I stood frozen behind the tall marble pillar, my fingers clenched so tightly around the stem of an empty glass that the crystal threatened to crack.

My sister Seraphine’s voice drifted toward me, sharp and mocking, laced with that familiar superiority she had worn like a crown since we were children.

“…and then she tried to drink from the ceremonial cup last month. Poor thing gagged like a fledgling on her first feed. Can you imagine? An unawakened vampire who can’t even handle the taste of blood? It’s embarrassing for the entire family.”

Her mate Lucien laughed softly beside her. “She’s a liability, Sera. The clan elders are already whispering....