As soon as the vigils returned to vampire territory after the investigation of the hut and hideout in mid-afternoon, they made their way to the castle once again. Outside Pellethia’s study, Duica took a deep breath, knocked twice, and waited.

“Who is it?” Pellethia’s familiar voice came from inside.

“It’s VIG 001, Your Majesty.”

“Come in, Duica,” came the reply.

Duica was surprised. That was the first time the empress had said his name. Dominic nudged him and teased through their mind-link, ‘She might have a favorite after all!’

After Duica rolled his eyes, he opened the door and Pellethia, who was seated looked up from the map spread open...