The blood moon came in October. The sky turned red and every vampire in the city felt strong again. Ritual nights bent the rules.
Viktor returned with a new army — younger, faster, meaner vampires he'd been turning in secret. He didn't come to the church. He went to Lena's bookstore.
Arian got there just as Viktor put a hand on Lena's throat. "Here's the new deal, dhampir," Viktor said. "Kneel, swear to me, and she lives. Fight me, and I'll make you watch her die slowly."
Lena's eyes met Arian's. She mouthed one word: don't.
But she wasn't just a hostage. She was the other half of the prophecy. And she was done being used.