Cassidy took a step forward and lowered her voice. “But I promised I would keep her safe.”

“And you have,” Faye assured her. “Here, she’ll be tagged and properly trained. This is her best chance for reentering the world as a Compliant Vampire, one who will never do anything to get herself into a situation where she has to face any of us again.”

Cadence could see her sister trying to convince herself that this was what was best for the child. She put her hand on her arm. “Cass, this is what she needs. You know we can’t keep her.” Tears began to roll down Cassidy’s cheeks. “You’re sixteen,...