlymistakes.IcametoEnglandandfoundworkonafarminIvinghoe.Itwashonest,cleanwork,andforthefirsttimeinyearsIfeltIhadapurpose.Ifelthappy.”ThewordsoundedoddevenasIsaidit,butitwastrue.IhadbeencontentwithmylifeinIvinghoe.“UntilIlearnedaboutJacktheRipperandhisbrutalattacksonwomeninWhitechapel.Iknewitwastheworkofanothervampire,andIsuspecteditwasmybrother,soIdecidedtointervene.ThelastthingIneededwasmorebloodonmyhands.”
Ephraimnoddedslightly.“Thisisallaverygood,courageousstory.Icouldseeitmakinganicemoralitytaletotellchildrenonadarkwinter’snight.Butwhyareyouhere?Andwhoisthisgirl?”
“ThisisCora.Ibefriendedhersister,Violet,twoweeksago.ShehadjustlostherjobandwasdesperatetofindCora,whowasmissing.ItoldVioletIwouldhelpherfindhersister.IgaveVioletshelter,andwhenthingsbecamedangerous,Itriedtoprotecther…”
“Andyet?”Ephraimurged.
“Itdidn’twork.”Ishookmyhead,myvoicecatching.“Samuel,thevampireI’mafter,thetrueculpritbehindtheJacktheRippermurders,attackedher.Ihadn’tseenitcoming.Shedidn’twanttoturnintoavampireherself—shechosedeath.ButSamuelfoundus,killedaninnocentboy,andforcedhertodrinkhisblood.Sheturned…”
“Andnowsheisnotonlyavampire,buthehastakenherunderhiswing,”Ephraimsaid.Heseemedtoknowthewholestory.Iwonderedifhedidknowit,andjustwantedmetoretellitsohecouldseewhetherornotIwastruthful.
“Yes,hetookher.IwanttohelprepairthehurtI’vecausedandstopSamuelfrommurderingeveragain.Corajustwantstosavehersister.”
“She’snotwhoyourememberanymore,”Ephraimsaid,turninghisattentiontoCora.“She’savampire.You’rebetteroffwithouther.”
Corashookherhead.“Iknowwhatsheis.ButIstillloveher.She’smysister.I’lllovehernomatterwhat.WejustneedtogetherawayfromSamuel.IknowthatifIcouldonlytalktoher,IcouldguideherbacktobethekindofvampireStefanisnow.”
“AndweneedsomesortofweaponagainstSamuel,too.He’sunaffectedbyvervain,”Iexplained.
“Allright.”Ephraimnodded.“Well,thegirl’srequestiseasy,butyourswillbeabitmoredifficult.But…”hetrailedoff,squintingatme.HiseyeswerebrightblueandIgotthedisconcertingfeelingthathewaslookingintomythoughts.“Ephraimwillthinkofsomething.Yourintentionsarehonorable.EphraimwillhelpyoufindyoursisterandgiveyouaweaponagainstSamuel.Thereisnoneedformoney,”hesaid,holdinguphishand.“Sometimes,whenthemoneycomesintoplay,themagicgets…complicated,”hesaidcryptically.“Ephraimonlywantsyourblood.”
“Myblood?”Iasked,takenaback.
Ephraimlaughedmaniacally.“Andvampiresaresupposedtobegoodathearing.Yes,yourblood.It’sthefee.”
“Whatwillyoudowithit?”Iaskedhesitantly.
“Youwouldn’tunderstand.OnlyEphraimknowsitspurpose.Buttheofferislimited,sodon’tsquanderEphraim’smagnanimity.”
IglancedatCora.Iknewanyreasonawitchwouldwantavampire’sbloodcouldn’tbegood.Butwewerealreadyintoodeep.Shebitherlipnervously.
“Ephraimisstartingtowonderifheshouldn’ttakeoutthevampireinfrontofhimaswell.”
“I’llgiveyoumyblood,”Isaidfinally.Iputmywristtomyfangs,readytoopenmyskin.
“Notyet,”Ephraimsaid.Hereachedintohistatteredrobeandpulledoutaglittering,jewel-encrusteddagger.“Whenit’stime.”Inodded,lettingmyhanddropbacktomyside.
“First,Ephraimwillcastarelocationspell.It’squitesimple,butitwilldothetrick.Andnoonewillgethurt.Whentheclockstrikesthree,VioletwillappearoutsideSamuel’shome,relocatedfromwhereversheisatthetime.Shewillbealone,butonlyforafewminutes.Ephraimcan’tholdeveryoneoffforlong.”
“Soshe’llbebyherself.Andthenwhat?”Coraasked.
“Andthenyoucanspeaktoher.Youcantrytobringherwithyou.Youcansaygood-bye.Whatyoudoisuptoyou.AllIcandoisfacilitateameeting.”
“That’sfine,”Corasaidhastily.
“AsforyourquestagainsttheRippervampire…”Hepausedandrootedthroughhisvoluminouspocketbeforepullingoutahandfulofthorns,brownandoveraninchlong.
IreachedouttograbthembutEphraimslappedmyhandaway.“Foolishvampire!”hehissed.“Theseareverydangerous.Thishawthornisbewitchedsothatifavampiretouchesit,he’lllosestrengthalongwithblood.Itwillblockthenormalcurativepowersofhumanblood.”
Inodded,entranced.
“Ephraimwillputtheseinapouchforyou.Butbecareful,”heconcluded.
“Thankyou,”IsaidsincerelyasIcarefullytookthepouchfromEphraimandtuckeditinmypocket.
“Andnow,timetotakesomeofyourblood,vampire.”IheldoutmywristandwatchedasEphraimneatlyslicedintomyskin.Hepulledanancientvial,crustedwithblood,fromanotherpocketandheldituptomywrist,usinghisfingerstokneadandcoaxdropsofbloodoutofthewound.Itwasliketakingbloodfromastone.Iwasdesperatelylow.
“Youneedtofeed,”Ephraimsaidsagely.
“Iwill,”Isaid.OrIwouldoncewegotbacktotheground.
“Ithinkthisisenough,”hesaid,holdingupthevialtothetinywindow.Theliquidgleamedinthemoonlight,andIwatched,entranced.Eventhoughthebloodwasmyown,Iwasstillfascinatedbythewayitlooked.NomatterhowoftenIsawit,bloodwasbeautiful.
EphraimtrainedhisgazeonCora.“Ephraimneedssomethingfromyou,too.”
“Fine,”Corasaidproudly,shakingherhairbackfromherfaceassheheldbothherwristsoutunderhisnose.
Theravencawedinprotest.
“No,no,no—noblood!WhatwouldEphraimdowithhumanblood?No,yourfeeisyourhair.”
“Myhair?”Coraaskedblankly.
“Justalock.Ithelpswiththerelocationspell.You’reherkin.”
“Allright,”Corasaid,notflinchingastheknifecamedowndangerouslyclosetoherear.Ephraimtookthelockofhairandlitacandle.
“Bytheburningofthishair
ClearthewaytoSamuel’slair.
Forgoodorevilmayitbe,
Butletthisspellbringhertothee.”
Hebroughtthelockofhairtotheflameanditexplodedinasphereofpurplelight.AtthecenteroftheorbwasanimageofVioletunderagaslight,herfangsburieddeepintheneckofawell-dressedgentleman.
Ishivered.Alltooquickly,theorbdisappeared,plungingtheroomintodarkness.
“You’redonehere.”Ephraimnodded,andtheravencawed.
“Threeo’clock,then?”Coraasked.
“Yes.TellJamesthatEphraimsendshisregards.Goodbye,vampire,”Ephraimsaid,asheswungthevialofbloodbackandforth.
CoraandIclamberedbackdownthestairs,gladtobeleavingEphraim’soddnessbehindus.Aswesteppedoutofthetowerintothenight,Iheardtheclockstrikeonelong,plaintivestroke:oneo’clock.OnlyafewmorehoursuntilwesawViolet.
“Youneedtoeat,”Coraremindedme.
“Iwill,”Isaid.OrIwouldoncewe’dsetupcampoutsideSamuel’shouse.Ididn’twantsomethingasminorasmydiettowaylayourplans.
“Doyouwantmyblood?”Coraaskedshyly,holdingoutherpalearms.ThemoonlightcastashaftoflightoverherskinandIcouldseeblueveinscrisscrossingjustbeneaththesurface.Iimaginedwhatherbloodwouldtastelike.BackwhenI’dfirstbecomeavampire,Icouldn’tpassawomanwithoutenvisioningherbloodrunningdownmythroat.Then,I’dplanmyattack,andfeed.Neverhadawomanofferedherbloodtome.
Ishookmyhead.“I’llhaveapigeon,”Idecided.“Orasquirrel.”
Coraopenedhermouthasifshewereabouttoprotest.“Fine,”shesaid.“Thenlet’sgohunting.”16
Twohourslater,wewerewaitingoutsidethegatesofSamuel’sfashionableBloomsburyhouse.Earlier,we’dgoneuptoHampsteadHeath,whereCorasaidtherewasalwayswildlife.Shewasagoodhunter,withsharpeyes,andshe’dpointedoutsquirrelsandrabbitsthathadzigzaggedtheirwayacrossthegrass,ButI’dseenthefox,itsgreeneyesunblinkingandcuriousdeepintheforest.CorasatbymysideasIdrank,justasIsatbyhersideassheatebunsfromthebakery.
Itwasn’todd.Infact,itwasrathernice.
Now,wesatwaitingforViolet.We’dbeenhereforthelasthour,notwantingtoriskbeingevenasecondlate.Neitherofustalked,andthesilencewasheavywithanticipation.Itfeltliketheclockhadstrucktwoaneternityago,butI’dlostallsenseoftime.Corashiveredslightlybesideme.Despitethecold,Samuel’slawnwasspringyandbright.Whiletherestofthecityseemeddecrepit,asthoughitwasdecayingalongwiththeleavesthatflutteredtothecobblestones,thegroundsofLansdowneHouseseemedfresh.Iwonderedifthis,too,wasanenchantment.
Corakepthergazefixedonthemainentranceofthehouse.
“VioletmaynotbetheVioletyouremember,butthatdoesn’tmeantherealVioletisn’tsomewhere,deepinside,”Isaid,breakingthesilence.“Itjustmighttakeawhiletobringherout.WhenIfirstbecameavampire,Idon’tknowifI’dhavelistenedtoahuman.Bepreparedforanything.”
Coranodded.“Iknow.Butit’sdifferentwithmeandViolet.We’remorethanclose.It’slikeweshareamind.Andevenifshe’savampirenow,itwon’tchangethings.Iwon’tletit,”shesaid,herjawjuttingoutdeterminedly.
Youmightnothaveachoice,Ithought,butdidn’tsayitaloud.I’dalreadysaidenough.AndmaybeCorawasright.MoreandmorewithCora,IfoundmyselfactinglikeLexi:theolderandworld-wearymentorwhowantedtoshowtheprotégéhowitwasdone.ButCorawasn’tmyprotégé,andshedidn’twanttobeanythinglikeme.Besides,maybethingswouldn’tchangebetweenCoraandViolet.MaybeDamonandIwerethemonstrousaberrations,thebrotherswholosttheirbondalongwiththeirsouls.MaybeCora,notme,wasViolet’sbesthopeforlearningtoliveamorallifeasavampire.Maybe…
Justthen,faroffinthedistance,IheardBigBen.One…two…three.
“It’stime,”Corasaid,grabbingmyhandanddiggingherfingernailsintomyskinsodeeplythatIinhaledsharply.Cora’sgripshowedwhatherdemeanorhadn’t:ShewasjustasnervousasIwasthatVioletmightnotbethesistersheknewandloved.
Ahushdescendedoverus—eventhecricketsorsquirrelswe’dheardmomentsearlierhadgonesilent.Itwasasifwewereunderneathaprotectivedome,wherenoonewouldhearorseewhatoccurred.
Violetstaggeredthroughthegates,herfacecoveredwithbloodandherbreathingragged,asthoughshe’dbeenrunning.Shewaswearingadarkreddressthatbuttoneduptoherchin,butherforearmswerebare.Hereyeswereglitteringinthedarkness,andshe’dlostthescared,hauntedlookshe’dhadasahuman.
“Violet!”Corawhisperedfromthebushes.
Violetpausedmidstepandglancedover.Shelookedsoconfused,itwasallIcoulddonottoleapfromthebushes,wrapherinmyarms,andbringhertosafety.
“Violet!”Coracalledagain.
Violetfinallylocatedthesourceofthevoice.Disorientedanddefensive,shelungedforCora,pinninghertotheground.Cora’ssurprisedcrypiercedtheair.
IpluckedVioletoffhersisterandstoodheruptofaceme.Itwasclearshewasstrong,verystrong,fromherrecentfeeding.Icouldhearthesteadythrumofbloodinherveins.Iwonderedhowmanyvictimsshe’dalreadyclaimedandhopeditwasnotasmanyasIhadonmyconscience.
Violetblinkedandtriedtofocus,hersavagegrimacemeltingbacktoalookofconfusion.
“Why…Stefan?”shesaid,shakingherheadasifunsurewhethershewasinadream.Justforasplitsecond,IsawaglimmerofVioletasI’dknownher:ana?ve,innocentgirltryingtomakesenseoftheworld.Sheturnedtohersister.“AndCora?”sheasked,asifshecouldscarcelybelievehereyes.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Oh,Violet.You’realive,”Corasaid,leapingupandshoweringhersisterwithkisses.“Iamsosorry.I’msorryIwentaway,andI’msorryforeverything.Pleaseforgiveme.Inevershouldhaveleftyoualoneinthefirstplace.Doyouforgiveme?”
Violet’seyesglitteredinthemoonlight.Shereachedoutandstrokedhersister’scheek.“OfcourseIforgiveyou,”shesaid.“Oh,I’msohappytoseeyou.”ShedrewCoraintoanembrace.
Corahuggedhersisterhard.“Ineededtoseeyou,”shesaidfinally.“StefanandIhavebeensoworriedaboutyou.”
“Youshouldn’tbe,”Violetsaidinadulcetvoice.“I’vebeenhappierthanIcouldeverhaveimagined.Jewels,furs,parties…it’stheworldwealwaysimagined,”shesaid,twirlingalockofherhairaroundherindexfinger.“Anditcanbeyours,too.It’llonlytakeasecond,andthenyoucanbejustlikeme.Youcansaygood-byetodull,dirtyLondonforever.You’llneverhavetosleepinatunnelorinacrowdedroominghouse.Itwillbemygifttoyou,”Violetsaidasshelungedtowardhersister.IrantowardthemandpushedViolettotheground,holdingherthereasshewrithedandgnashedherfangs.Herfaceturnedintoamaskofhatredassheblinkedupatme.
“Youruineverything,Stefan,”shesnarled,pushingmeaway.
“I’mfixingeverything.AndCoradoesn’twanttobeavampire.That’snottheanswer.We’vecometotakeyouwithus,”Iexplained.“Whereyou’llbesafe.”
“Safe?”Violetspatasshestood.“I’msafehere.WithSamuel.AndI’mhappy,too,Stefan.Nothankstoyou.”Shesoundedlikeshewasissuingachallenge.HervoicehadlostalltracesofherIrishaccent,andwasascoldandhardasiron.
“You’llbehappierwithyoursister.Youtwoarefamily.Youdon’tneedSamuel.”
“WhatdoyouknowaboutwhatIneed?”Violetshotback,hatreddrippingfromhervoice.“Youtoldmenottobecomeavampire.Youtoldmeitwouldbelonelyandterrible.‘Afateworsethandeath,’waswhatyousaid.Butyoujustdidn’twantmetohaveanyfun.NotlikeSamueldoes.”Violetlaughed,anicy,tinklingsound.“Ipityyou.Andluckily,Idon’thavetodealwithyou.You’llbedeadsoonenough.Untilthen,keepawayfrommysister.Shedoesn’tneedyourprotection.”
Atthis,Violetturnedtohersisterpossessively.“Lookatyou,Cora,”shesaid.“Why,you’reamess.Youneedmetotakecareofyou.”
“No,Violet,comewithus.Please,thisisn’tyou,”Coraimplored.
“Oh,Cora,”Violetsaid,graspinghersister’shandsinhers.“Don’tyousee?IhaveeverythingI’veeverwanted.Joinme.Itcouldbejustlikewetalkedabout,meandyou,takingontheworld!”
“Don’tlistentoher!”Iinterjected.
Violetturnedandglaredatme.“You’retheonewho’sbeenlying.Sheneedsarealvampiretoprotecther.AndtothinkIbelievedyouweresobraveandsostrong.You’renothinglikeSamuel.You’renothingatall,”shehissed.
Herwordsslicedthroughmystomach.TherewasnothingleftofthegirlI’dkissedonthehillinIvinghoe.
“Violet,please.You’rehurtingme,”Corasaid,twistingherhandsinViolet’sgrip.“Stefan—”
“Shh,”Violetsaidtenderly,brushingherlipsacrossCora’sforehead.“I’mherenow.Hedoesn’tmatter.He’snothingtoyou.”
“Youdon’tknowwhatyou’redoing,Violet,”Isaid,lungingtowardher.ButVioletsteppeddaintilyoutofreach,stillholdingCoratight.
“Andyoudo?”Violetlaughedsharply.“Good-bye,Stefan.I’llsendSamuelouttodealwithyou.”ShedraggedCoraacrossthelawnasCoratrieddesperatelytoclawherwayoutofhersister’sgrasp.
“Letgo,Violet!”Corayelledfutilely.“Stop!”
IbarreledtowardthemandknockedVioletawayfromCora.ButVioletquicklyretaliatedwithakickthatsentmeflyingintothewallofLansdowneHouse.Inthesplitsecondittookmetoregainmyfeet,VioletsnatchedCora,threwheroverhershoulder,andspedoverthethresholdintohouse.
Thedoorclickedclosed.Irushedagainstit,butitwouldn’tbudge.AllIcouldhearwasthefaintsoundofViolet’slaughterfromwithin.
Downatmyfeet,Inoticedaglintofsilver.Cora’svervainnecklace.Shewasdefenselessagainstherbloodthirstysister,andSamuel’scompulsion.
Shewasdoomed.17
Icircledaround,hopingtofindsomeentryintothehouse.Iknewitwasnouse—Ihadn’tbeeninvitedin—butIcouldn’tgiveuponCorayet.Atonerearwindow,IcaughtsightofVioletleadingCoraupacurvedstaircase.Irappeddesperatelyontheglass,notcaringthatVioletwouldhearmeaswell.
Bothgirlswhirledaround.
“I’llbeback,”ImouthedtoCora.Hereyeswerehugeandherfacewastwistedwithfright.Ididn’tthinkVioletwouldkillher,butbeyondthat,Ihadnoideawhatwouldhappen.WouldVioletturnher?Compelher?
IhadtorescueCoraassoonaspossible.
Withoutasecondthought,Ibegantorun,myfeetthuddingagainstthecobblestones,headingtowardWhitechapelandJamesatvampirespeed.Ididn’tcarewhosawme.Ididn’tcareaboutanything.AllIwantedwastomove,tohearthebloodcoursingthroughmyveins,toseethespotsoflightinfrontofmyeyesthatsignaledIwasclosetofainting.ToknowIwasdoingeverythinginmypowertosaveher.
IturneddownthetwistyalleywayandburstintoJames’sstore,notbotheringtoknock.
“James!”Icalled,myvoicetakingonahystericaltone.“James!”
Heshuffledoutfromthebackofthestore,cladinawhitenightshirtandholdingacandleinfrontofhim.Fromhisexpression,Icouldtellhewasn’tentirelysurprisedtoseeme.
“Hello,”hesaid,usingthecandletolightacandelabraatthefrontofthestore.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“Cora’sgone.Violettookher,”Isaiddully.“Damon’sdisappeared.Samuel’sgettingawaywithmurdereverynight,andacrazywitchisnowrunningaroundwithavialofmyblood.Idon’thaveanymoney,mynameisworthless,andforallIknowtherelocationspellwascastforViolet’sbenefit.”
Jameslookedupatme,grimacing.“You’rerantinglikeamadman,”hesaid.
“I’msorry.ButI’minahurry.IneedtogetCorabackbeforeanythinghorriblehappenstoher.Doyouunderstand?”Iaskedfirmly.Ididn’ttrustJames.Ididn’ttrustanyone.Mygazelandedonthebeatingheartsinajaronashelf.Whatdidthosedo?Ihadawilddesiretobuyeverythinginthestore.Theanswerhadtobesomewhere.AndIwasfeelingmoreandmorethatthehawthorninmypocketwasuseless,justarusetogetmyblood.
“Sitdown.”Jamesgesturedatathreadbareredchairacrossfromme.RealizinghowtiredIwas,Isankdown,massagingmytemples.Micewerescurryinginthefarcornersofthestore,anditwasimpossibletotellwhethertheyweretherebecauseitwasfilthyorbecausetheywereanessentialpartoftheinventory
Acrossthecounter,Jameswasbustlingaroundathissmallstoverange.Finally,heturnedtome,asteamingmugofteainhishands.“Goat’sblood.It’llcurewhatailsyou.”
Ofcourse.WhyhadIexpectedanythingelse?“Itwon’t,”Isaidangrily.“Ijustdon’tunderstandwhatIcando.Itriedmagic,Itriedforce,Ihavethesesupposedlybewitchedthorns…”
“Hawthorns?”Jamesperkedup.
Inodded.
“Well,that’sagoodweapon.”
“Itis?”Iaskedindisbelief.
“Yes.Andthere’syourproblem.Ephraimhandedyouaweaponthatmightactuallyworkagainstyourenemy,andyoushoveitawaybecauseyoudon’ttrustthesource.Andthereinliestherub.Youmaybeimmortal,havethestrengthoftenlions,andbeasquickaslightning,butyouneedtoaccepthelp.Youcan’tfightSamuelalone.”
Itdidn’ttakelongformetograspwhatJameswasimplying.“IneedDamon.”
“Good.”Jamesnodded,asthoughIwereanexceptionallycleverstudent.“He’sataboardinghouseoveronBrushfieldStreet.Twoblockstothewest.Cameinfourtimesyesterdayandnearlycleanedmeoutofmyvampire-huntingsupplies.Hegotaholedstonetoseethefuture,hestockeduponafewstakes,hegotsomehazelarrowsforacrossbow,eventhoughhazelismoreeffectiveinsubduingbadfairies…I’mtellingyou,I’mmakingakillingoffhim.”Iwincedatthephrase.“Sorry,”Jamessaid.“Gofindyourbrother.Maybehe’llgiveyousomefreshideas.Attheveryleast,it’llkeepyouoffthestreets.Nogoodcancomefromrantingandravinglikealunatic,markmywords.”
“Thanks,”Isaidstiffly.Istoodup,feelingawkward.DidJamesjustfeelsorryforme,avampirewhocouldn’tstomachdeath?OrwasJamesatruefriendinthevastnetworkofunderworldcreatures,onewhohadn’tlosthishumanity?“Truly,thankyou,”Isaidagain,searchingmypocketforsometokenwithwhichtorepayhim.
“Noneed,”Jamessaidairily.“You’llpaymebackinsomeway.Inthefuture.”
Withapartingglance,Ileft,followingJames’sdirectionstotheboardinghouse,myheartthuddingagainstmychest.ItriednottothinkaboutwhatVioletwasdoingwithCora,notallowingmyimaginationtogotothedarkplacesthatprobablyheldthetruth.
IstoppedatatallbrickbuildingwithaROOMSFORRENTsignhanginginitsentrywayandknockedonthedoor.
“Comein.Door’sopen,”avoicecroaked.Ipushedopenthedoor.Awizenedoldmanwassittingataricketydesk,poringoveraledgerbook.Icoughed.“I’mlookingfor…DamondeCroix,”Isaidashelookedup.
“DamondeCroix?”Themanletoutaharshbark.“Ifyoumeanthehalf-crazedgentlemanwhopaidmewithahandfulofforeigncurrency,thenhe’sinRoom411.AlthoughGodknowswhathe’sdoinginthere.Bythestenchofit,he’safailedtaxidermist.”Hewrinkledhisnoseindisgust.
“Thankyou,”Isaid,racingupthestairstothefourthfloor.Islammedagainstthecheapwoodofthedoor,easilybreakingthelock.There,inthefilthy,darkroom,wasDamon,bendingoveranoversizeflowerpotonthewindowsill.Itwasamazingthatanythingcouldgrowintheweaklightcomingthroughthedirtywindowglass.Outofthecornerofmyeye,Ispottedawoodencrossbowproppedagainstthecast-ironbed.
“Brother,”Damonsaiddully,glancingupfromthewindowsill,soundingneithersurprisednorangry.Itwasasthoughhewasexpectingme.IwonderedifJameshadgivenhimanidenticalmessage.Hemaynothavebeenawitch,butifJamescouldgetDamonandmetoreconcile,thenhecertainlyworkedmagic.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Iasked.Itwashardtoconcentratewiththescentofvervaineverywhere.Iimaginedthatwaswhatwasgrowinginthepots.Ifeltwoozyandweak,andIwonderedwhyDamonwasinflictingthistortureonhimself.
“I’mdosingmyselfwithvervain,”Damonexplained.“IfSamuelcandoit,Ican,too.Andthen,onceI’mfullyimmune,I’lldosethewatersupply.PreventSamuelfromfeedingandcompellinginthiscity.Thedetailsarefuzzy,buttheplanwillwork.”
“You’reingestingvervain?”IaskedindisbeliefasIlookedatthesixpaltryvervainplants.Alltheyweredoingwastorturingmybrother.
“Sometimes,brother,”Damonbegan,rollinghiseyes,“youneedtounderstandanenemytovanquishhim.Plus,sufferingonlymakesyoustronger,”hesaidresolutely.
Itookaseatonthebed.Ihadn’tcomeheretofight.Ineededhelp.ButwhatIwantedwasthein-charge,confidentDamon,nottherambling,maniacalmaninfrontofme.DespitehisoutburstonthenightoftheRipperkillings,IknewhecaredaboutCora.Ionlyhopedthementionofherwouldbringhimtohissenses.
“SamuelhasCora.”
Damonstiffenedanddroppedasprigofvervaintotheground.Butthenheshrugged.“Well,weknewthatwouldhappen,eventually,didn’twe?”hesaidbitterly.
“Ineedtogetherback,”Isaidfirmly.“AndIneedyourhelp.”
“Youneedmyhelp,”hemocked.“Whataboutalltheothertimesyou’vesaidthat?Didn’tworkoutsowell.”Hestoodandcrossedovertome,soclosethatIcouldsmellbloodonhisbreath.Therich,smokyscentwasobviouslyhuman,andIcouldn’thelpbutwonderwherehisbloodsupplywascomingfrom.
“Youneedmyhelp,too,”Isaidfirmly.“Likeitornot,we’reinthistogether.Andweneedtofighttogether,notagainstoneanother.We’reonthesameside.”Thedesperationinmyvoicewasplain,andIwasshowingallmycards.Ididn’thaveastrategy,andIwasn’ttryingtoone-uphim.
Aflickerofsomething—doubt,anger,oracceptance,Iwasn’tsure—crossedDamon’sface.
“Allright,”hesaidfinally.“I’llhelpyou.Butthistime,brother,wedoitmyway.Youfollowmydirectionsinthefight.I’vebeendoingresearch,”hesaid,gesturingtopilesofmustybookspiledonthefloor.Damon?Doingresearch?ThiswasasideofhimI’dneverseen.He’dneverbeenoneforbooks,alwayspreferringtotrusthisinstincts.“Ihaveeverything.Woodenbullets,sand,stakes…”
“Sand?”Iaskedinconfusion.
Damonshrugged.“Apparentlyit’sadeterrent.Itwasn’tformewhenIwasintheSahara,butJamessaiditcouldslowdownavampireontherun.Ifigureitcan’thurt.”Hepaused.“Intheend,Samuelwillbedestroyed.Itwillbebloody,andtheremaybeunintendedvictims.Ifyoucan’thandlethat,thengetoutnowandleavemetodowhatneedstobedone.”
“I’mallin,”Isaidcalmly.“AndDamon…I’msorry.”
Damonnodded.“Allright,”hesaid.InDamon’svocabulary,“allright”wasasgoodas“apologyaccepted.”IdecidedI’dtakeit.Ihadto.
“SamuelhasanofficeintheMagdaleneAsylumwherehefeedsonthegirlsandkeepssomeofhiscampaignpapers.Wecansneakin,waitforhim,andthen…”Damontrailedoff.Thenwhat?Killhim?Followhim?BegforCora’slifeback?Thiswasgoingtobetricky,andwecouldn’taffordtomakeanymistakes.
“It’salmostdaylight.ThegirlswillbegoingtoMasssoon.We’llsneakinthen,”Isaid.“Wecansettrapswithoursupplies.Ifthisiswhatwe’redoing,wehavetogonow.”
“Ihaveweapons,”Damonmuttered.“I’vebeenexperimentingwithexplosives.Ofcourse,I’dlovetokillSamuelwithmybarehands,butIwouldn’tmindwatchinghisbodyburn.”
“Great,”Isaid.Iwasgladwewereagreeingonsomething,evenifitwasthebestwaytomurderourmutualenemy.
“Let’skillhim.Iwantbloodonthefloor,andhisbodyrippedapart.Iwanthimdestroyed,”Damonsaidasifinatrance.Hiseyeswerebloodshotandhisskinwaspale.Theporteratthedoorhadbeenright—anyonewouldtakehimforamadman.
Hewasoutforblood.IwasouttosaveCora.Butfornow,ourmissionwasthesame:TakedownSamuelinanywaypossible.18
ThesunwasjustcomingoverthehorizonwhenwereachedtheMagdaleneAsylum.Damonhadanoversizerucksackonhisback,inwhichhe’dpackhisexplosives,hiscrossbow,hisstakes,andmytinypouchofhawthorn.
WhenwereachedtheAsylum,itwasnearlyseven.OurplanwastowaituntilthegirlslefttogotoMass,thensneakthroughthebackandfindtheofficeCorahaddescribed.We’dsetourtrapsintheoffice,lieinwait,andthen,whenSamuelcamein,we’dattack.
Thechurchbellspealedand,asifoncue,thedoorsburstopenandalineofgirlstrailedoutbehindSisterBenedict.Irecognizedseveralofthemfromthebenefit.Theireyesdartedfromlefttoright,asiftheywereafraidJacktheRipperwouldattackthematanymoment.ItwascleartheywereshakenbyCathy’smurder,butIdoubtedtheyrememberedtheincidentinthebasementatthebenefit.Samuelwouldhavemadesureofthat.IwonderediftheythoughtCorahadmetthesamefate.
Assoonasthelineofgirlsturnedthestreetcorner,mybrotherandIlookedateachother.
“It’stime,”Damonsaidtersely.Westoletotherearofthebrickbuildingandfoundasmall,unuseddoorthatledtothebasement.Damonpushedagainstitwithhisshoulder,anditburstopen.
“Shhh!”Isaid,toolate,asitbangedagainstthewall.Theiron-richsmellofbloodwaftedtowardusfromthepassageway.
Together,wetiptoeddownasetofricketywoodenstepsandintothebasementoftheAsylum.Thelightstreamingfromafewtinywindowsgavethehallwayagrayishglow.Arowofnondescriptdoorswithglasswindowslinedthehallway.OneofthemmustbeSamuel’soffice.Icockedmyhead,butIcouldn’tmakeoutanynoiseexceptforthedrippingofwaterinthelaundryattheendofthehall.
Wecreptcloser,followingeachother’smovementsinsilence.
“Wait,”Damonwhispered.Hepausedandrifledthroughthebag,finallypullingoutacrossbowandastake.Hepassedthestakeovertome.“Justincase,”hesaidasheproppeditonhisshoulder.
Wecontinuedtocreepdownthehalluntilthesoundoffootstepsstoppedourprogress.
“Getready!”Damonhissed.
Whatifitwasoneofthenunsoroneofthegirls?ThelastthingIwantedwasforthemtoseethedeCroixbrotherscreepingaroundthebasementbrandishingweapons.Ihidthestakeundermyshirt,readyifIneededit,buthidden,justincase.Damonkeptthecrossbowraised,butsunkdeeperintotheshadowsofthebasement.
Justthen,alargefigurelumberedintoview.Hewaswearingfilthyclothesandlookedlikeagiantinthecrampedbasement.
“Whoareyou?”heaskedgruffly.Hehadgreasestainsonhisclothes,andIwonderedifhewasahandymanfortheAsylum.
“FromtheMagdaleneChurch,”Isaid.“SisterAgatha’saskedmetocheckonthebuilding.There’sbeenalotofstructuraldamageduetorain.Wanttomakesureitwon’tcollapse,”Ilied.
“Allright,”themansaid,scratchinghishead.
“I’msurprisedSisterAgathadidn’tmentionanything.”
“No,shedidn’ttellme,”themanparroted.HewassotentativeinhiswordsandactionsIthoughthemustbeslow,andwasrelievedwhenheshuffledondownthehall.
Damonmovedoutoftheshadows,shakinghishead.“Whatwasthatidiotdoingdownhere?”
“ItwasjustanAsylumworker,”Isaid,hopingIwasright.
“Ifhecomesback,I’llkillhim,”Damondecided.“Wecan’ttakeanymorechances.”Heshotmeaglanceasthoughheexpectedmetodisagree,butInodded.Hewasright.
“Good,”Damonsaid.
Westartedupthehallway,tryingthedoorsoneithersideaswepassed.ThefifthdoorledusintoSamuel’soffice.Damonglancedatme,triumphant.“Let’sgettowork,”hesaid,riflingthroughhisbag.Hepulledoutapairofglovesandtossedthemtome.
Ipulledthemon,thensetabouttyinghawthornneedlesdippedinvervaintoalengthofwireandstringingitaroundtheoffice.Damonstoodonachairinthecorner,riggingagunloadedwithwoodenbulletstobetriggeredbythetripwirenowliningtheroom.
Weworkedsilently.Damonhadbeenright—itwashimorus.Thetrapswerecrudeandmakeshift,butIhopedtheywouldbeenough.Theyhadtobe.
SearchingforanythingelsewecoulduseagainstSamuel,Iopenedadrawerstuffedwithyellowedpapers.Irifledthroughthem,glancedatthedates:1888,1865,1780.Samuelclearlyhadatleastacenturyonus.Iwonderedwhenandhowhehadbeenturned.
JustasIwasabouttoputthepapersbackinthedrawer,IspottedthewordAtlantaintheold-fashioned,slantingscript.
“Damon!”Ihissed.Hecarefullypickedhiswayaroundthetraps.Whenhe’dreachedmyside,Ipointedtothedateonthedocumentinmyhand:1864.
“Whatisthis?”Damonwhisperedroughly,clawingtheletteroutofmyhands
“Giveitback,”Isaid.
Damonshookhishead,holdingtheletteroutofmygrasp.Hescanneditquickly,thensighedindespair.“It’snotfromher,”hesaid,handingitback.
DearSir,
Thisistoinformyouthatyourletter,receivedinAtlantaandaddressedtoaMissKatherinePierce,isbeingreturnedasundeliverable.TheaddresslistedwasdestroyedunderSherman’ssiege,withnosurvivors.
ItwassignedbysomeoneIcouldonlyassumewasalong-deadpostalclerk.
“Doyouthinkshewastryingtoescapehim?”Iasked.
“Shemusthavebeen,”Damonsaid,hismouthsetinatightline.
Inodded.Intruth,whoknewwhatKatherineandSamuel’srelationshiphadbeen?Theyweretheonlytwowhoknewforsure,andKatherinewasdead—andSamuelwouldbe,imminently.ButfromthewayDamon’sshouldersrelaxed,IknewheneededtobelievethatwhatSamuelandKatherinehadwasn’tatruelove.
Ipulledmorepapersfromthedrawer.WhileDamonwasfocusedonourupcomingbattle,IwasintentonfindingoutmoreaboutSamuel.Iknewitdidn’tmatter;he’dbedeadinhours.
AndthenIsawit.
Thepaperwasyellowandcrumbling,butfivewordsatthebottomsaideverythingweneededtoknow.
Witheternallove,
YourKatherine.
MyeyesfollowedDamonashedouble-checkedourtraps.Hecouldn’tknow.Ihadsavedmybrother’slifeseveraltimessincewereunitedinLondon,butwhatIdidnextwasperhapsthemostI’deverdonetoprotecthim.Itookthepaperandrippeditintodozensofpieces,lettingthemfalltothestonefloorlikesnow.
DamonwouldspendeternitythinkingKatherinehadlovedhim.Hecouldn’tsurviveotherwise.
Severalhourslater,asDamonandIcrouchedinSamuel’soffice,IwasstillthinkingaboutKatherine.Therehadn’tbeenanymorelettersfromKatherinehiddeninthedesk,andIwonderedifSamuelhaddeliberatelydestroyedorhiddenKatherine’sotherletters.IwonderedwhenKatherineandSamuelhadmet,andhowmanydecadesthey’dspentdiscoveringeverysecretoftheirbodiesandbrains.I’donlyknownKatherineforseveralweeks,andherimagewasbrandedindeliblyinmymind.Whatcoulditpossiblyhavebeenliketoknowherforgenerations?
Justthen,Iheardaloudbang,differentthanthesoundswe’dbeenlisteningtoallday,ofgirlshurryingtoandfromthelaundryroom,ofnunsclickingtheirrosarybeadsastheywalkedby,ofthebuildingsettlingintoitself.Thissoundedlikeaclapofthunder.
“I’mgoingtoinvestigate,”Isaid,steppingdelicatelyoverourcobweboftraps.Maybeitwastimeforustomoveintoourhidingspot—thetinycoatclosetinthecorneroftheroom—andwaitforSamueltoenter.
Icrackedopenthedoor,peeringintothehallway.Itwasempty.ThenunsandthegirlsmusthavebeenwelltrainednottogonearSamuel’soffice.Exceptfortheoddinteractionwe’dhadwiththehandymaninthemorning,we’dbarelyheardfootsteps.Isteppedout,butsawnothingthatcould’veproducedthenoise.Iwasabouttoturnback,whenIthoughtIsawmovementinoneoftheotherrooms.
“Damon!”Ihissed,beforecreepingtothewindowandpeeringin.Iblinkedinsurprise.TherewasCora,aloneandunprotected.Shewassittinginthecornerwithherkneeshuggedtoherchest.“Damon,it’sCora!”
Ipushedthedoorwithallmymightandheardthelockbreak,butthedooritselfbarelycrackedopen.
Coralookedupinfearwhensheheardthecommotion.
“It’sme,Stefan,”Iwhisperedthroughtheslimopening.Reliefwasevidentonherface,andthenIheardtheclankingofchains.Corawasshackledtothewall,anditwasimpossibleforhertostandcompletelyupright.“I’mcoming!”Ihurledmyweightagainstthedooragain.
“Violetbroughtmehere,”Corasaidmiserably.“Shebroughtmearoundtheback,whereamantookmeandchainedmeup.”
“Staythere!”Iinstructed.“Damon,helpgetthedooropen.It’sjustjammed,”IliedtoCora.Icouldsensesomethingwasholdingthedoorshut.Itwasn’talock—myvampirestrengthcouldpullthroughthat.Itwassomethingstronger,moresinister.MystomachknottedasDamonjoinedmeandwebothshovedagainstthedoorwithourhands.Still,itwouldn’tbudgewiderthanahalfinch.
“What’swrong?”IaskedDamon.Nosimpledoorshouldbeamatchforthetwoofus,evenwithmydietofanimalblood.
Damonshookhisheadandpickeduphiscrossbow.“Idon’tknow.We’llhelpherlater.He’llbebacksoon.”
“Stefan,go.Helpyourbrother,”Corasaid,slidingbacktothefilthyfloorinaheap.“He’sright.Itwon’tdoanygoodifSamuelseesanythingamiss.I’llbefine.”
IgaveCoraanencouragingsmilebeforeDamonandIretreatedbackintoSamuel’soffice.Wejammedourbodiesintothecoatcloset,notdaringtospeak.Damonhadthecrossbowattheready.Weweren’tparticularlywellhidden,andIknewweonlyhadsecondstoreactwhenSamuelfinallyentered.Thewaitingwasagony—andIcouldonlyimaginehowharditwasforCora.Whoknewwhattortureshe’dendured?
Suddenly,Iheardsomeonewhistlingdiscordantlyinthehallway.Damonglancedatmeandnodded.Samuelwashere.
Thedoorclickedopen.Ibracedmyself,listeningforthetwangofthewireasitwastripped,butnothinghappened.Instead,Samuelstoodabsolutelystillinthedoorway,sniffingtheair.
Quickasaflash,hereachedintohisboottopulloutastake.Damonusedthatmomenttoburstfromourhidingspotandreleaseavervain-soakedboltfromthecrossbow.ItlandedinSamuel’sgut,andhefelltothegroundinaheap.
IleapedtomyfeetandracedtowardSamuel,carefultoavoidthetripwire.Helayontheground,thecrossbowboltdeepinhisstomach,hisfaceamaskofrageashereachedtopullitout.Damonappearedbymyside,standingoverSamuelwithacandleinhishand.
“I’vebeenwaitingforthis,”Damonsaidinalowvoice.“AndIknewrevengewouldbemine.Iwantyoutoburnbeforeyougettohell,”Damonhissed,leaningdownandallowingtheflametobrushagainstthesleeveofSamuel’sshirt.Theflamesrippedthroughthestarchedwhitefabric.Samuelwrithedinpain,butdidn’tmakeasound.ForasecondIwondered:Washeimpervioustofire,too?ButIcouldseeapathofcharredfleshwherethefirehadtouchedhim.Itjustwasn’tenoughtodestroyhim.
“Killhim!”IimploredurgentlyasIrummagedthroughDamon’srucksackforthehawthorn-tippedstake.IwantedtogetCoraoutofhereasquicklyaspossible.
“Oh,Iwill,brother,”DamoncackledasIyankedthestakefromthebag.“Butfirst,IwanttoplayalittlegamewithSamuel.Afterall,heseemstolovegames,”Damonsaid,settingfiretothecuffofSamuel’strouserleg.Theflamesparkedanddancedupthehemofhispants.“Onceyou’refullyablaze,I’llletallofLondonknowyouweretheRipper.Ihaveevidence.IhaveCora,who’lltestify.IhavetheothergirlsfromtheAsylum.I’llbeahero.Andwhoknows,maybeI’llevenbethenewLondoncouncilor,”Damonsaid,ashelittheotherlegonfire.
“Damon,eitherI’mgoingtostakehimoryouwill.Butit’stime,”Isaidfirmly.DamonignoredmeandkeptplacingthecandletoSamuel’sclothing.
“Damon,I’mgoingtostakehim,”Iwarned,raisingmyarmhighabovemyhead,readytodrivetheweaponintoSamuel’sancientflesh.
“What,youdon’thaveanythingtosay?Andyouwerealwayssotalkative,”Damontaunted.“Alwayssocreative.ComingupwiththeJacktheRipperplot,lyingaboutKatherine…it’sashameyou’vereachedtheendofyourstory,”Damonsaid,allowingtheflametobrushSamuel’sneck.
Iclosedmyeyesand,summoningallmystrength,IplungedthestaketowardSamuel.
Allofasudden,Iheardagunshot,thenashriek.Idroppedthehawthornstakeinsurprise.OnthefloorwasHenry,aholefromthewoodenbulletinhishead,hiseyesstillwideopen.Violetwascrouchedinthedoorway,keening.Behindher,Corastoodwithherhandstohermouth,lookingoninhorror.
Damon’sattentionturnedtoHenry,aslightsmileofsatisfactiononhislips.Samuelwasrollingaroundtheground,desperatelytryingtoextinguishtheflamesconsuminghisbody.“Killhim!”IyelledagainasIpickedupthestakeandrushedtowardHenry.Ifhewasn’tdeadyet,hewouldbeinseconds.Ifeltasearingsensationonmyankle—thehawthorntripwire.Painranupmylegandthroughmybodyuntilitfloodedmybrain.Theroomswaminfrontofme.
“Cora!”Iyelled.“Run!”
Coratookastepback.AndthatwaswhenIsawit:twoholesinherneck,asroundandneatasshoddingnails,stilloozingblood.CouldViolethavefedonherownsister?
“Run!”Iyelledagain,myvoiceragged.Icouldn’thaveherstandingnearthisroom,amidtrapsthatcouldgooffatanymoment.Whateverhappenedtonight,onethingwascertain:Coracouldnotdie.
Coratookoffdownthehallway,awayfromthefight.IstoodaboveHenry,readytostakehim,whensomeonegrabbedmyshouldersfrombehindandflungmeagainstthefarwall.Violetleaptacrosstheroomandtriedtowrestlemetothefloor.
Havingjustfed,shewasstrong,butmyagemademestronger.Ipushedherback,pinninghertothefloor.Iwatchedindisgustasshewrithed.Howcouldshedrinkfromherownsister?ImayhaveturnedDamonintoavampire,butI’dneverhurthimintentionally.Ijustwantedustobetogether,forever.Violetseemedtohavelostanymoralcompass.
“Violet,”Iwhisperedurgently,myfaceinchesfromhers.IrememberedhowinIvinghoe,theonlythingshehadwantedwastodiewithakiss.IwishedthatIcouldkisshernowandwakeherfromthisnightmare,butIcouldn’t.Shewastoofargone.AllIcoulddowassubdueher,andgiveDamontimetofinishoffSamuelandHenry.Ourtrapshadservedtheirpurpose,andwe’dseverelywoundedthemboth.Nowallwehadtodowasusetheirweaknesstoouradvantage.
“Youhurtmybrother,youanswertome!”Samuel’svoicejoltedmyattentionaway.Theflameshadgoneoutandalthoughhisskinwascharred,hewasalreadystartingtoheal.SamuelheldDamonbyhisthroatsotightthatIknewoneflickofhiswristcouldsnapDamon’sneck.Sensingmydistraction,Violetclawedatme,catchingmeoffguardandflippingmeontomyback.
IstruggledtobreakfreeofViolet’sgrip.Shewascoursingwithenergy.Itwisted,tryingtofreemyself.TherewasnowayDamoncouldholdhisownagainstSamuelifhewasathisfullstrength.Ineededtohelphim.ButVioletmerelylaughedatmyattemptstoescape.
“Violet,please,”Isaid,grabbingherhandsandstaringintohereyes.“Iknowyou.You’renotlikethem.Comewithus.Fightwithus.”ButevenasIsaidit,Iknewitwasnogood.Therewasnothingbuthatredinhereyes.
“Samuel,”shecalledsharply.“Ineedastake.”
Meanwhile,IrealizedwithhorrorthatHenrywassittingup.Hewasrubbinghistemple,asthoughheweremerelysufferingamigraine.
Wemightdie.
ItwasthefirsttimeI’dactuallyconsidereditaconcretepossibility.Itriedoncemoretobreakaway.SamuelreacheddownwithhisfreehandandpickedoneofDamon’smanypointedstakesoffthefloor.
“Foryou,mypet,”Samuelsaid,tossingittoViolet.“Domeproud.”
“Itriedtosaveyou,”Isaid,inalast,desperateattempttogetthroughtoher.“Youdon’towemefriendship,butifyoukillme,you’llregretit.”
“Shewon’t,”Samuelsaid,smiling.NowthathisbrotherwasnonetheworseforthewearandDamonandIwereentirelyathismercy,hehadnoreasonnottobehappy.“Infact,Ithinkshe’lllookbackonthisasthedayshetrulycameintoherown.”
Ikickedtheair,myfoothittingSamuelintheshin.“Impudent,”hesaid,scowlingdownatme.“Bothofyou.You’redyingtwentyyearstoolate.”
Violetwasdeadlyseriousasshepulledthestakeback.Herelbowwassteady,andIfeltatremoroffearinmyheart.Wasthisit?
“Thinkaboutwhatyou’redoing,”Ihissedthroughclenchedteeth.“Youwenttothedarkside.Butyoustillhaveachoice.Ifyoukillme,you’llrememberitforeternity.Andtrustme,youwon’tbeabletohandleit.Itwilldestroyyou.”
Forafractionofasecond,sheseemedtohesitate.Summoningallmystrength,Ipushedheraway,wrenchingthestakefromherhandandpinninghertothefloor.IknewIhadtopushthestakedeepintoViolet’sheartnow.Shewastoofargone,alostcause.ThiswastheonlymercyIcouldgiveher.
ButbeforeIcouldstrike,Henryblindsidedme,knockingmesideways.Hepushedmybackagainstthewall,smilingandcacklingmaniacally.
“Wemeetagain,Stefan,”hesaid.“Ithink,withourhistory,it’sonlyfairIkillyou,notViolet.Don’tyouagree?”Ikickedathim,tryingtoescape.
“Damon,killHenry!”Ihissedurgently.Inarushofadrenalineandstrength,DamonbrokefreefromSamuel’sgrasp,twistingSamuel’swristalmostcleararoundintheprocess.Samuelstaggeredbackinpainashisbonesstartedtorightthemselves.Damontookthosebriefmomentstorushover,acandleclutchedinhishand.Withouthesitation,DamonbroughtthecandledowntoHenry’sshirt.Alreadyweakenedfromhispreviousbrushwithdeath,theflametooktohisdamagedfleshimmediately,ignitinghimlikeahumantorch.Hestumbledback,tryingtoputoutthefirethatwassteadilyengulfinghim.
“GetCora!”Damonyelledsharply.“Theymighthaveaccomplices!”IpushedpastHenryandracedintothehallway,grabbingCoraandpullingherclosetome.Noweveryone,includingSamuelandViolet,stoodstaringinhorroratHenry.Theflameswereconsuminghim,seemingtogrowexponentiallywitheachofhispainedcries.
“Helphim!”Samuelshrieked,pushingViolettowardtheflames,butitwastoolate.Henryfelltotheground,motionless,hisbodycompletelyablaze.Samuelmusthaveknownhewasgone.IheardDamon’slong,lowchuckle.
Samuel’sfacecontortedwithgriefandrage.HelungedatDamon,tacklinghimtotheground,andpulledthecrossbowboltfromhisabdomen.Withascream,hestabbedDamoninthechest.CoraclungtomewhileVioletapproachedSamuelandplacedatentativehandonhisshoulder.Heshruggedheroff.
BeforeIcouldmove,SamuelslungDamonoverhisshoulderandstalkedpastme.Damonwasstillbreathing,buthewasgravelyinjured.
Inthehallway,Samuelturned.
“Becauseofyoutwo,Henryisdead,”hesaid,eachwordslickwithrage.Hiseyeswerehollowandbloodshot,andeachwordsoundedlikeacurse.“Yourbrotherwillsufferforthis.Andthenhewilldie,”Samuelsaid,asthoughrelayingaprophecy.“Markmywords.”Hepulledoneofthehawthornsoffthewireandplungeditintomychestjustaninchfrommyheart.
“Stakehim,”Damonwhispered,barelyconscious.IgraspedwildlyforthestakeViolethaddropped,strugglingasIfelttheeffectsofthehawthorncoursethroughmyveins.
ButbythetimeIhadthestakeinmyhand,Samuelwasgone,withDamonandVioletinhisgrasp.Isanktotheground,leftwithCora’scriesandtheacridstenchofHenry’sburnedbody.Inthedistance,IheardSamuelreleasearaggedwail,mourningforhisbrother.
Wewereinthisbattletothedeath.EitherDamonandIwouldlive,orSamuelwouldfinishusboth.Therewasnootheroption.Eitherhe’djoinHenryinhell,orwewould.
Ididn’tknowhowthenextbattlewouldplayout.AllIknewwasthatIhadtogetmybrotherback.EPILOGUE
I’dspentthelasttwentyyearsontherun,alwayswishingIcouldstayinoneplace.Now,IwasboundtoLondon,thedark,dankcitywherebloodranintotheThamesandcreaturesofthenightmadetheirhomeinitsmonuments.IwasboundtoCora,toSamuel,andtoacomplexwebofdeceit,blood,andthreats.Wewereallentangleduntiloneofus—beitbystrengthorspellsorintelligence—brokefree.
Andmostofall,IwasboundtoDamon.Butitwasaboutmorethanbrotherlybonds.Now,itwastrulytheage-oldbattlebetweengoodandevil.Exceptitwasn’tthatsimple.Becauseallofushadsinsthatcouldneverbeundone.
Thiswasn’tabattletobewonbyforce.Thiswasabattletobewonbyintelligence,byPower,and—Irealizedmoreandmore,asmymindkeptreturningtotheimpossiblyblockeddoorintheAsylum—magic.
Norules.Nolimits.Theonlycertaintywasdeath.EXCERPTFROMSTEFAN’SDIARIESVOL.6:THECOMPELLED
TherewasamomentafterSamueldraggedaninjuredDamonawaywhenitseemedasthoughmyspirithadleftmybody.ItwashowI’dfeltwhenabulletfrommyfather’sgunpiercedmychestallthoseyearsagoinMysticFalls:asplit-secondofagony,followedbyablanknessthatradiatedfromtheverycoreofmybeing.
Alow-pitchedmoanechoedoffthestonewallsandcausedmymindandmysoultosnapbacktothedampbasementoftheMagdaleneAsylum,whereourbattlehadcometoitshorribleendonlymomentsbefore.ThesmellofHenry’sburningfleshstillclungtotheroom.Therewasbloodpooledonthefloorandspatteredagainstthewall,asthoughthesubterraneanofficehadbecomeanimpromptubutchershop.Which,Isuppose,ithad.
Standinginthecorner,Coramoanedagain,herhandclaspedtohermouth.Corawasaninnocentgirlcaughtinanightmarefromwhichtherewasnowaking.Onlyafortnightago,Samuelhadturnedhersister,Violet,intoavampire.Eversincethen,Corahadbeendoinganythingshecouldtotrytosaveher,includinginfiltratingtheMagdaleneAsylum,ofwhichSamuelwasawell-knownbenefactor.WehadhopedtogetclosertoSamuel,todiscoverhisweaknesses,anythingthatcouldhelpusunderstandhisrelentlessvendettaagainstus.Becausethemurdersweren’tcommittedfortheblood.Asvampires,wecouldkillquicklyandcleanlyifnecessary—butwedidn’tneedtokillforblood.Samuelespeciallydidn’t:AsabenefactortotheMagdaleneAsylum,he’dbeenabletodrinkhisfillfromitsresidents,compellingthemtooffertheirneckstohim,andthenforgetallabouttheencounter.SowhywasSamuelintentonbrutallyslayingandslicingopenhisvictims?Itdidn’tmakesense.
Intheprocessofourinvestigation,we’dlostDamon.AndCorawaslosinghope.Corahaddesperatelywantedtobelievehersistercouldmaintainherhumanity.Butthatwasn’ttobethecase.NotonlyhadVioletfoughtbrutallyagainstDamonandmemomentsearlier,butshe’dhurtandfedoffofCora.IcouldonlyimaginethehorrorsCorawasrelivingasshestoodinthecorner.
ButIcouldn’tthinkofwhathadhappened.Ineededtothinkofthefuture—andIneededtosaveDamon.
“Wecan’tstayhere.Let’sgohome.”Ipunchedmyhandthroughawindow,leavingatrailofbloodasshardsofglassfelltothefloor.IgrabbedCorabythewaistandeffortlesslypulledherthroughthewindow,andtogether,thetwoofusracedfromtheMagdaleneAsylumgatesandoutontotherain-slickedstreetsofLondon.OurdestinationwastheUndergroundtunnelwherewe’dspentournightsforthelastweek.
Highaboveus,afewfireworkslitthenightsky,andIremembereditwastheeveningbeforeGuyFawkesDay,theholidayduringwhichtheBritishcelebratedvictoryovertreason.Groupsofdrunkenrevelersroamedthestreetswithtorches,singingsongsastheyrejoiced.Adrunkenmanwaveredby,singing,apintofaleclutchedunsteadilyinonehand,andIcaughtoneofthelyrics:
LastGuyFawkesDayasIhearsay,
TheDevilaboutdidroam.
Igrimaced.Littledidheknowhowapthisoff-keydrinkingsongwasatdescribingthecurrentsituationinLondon.Thesoundofmyfootstepsechoedinmyears,andIcouldhearCora’sbloodthumpingdouble-timeinherveins.Iknewfromthepapersthatpolicemenwerehidingineveryshadowyalley,onthelookoutfortheRipper.Iranatvampirespeedpastthem,pullingCorawithme,andtheywereoblivioustoourpresence.
Ofcourse,thepolicepresencewasuseless.Whiletheywereshiveringonthestreets,onguardfortheRipper’snextattack,themurdererwascomfortablyensconcedathomeinLansdowneHouse,mostlikelyplottingwaystodestroymybrother.
Icouldn’thelpbutwonderwhetherSamuelwastorturingDamonthewayDamonhadeventuallykilledHenry.Damonhadstoppedatnothing,includingburningHenry’sskinwithatorch,tomakehimsuffer.HadSamuelsomehowuppedtheante?OrhadhesimplyslainhimwithastakeandthrownhislifelessbodyintheThames?Tortureorkill?Itwasalose-losesituation,butIfoundmyselfhopingfortortureasIpulledCoraaroundthecornertowardthetunnelopening.
Wewerehome.Noonewaschasingus.Nooneseemedtobehere,perhapsputoffbythesignsthatsurroundedtheworkarea,allclearlystatingthattrespassingwasstrictlyprohibitedbytheMetropolitanPolice.
Ijumpeddowntheopening,unfazedbythedroptothebottomofthetunnel.Thatwasoneoftheadvantagesofbeingavampire:IalwaysknewI’dlandonmyfeet.
IhelpedCoradownandthetwoofusfacedeachother.Despitethedarkness,Icouldseeeverything,fromthepackeddirtwallstothepebblesscatteredontheground.Meanwhile,Corablinkedseveraltimes,hereyesadjustingtothelackoflight.
Suddenly,acreaturedartedpastourfeet.Itwasarat,almostthesizeofasmallcat.Cora’seyeswidenedandIexpectedhertoscrambleawayinsurprise.Butinstead,shegrabbedalargestonefromthetunnelfloorandthrewitatthecreature.Thescufflingstopped.
Corabentdown,scoopedupthedeadrodent,andhelditouttome.
“Youneedtoeat,”sheurged.Therat’sheadhunglimplyoffCora’spalm.
“Thankyou.”Iplacedmymouthtoitsfurbeforepiercingthethinskinwithmyfangs.Thewholetime,IwasawareofCora’sunflinchinggaze.Butwhatdiditmatter?Itwasn’tlikemydrinkingbloodwasasurprisetoher.She’dseenmebaremyfangstofeed,she’dseenmebattleHenryandSamuel.Theliquidtastedbitterandoily,andyetIfeltitcalmmybodyasitranthroughmyveins
OnceI’ddrunkallIcould,Ithrewthecarcasstotheground,wipedmymouthwiththebackofmyhand,andsmiledterselyatCora.OurfriendshipwasoneI’dneverexperiencedwithahumansinceI’dbecomeavampire.EvenwhenCalliehaddiscoveredmyidentitybackinNewOrleans,Ineverfedinfrontofher.Ihidmyfangsandmaskedmyyearnings,wantinghertoonlyseethebestinme.ButCorawasdifferent.
“Wasthatenough?”sheasked,slidingintoaseatedpositionandcrossingherlegsunderhergraydress,nowspatteredwithdirtandblood.Darkshadowssurroundedhereyes,andthereweresmudgesofgrimeonhercheeks.Bothmadeherfrecklesstandout,asthoughherskinwereamapofaconstellation-fillednightsky.Herteethwerechattering.ItwascoldalloverLondonasalanguidOctoberhadturnedintoabitterNovember.Anditwasespeciallyfrigidinthetunnel,wherethewallswerebeadedwithcondensationandamistygrayfogswirledaroundthedarkness.
“Itwas,thankyou.Howareyou?”Iasked,feelingstupidassoonasthewordsescapedmylips.She’djustkilledarodentinthetunnelofanall-but-abandonedconstructionsitefortheLondonUnderground.She’dbeenbetrayedbyhervampiresister,andwasontherunforherlife.She’dwitnessedfriendsdying,vampirestorturingoneanother,andbodiesburnedtoashes.HowdidIthinkshe’dfeel?
“I’malive,”Corasaid.“Ibelievethatcountsforsomething.”Sheattemptedalaugh,butitcameoutasasputterycough.Ipattedheronthebackandwassurprisedwhensheleanedinandgavemeahug.Icouldn’timaginewhyshe’dwanttogetclosetomeafterallshe’dseenmedo.
“I’msorryIputyouindanger,”Isaidhollowly.“Ishouldhaveknownthatwecouldn’treasonwithViolet.Ishouldneverhavebroughtyoutoseeher.”Beforewe’dgonetotheMagdaleneAsylumforourshowdownwithSamuel,awitchcastalocatorspelltohelpCoraandIfindViolet.Whenwewenttoseeher,shehadn’tlistenedtoanythingwe’dsaidandhadkidnappedCora.
“Youwouldn’thavebeenabletokeepmeawayfromViolet,”Corasaidfirmly.“Youtoldmeshewouldn’tbethesame.ButdeepdownIbelievedshe’dstillbemysister.NowIknowIwaswrong.”Corashuddered.Inodded,encouraginghertocontinue.
“Iwassostupid,Stefan,”Corasaid,herfacetwistingintoamaskofrage.“IthoughtIcouldgetthroughtoher.Ithoughtshecouldchange.Buttherewasnothingofmysisterleftinher.Shefedoffofme,Stefan.ShebroughtmetotheAsylum,andaskedamannamedSeaver,thegroundskeeper,tolockmeintothatroom.Itriedtoescape,butSeaverstartedchanting,andsuddenly,Iwascompletelytrapped.”Cora’slowerlipwobbledastearsspilleddownhercheeks.Almostimmediately,shewipedthemawaywiththebackofherhandandsethermouthinafirmline.
“Hemusthaveputaspellontheroom,”Isaidslowly.IrememberedhowsmallandhelplessCorahadlookedinthatroomintheMagdaleneAsylum.Eventhoughherarmsandlegswerefreeofanychainstobindher,she’dbeenutterlyimmobile.Shemusthavebeenterrified.
“WeneedtoseeEphraim,”Idecided.TheonlythingIknewforcertainwasthatifSamuelhadwitchesonhisside,hewascapableofanything.
“No!”Corayelped.“NotEphraim.Ihadabadfeelingabouthim.HowdoweknowthatEphraimisn’tworkingforSamuel?Ifmyownfleshandbloodturnedagainstme,noonecanbetrusted,”Corasaid,settingherjaw.“Weneedtocomeupwithanotherplan.”
“Ephraimisn’tSeaver—hewon’thurtyou.Weneedsomeonewhocanperformmagiconourside.Otherwise,Samuelwillhavetheadvantageoverus,”Isaid.Istoodupandpacedbackandforth,willingmymindtocomeupwithasmarttrapthatwouldensnareSamuelandfreemybrother.ButIstillfeltweakandshakyandutterlyunabletoconcentrate.Theratbloodhadonlytakentheedgeoffmyhunger.
“Ithinkyoushoulddrinkrealblood,”Corasaidquietly.“Likeyourbrother.LikeSamuel.Itwouldmakeyoustrongenoughtofighthim,right?Itwouldmakethefighteven,likeyousaid.”Hereyesglitteredlikediamondsinthedarkness.
“Ican’t!”Iexploded,unleashingallthetensionI’dheldduringthedayasmyvoiceechoedoffthewallsofthetunnel,sendingrodentsskitteringtounknownhidingspots.“Ican’tcontrolmyself.WhenDamonfeeds,he’ssmarterandfaster.WhenIfeed,allIwantismoreblood.Ican’tthinklogicallyorrationally.AllIcanthinkofisthenextkill.I’mabeastonblood,Cora.”
Coraopenedhermouthasiftosaysomething,thenthoughtbetterofit.“Allright.ButStefan,”shesaid,grabbingmywristwithasurprisinglystronggrip,“thisisawar,andIwon’thaveyouloseonprinciple.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”IyankedmywristawayasIcontinuedtopaceupanddownthetunnel.Afewnightsbefore,Iwould’veheardthefar-offmoansandheartbeatsofothertunneldwellers.Tonight,therewerenone,andIwasgladthey’dmovedon.AfteradayliketheoneI’dhad,thesoundofbloodrushingagainstveinswouldbefartootempting.“It’smorethanprinciple—it’ssurvival.Idon’tdrinkhumanblood.”
“Iknowyoudon’t.AllImeantwasthatI’ddowhateverittooktostopSamuelfromtakingmoreinnocentlives.AndIhopeyou’ddothesame.Maybedrinkinghumanbloodwouldbedifferentforyounow.Maybeyoucouldtry.”
“Ican’t,”Isaidsharply.“Youdon’tknowwhatblooddoestome.AndIdon’twantyoutofindout.”
Coralookedatmeindignantly,butIdidn’twanttopushthesubjectanyfurther.“Weshouldgetsomesleep,”Isaid.Isettledonthehardgroundontheoppositesideofthetunnel.Iheardhershakybreathing,butIcouldn’ttellifshewasshiveringorcrying.Ididn’task.
Iclosedmyeyesandpressedmyhandtomyforehead,amovethatdidnothingtoeasetherelentlesspoundinginmyskull.Cora’ssuggestionechoedinmymind:Drinkhumanblood.
CouldI?Ihadn’tintwentyyears,notsinceIwasinNewOrleans,whereI’dsometimesdrankthebloodoffour,five,tenhumansadaywithlittlethoughttotheconsequences.Ioftendreamtofit,themomentwhenIwasbentoveravictim,smellingtherushingliquidiron,knowingitwasabouttorundownmythroat.Sometimestheliquidwasbitter,likestrong,blackcoffee.Sometimesitwassweet,withtracesofhoneyandoranges.Itusedtobeaprivate,perversegameofmine:toguessthetastebeforethebloodtouchedmytongue.Butnomatterwhattheflavor,theresultwasthesame:Withhumanbloodinme,Iwasstronger,faster.
Ruthless.
Andinaway,Corawasright.Intheshortterm,bloodcouldbethefueltopowermeinourfightagainstSamuel.Butinthelongrun,itwoulddestroyme.
IreachedacrossthedarknessandallowedmyhandtograzeCora’sslimfingers.Shegentlysqueezedmyhand,andtogether,somehow,thetwoofusfellasleep.EXCERPTFROMVAMPIREDIARIES:THEHUNTERSVOL.1:PHANTOM1
GlenaGilbertsteppedontoasmoothexpanseofgrass,thespongybladescollapsingbeneathherfeet.Clustersofscarletrosesandvioletdelphiniumspushedupfromtheground,whileagiantcanopyhungaboveher,twinklingwithglowinglanterns.Ontheterraceinfrontofherstoodtwocurvingwhitemarblefountainsthatshotspraysofwaterhighintotheair.Everythingwasbeautiful,elegant,andsomehowfamiliar.
ThisisBloddeuwedd’spalace,avoiceinherheadsaid.Butwhenshehadbeenherelast,thefieldhadbeencrowdedwithlaughing,dancingpartygoers.Theyweregonenow,althoughsignsoftheirpresenceremained:emptyglasseslitteredthetablessetaroundtheedgesofthelawn;asilkenshawlwastossedoverachair;alonehigh-heeledshoeperchedontheedgeofafountain.
Somethingelsewasodd,too.Before,thescenehadbeenlitbythehellishredlightthatilluminatedeverythingintheDarkDimension,turningbluestopurples,whitestopinks,andpinkstothevelvetycolorofblood.Nowaclearlightshoneovereverything,andafullwhitemoonsailedcalmlyoverhead.
Awhisperofmovementcamefrombehindher,andElenarealizedwithastartthatshewasn’taloneafterall.Adarkfigurewassuddenlythere,approachingher.
Damon.
OfcourseitwasDamon,Elenathoughtwithasmile.Ifanyonewasgoingtoappearunexpectedlybeforeherhere,atwhatfeltliketheendoftheworld—oratleastthehourafteragoodpartyhadended—itwouldbeDamon.God,hewassobeautiful.Blackonblack:softblackhair,eyesblackasmidnight,blackjeans,andasmoothleatherjacket.
Astheireyesmet,shewassogladtoseehimthatshecouldhardlybreathe.Shethrewherselfintohisembrace,claspinghimaroundtheneck,feelingthelithe,hardmusclesinhisarmsandchest.
“Damon,”shesaid,hervoicetremblingforsomereason.Herbodywastrembling,too,andDamonstrokedherarmsandshoulders,calmingher.
“Whatisit,princess?Don’ttellmeyou’reafraid.”Hesmirkedlazilyather,hishandsstrongandsteady.
“Iamafraid,”sheanswered.
“Butwhatareyouafraidof?”
Thatleftherpuzzledforamoment.Then,slowly,puttinghercheekagainsthis,shesaid,“I’mafraidthatthisisjustadream.”
“I’lltellyouasecret,princess,”hesaidintoherear.“YouandIaretheonlyrealthingshere.It’severythingelsethat’sthedream.”
“Justyouandme?”Elenaechoed,anuneasythoughtnaggingather,asthoughshewereforgettingsomething—orsomeone.Afleckofashlandedonherdress,andsheabsentlybrusheditaway.
“It’sjustthetwoofus,Elena,”Damonsaidsharply.“You’remine.I’myours.We’velovedeachothersincethebeginningoftime.”
Ofcourse.Thatmustbewhyshewastrembling—itwasjoy.Hewashers.Shewashis.Theybelongedtogether.
Shewhisperedoneword:“Yes.”
Thenhekissedher.
Hislipsweresoftassilk,andwhenthekissdeepened,shetiltedherheadback,exposingherthroat,anticipatingthedoublewaspstinghe’ddeliveredsomanytimes.
Whenitdidn’tcome,sheopenedhereyesquestioningly.Themoonwasasbrightasever,andthescentofroseshungheavyintheair.ButDamon’schiseledfeatureswerepaleunderhisdarkhair,andmoreashhadlandedontheshouldersofhisjacket.Allatonce,thelittledoubtsthathadbeennigglingathercametogether.
Oh,no.Oh,no.
“Damon.”Shegasped,lookingintohiseyesdespairinglyastearsfilledherown.“Youcan’tbehere,Damon.You’re…dead.”
“Formorethanfivehundredyears,princess.”Damonflashedhisblindingsmileather.Moreashwasfallingaroundthem,likeafinegrayrain,thesamegrayashDamon’sbodywasburiedbeneath,worldsanddimensionsaway.
“Damon,you’re…deadnow.Notundead,but…gone.”
“No,Elena…”Hebegantoflickerandfade,likeadyinglightbulb.
“Yes.Yes!Iheldyouasyoudied…”Elenawassobbinghelplessly.Shecouldn’tfeelDamon’sarmsatallnow.Hewasdisappearingintoshimmeringlight.
“Listentome,Elena…”
Shewasholdingmoonlight.Anguishcaughtatherheart.
“Allyouneedtodoiscallforme,”Damon’svoicesaid.“Allyouneed…”
Hisvoicefadedintothesoundofwindrustlingthroughthetrees.
Elena’seyessnappedopen.Throughafogsheregisteredthatshewasinaroomfilledwithsunlight,andahugecrowwasperchedonthesillofanopenwindow.Thebirdtilteditsheadtoonesideandgaveacroak,watchingherwithbrighteyes.
Acoldchillrandownherspine.“Damon?”shewhispered.
Butthecrowjustspreaditswingsandflewaway.2
DearDiary,
IAMHOME!Icanhardlydaretobelieveit,buthereIam.
Iwokewiththestrangestfeeling.Ididn’tknowwhereIwasandjustlayheresmellingthecleancotton-and-fabric-softenerscentofthesheets,tryingtofigureoutwhyeverythinglookedsofamiliar.
Iwasn’tinLadyUlma’smansion.There,Ihadsleptnestledinthesmoothestsatinandsoftestvelvet,andtheairhadsmelledofincense.AndIwasn’tattheboardinghouse:Mrs.Flowerswashesthebeddingthereinsomeweird-smellingherbalmixturethatBonniesaysisforprotectionandgooddreams.
Andsuddenly,Iknew.Iwashome.TheGuardiansdidit!Theybroughtmehome.
Everythingandnothinghaschanged.It’sthesameroomIsleptinfromwhenIwasatinybaby:mypolishedcherry-wooddresserandrockingchair;thelittlestuffedblack-and-whitedogMattwonatthewintercarnivalourjunioryearperchedonashelf;myrolltopdeskwithitscubbyholes;theornateantiquemirrorabovemydresser;andtheMonetandKlimtpostersfromthemuseumexhibitsAuntJudithtookmetoinWashington,DC.Evenmycombandbrusharelinedupneatlysidebysideonmydresser.It’sallasitshouldbe.
Igotoutofbedandusedasilverletteropenerfromthedesktopryupthesecretboardinmyclosetfloor,myoldhidingplace,andIfoundthisdiary,justwhereIhiditsomanymonthsago.ThelastentryistheoneIwrotebeforeFounder’sDaybackinNovember,beforeI…died.BeforeIlefthomeandnevercameback.Untilnow.
InthatentryIdetailedourplantostealbackmyotherdiary,theoneCarolinetookfromme,theonethatshewasplanningtoreadaloudattheFounder’sDaypageant,knowingitwouldruinmylife.Theverynextday,IdrownedinWickeryCreekandroseagainasavampire.AndthenIdiedagainandreturnedasahuman,andtraveledtotheDarkDimension,andhadathousandadventures.AndmyolddiaryhasbeensittingrightherewhereIleftitundertheclosetfloor,justwaitingforme.
TheotherElena,theonethattheGuardiansplantedineveryone’smemories,washereallthesemonths,goingtoschoolandlivinganormallife.ThatElenadidn’twritehere.I’mrelieved,really.Howcreepywoulditbetoseediaryentriesinmyhandwritingandnotrememberanyofthethingstheyrecounted?Althoughthatmighthavebeenhelpful.IhavenoideawhateveryoneelseinFell’sChurchthinkshasbeenhappeninginthemonthssinceFounder’sDay.
ThewholetownofFell’sChurchhasbeengivenafreshstart.Thekitsunedestroyedthistownoutofsheermaliciousmischief.Pittingchildrenagainsttheirparents,makingpeopledestroythemselvesandeveryonetheyloved.
Butnownoneofiteverhappened.
IftheGuardiansmadegoodontheirword,everyoneelsewhodiedisnowaliveagain:poorVickieBennettandSueCarson,murderedbyKatherineandKlausandTylerSmallwoodbackinthewinter;disagreeableMr.Tanner;thoseinnocentsthatthekitsunekilledorcausedtobekilled.Me.Allbackagain,allstartingover.
And,exceptformeandmyclosestfriends—Meredith,Bonnie,Matt,mydarlingStefan,andMrs.Flowers—nooneelseknowsthatlifehasn’tgoneonasusualeversinceFounder’sDay.
We’veallbeengivenanotherchance.Wedidit.Wesavedeveryone.
EveryoneexceptDamon.Hesavedus,intheend,butwecouldn’tsavehim.Nomatterhowhardwetriedorhowdesperatelywepleaded,therewasnowayfortheGuardianstobringhimback.Andvampiresdon’treincarnate.Theydon’tgotoHeaven,orHell,oranykindofafterlife.Theyjust…disappear.
Elenastoppedwritingforamomentandtookadeepbreath.Hereyesfilledwithtears,butshebentoverthediaryagain.Shehadtotellthewholetruthiftherewasgoingtobeanypointtokeepingadiaryatall.
Damondiedinmyarms.Itwasagonizingtowatchhimslipawayfromme.ButI’llneverletStefanknowhowItrulyfeltabouthisbrother.Itwouldbecruel—andwhatgoodwoulditdonow?
Istillcan’tbelievehe’sgone.TherewasnooneasaliveasDamon—noonewholovedlifemorethanhedid.Nowhe’llneverknow—
AtthatmomentthedoorofElena’sbedroomsuddenlyflewopen,andElena,herheartinherthroat,slammedthediaryshut.Buttheintruderwasonlyheryoungersister,Margaret,dressedinpinkflower-printedpajamas,hercorn-silkhairstandingstraightupinthemiddlelikeathrush’sfeathers.Thefive-year-olddidn’tdecelerateuntilshewasalmostontopofElena—andthenshelaunchedherselfatherthroughtheair.
Shelandedsquarelyonheroldersister,knockingthebreathoutofher.Margaret’scheekswerewet,hereyesshining,andherlittlehandsclutchedatElena.
Elenafoundherselfholdingonjustastightly,feelingtheweightofhersister,inhalingthesweetscentofbabyshampooandPlay-Doh.
“Imissedyou!”Margaretsaid,hervoiceonthevergeofsobbing.“Elena!Imissedyousomuch!”
“What?”Despiteherefforttomakehervoicelight,Elenacouldhearitshaking.Sherealizedwithajoltthatshehadn’tseenMargaret—reallyseenher—formorethaneightmonths.ButMargaretcouldn’tknowthat.“Youmissedmesomuchsincebedtimethatyouhadtocomerunningtofindme?”
MargaretdrewslightlyawayfromElenaandstaredather.Margaret’sfive-year-oldclearblueeyeshadalookinthem,anintenselyknowinglook,thatsentashiverdownElena’sspine.
ButMargaretdidn’tsayaword.ShesimplytightenedhergriponElena,curlingupandlettingherheadrestonElena’sshoulder.“Ihadabaddream.Idreamedyouleftme.Youwentaway.”Thelastwordwasaquietwail.
“Oh,Margaret,”Elenasaid,hugginghersister’swarmsolidity,“itwasonlyadream.I’mnotgoinganywhere.”SheclosedhereyesandheldontoMargaret,prayinghersisterhadtrulyonlyhadanightmare,andthatshehadn’tslippedthroughthecracksoftheGuardians’spell.
“Allright,cookie,timetogetamoveon,”saidElenaafterafewmoments,gentlyticklingMargaret’sside.“Arewegoingtohaveafabulousbreakfasttogether?ShallImakeyoupancakes?”
MargaretsatupthenandgazedatElenawithwideblueeyes.“UncleRobert’smakingwaffles,”shesaid.“HealwaysmakeswafflesonSundaymornings.Remember?”
UncleRobert.Right.HeandAuntJudithhadgottenmarriedafterElenahaddied.“Sure,hedoes,bunny,”shesaidlightly.“IjustforgotitwasSundayforaminute.”
NowthatMargarethadmentionedit,shecouldhearsomeonedowninthekitchen.Andsmellsomethingdeliciouscooking.Shesniffed.“Isthatbacon?”
Margaretnodded.“Raceyoutothekitchen!”
Elenalaughedandstretched.“Givemeaminutetowakeallthewayup.I’llmeetyoudownthere.”I’llgettotalktoAuntJudithagain,sherealizedwithasuddenburstofjoy.
Margaretbouncedoutofbed.Atthedoor,shepausedandlookedbackathersister.“Youreallyarecomingdown,right?”sheaskedhesitantly.
“Ireallyam,”Elenasaid,andMargaretsmiledandheadeddownthehall.
Watchingher,Elenawasstruckoncemorebywhatanamazingsecondchance—thirdchance,really—she’dbeengiven.ForamomentElenajustsoakedintheessenceofherdear,darlinghome,aplaceshe’dneverthoughtshe’dliveinagain.ShecouldhearMargaret’slightvoicechatteringawayhappilydownstairs,thedeeperrumbleofRobertansweringher.Shewassolucky,despiteeverything,tobebackhomeatlast.Whatcouldbemorewonderful?
Hereyesfilledwithtearsandsheclosedthemtightly.Whatastupidthingtothink.Whatcouldbemorewonderful?IfthecrowonherwindowsillhadbeenDamon,ifshe’dknownthathewasouttheresomewhere,readytoflashhislazysmileorevenpurposelyaggravateher,nowthatwouldhavebeenmorewonderful.
Elenaopenedhereyesandblinkedhardseveraltimes,willingthetearsaway.Shecouldn’tfallapart.Notnow.Notwhenshewasabouttoseeherfamilyagain.Nowshewouldsmileandlaughandhugherfamily.Latershewouldcollapse,indulgingthesharpacheinsideher,andletherselfsob.Afterall,shehadallthetimeintheworldtomournDamon,becauselosinghimwouldnever,everstophurting.ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
L.J.SMITHhaswrittenanumberofbestsellingbooksandseriesforyoungadults,includingTheVampireDiaries(nowahitTVshow),TheSecretCircle,TheForbiddenGame,NightWorld,andthe#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingDarkVisions.SheishappiestsittingbyacracklingfireinacabininPointReyes,California,orwalkingthebeachesthatsurroundthearea.Shelovestohearfromreaders(info@ljanesmith.net)andhopestheywillvisitherupdatedwebsite,www.ljanesmith.net.
KEVINWILLIAMSONistheshowrunnerandexecutiveproducerofTheVampireDiaries.HiscreditsincludethecriticallyacclaimedtelevisionseriesDawson’sCreekandtheblockbusterhorrorfranchiseScream.
JULIEPLECistheco–showrunnerandexecutiveproducerofTheVampireDiaries.Shewasmostrecentlyawriter-producerofthefan-favoritetelevisionseriesKyleXY.
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavouriteHarperCollinsauthors.BACKAD
OTHERWORKS
TheVampireDiariesnovels
VOL.I:THEAWAKENING
VOL.II:THESTRUGGLE
VOL.III:THEFURY
VOL.IV:DARKREUNION
THERETURNVOL.1:NIGHTFALL
THERETURNVOL.2:SHADOWSOULS
THERETURNVOL.3:MIDNIGHT
THEHUNTERSVOL.1:PHANTOM
Stefan’sDiariesnovels
VOL.I:ORIGINS
VOL.2:BLOODLUST
VOL.3:THECRAVING
VOL.4:THERIPPER
VOL.5:THEASYLUM
TheSecretCirclenovels
THEINITIATIONANDTHECAPTIVEPART1
THECAPTIVEPARTIIANDTHEPOWERCOPYRIGHT
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Stefan’sDiariesVol.5:TheAsylum
Copyright?2012byAlloyEntertainmentandL.J.Smith
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