Masquerade Melissa de la Cruz

CHAPTER 1 The pigeons had taken over St. Mark s Square. Hundreds o! the"# !at$ gra%$ squat$ and silent$ pe&king at the pie&es o! s!ogliatelle and pane uva 'read &ru"'s that &areless tourists had le!t 'ehind. (t )as noon$ 'ut the sun )as hidden 'ehind &louds$ and a gloo"% pall had !allen over the &it%. The gondolas )ere lined up on the do&ks$ e"pt%$ their striped*shirted gondoliers leaning on their oars$ )aiting !or &usto"ers )ho had not arrived. The )aters )ere in lo) tide$ the dark stain o! the higher levels visi'le on the 'uilding !a&ades. S&hu%ler +an Alen rested her el'o)s on the ri&ket% &a!, ta'le and put her head in her hands$ so that the 'otto" o! her &hin )as hidden underneath her oversize turtlene&k. She )as a -lue -lood va"pire$ the last o! the +an Alens**a !or"erl% pro"inent .e) /ork !a"il% )hose in!luen&e and largesse had 'een instru"ental in the !ounding o! "odern*da% Manhattan. 0n&e upon a ti"e$ the +an Alen na"e had 'een s%non%"ous )ith po)er$ privilege$ and patronage. -ut that )as a long ti"e ago$ and the !a"il% !ortune had 'een d)indling !or "an% %ears# S&hu%ler )as "ore !a"iliar )ith penn%*pin&hing than shopping sprees. Her &lothes**the 'la&k turtlene&k that hung past her hips$ &uto!! leggings$ an ar"% !lak 1a&ket$ and 'eaten* up "otor&%&le 'oots**)ere thri!t* store &asto!!s. 0n an% other girl$ the ragged ense"'le "ight look as though it had 'een thro)n together '% a ho"eless vagrant$ 'ut on S&hu%ler it 'e&a"e rai"ent equal to ro%alt%$ and "ade her deli&ate$ heart*shaped !eatures even "ore striking. 2ith her pale$ ivor% &o"ple3ion$ deep*set 'lue e%es$ and "ass o! dark$ 'lue*'la&k hair$ she )as a stunning$ i"possi'l% lovel% &reature. Her 'eaut% )as "ade even "ore 'enevolent )hen she s"iled$ although there )as little &han&e o! that this "orning. 4Cheer up$4 0liver Hazard*Perr% said$ li!ting a s"all &up o! espresso to his lips. 42hatever happens$ or doesn t happen$ at least )e had a 'it o! a 'reak. And doesn t the &it% look gorgeous, C "on$ %ou ve got to ad"it 'eing in +eni&e is so "u&h 'etter than 'eing stu&k in Che" la'.4 0liver had 'een S&hu%ler s 'est !riend sin&e &hildhood a gangl%$ !lopp%*haired$ handso"e %outh$ )ith a qui&k grin and kind$

hazel$ e%es. He )as her &on!idant and partner in &ri"e and$ as she had learned not too long ago$ her hu"an Conduit** traditionall% a va"pire s assistant and le!t* hand "an$ a position o! e3alted servitude. 0liver had 'een instru"ental in getting the" !ro" .e) /ork to +eni&e in a short period o! ti"e. He had 'een a'le to &onvin&e his !ather to let the" a&&o"pan% hi" on a 'usiness trip to Europe. 5espite 0liver s &heer!ul )ords$ S&hu%ler )as glu". (t )as their last da% in +eni&e and the% had !ound nothing. To"orro) the% )ould !l% 'a&k to .e) /ork e"pt%*handed$ their trip a &o"plete !ailure. She 'egan ripping apart the la'el on her Pellegrino 'ottle$ tearing it &are!ull% so it un)ound into a long thin strip o! green paper. She 1ust didn t )ant to give up so soon. Al"ost t)o "onths 'e!ore$ S&hu%ler s grand"other$ Cordelia +an Alen$ had 'een atta&ked '% a Silver -lood$ the "ortal ene"ies o! the -lue -lood va"pires. S&hu%ler had learned !ro" Cordelia that$ like the -lue -loods$ Silver -loods )ere !allen angels$ doo"ed to live their eternal lives on earth. Ho)ever$ unlike the -lue -loods$ Silver -lood va"pires had s)orn allegian&e to the e3iled Prin&e o! Heaven$ 6u&i!er hi"sel!$ and had re!used to &o"pl% )ith the Code o! the +a"pires$ a stringent rule o! ethi&s that the -lue -loods hoped )ould help 'ring a'out their eventual return to Paradise. Cordelia had 'een S&hu%ler s legal guardian. S&hu%ler had never kno)n her parents# her !ather died 'e!ore she )as 'orn$ and her "other had !allen into a &o"a soon a!ter giving 'irth to her. 7or "ost o! S&hu%ler s &hildhood$ Cordelia had 'een aloo! and distant$ 'ut she )as the onl% !a"il% S&hu%ler had had in the )orld$ and !or 'etter or )orse$ she had loved her grand"other. 4She )as sure he )ould 'e here$4 S&hu%ler said$ dis&onsolatel% tossing 'read &ru"'s at the pigeons that had gathered underneath their ta'le. (t )as so"ething she had 'een sa%ing ever sin&e the% d arrived in +eni&e. The Silver -lood atta&k had le!t Cordelia )eakened$ 'ut 'e!ore her grand"other had su&&u"'ed to the passive state 8-lue -lood va"pires are &ontinuall% rein&arnated i""ortal 'eings9$ she had pressed on S&hu%ler the need to !ind her "issing grand* !ather$ 6a)ren&e +an Alen$ )ho" she 'elieved held the ke% to de!eating the Silver -loods. 2ith her last 'reath$ S&hu%ler s grand"other had instru&ted her to travel to +eni&e$ to &o"' the &it% s &rooked streets and )inding &anals !or an% sign o! hi". 4-ut )e ve looked ever%)here. .o one has ever even heard o! a 6a)ren&e +an Alen$ or a 5r. :ohn Carver$4 0liver sighed$ pointing out that the% had "ade dozens o! inquiries at the universit%$ at Harr% s -ar at the Cipriani$ and at ever% hotel$ villa$ and pensione in 'et)een. :ohn Carver had 'een a na"e 6a)ren&e had taken during the Pl%"outh settle"ent.

4( kno). ( " 'eginning to think he never even e3isted$4 S&hu%ler replied. 4Ma%'e she )as )rong**too )eak and disoriented and &on!used a'out )here to send %ou$4 0liver suggested. 4This &ould end up 'eing 1ust a )ild*goose &hase.4 S&hu%ler "ulled the possi'ilit%. Perhaps Cordelia had 'een )rong$ and "a%'e Charles 7or&e$ the leader o! the -lue -loods$ )as right a!ter all. -ut the loss o! her grand"other had a!!e&ted her terri'l%$ and S&hu%ler )as nursing a !evered deter"ination to &arr% out the old )o"an s !inal )ish. 4( &an t think like that$ 0llie. (! ( do$ then ( ve given up. ( have to !ind hi". ( have to !ind "% grand!ather. (t hurts too "u&h to think a'out )hat Charles 7or&e said....4 42hat did he sa%,4 0liver asked. S&hu%ler had "en* tioned a &onversation she d had )ith Charles 'e!ore the% had le!t$ 'ut had kept the details vague. 4He said...4 S&hu%ler &losed her e%es and re"e"'ered the tension*!illed en&ounter. She had gone to visit her "other in the hospital. Allegra +an Alen )as as 'eauti!ul and re"ote as ever$ a )o"an )ho lingered 'et)een li!e and death. She had slipped into a &atatoni& state shortl% a!ter S&hu%ler )as 'orn. S&hu%ler had not 'een surprised to !ind a !ello) visitor at her "other s 'edside. Charles 7or&e )as kneeling '% the 'ed$ 'ut he stood up qui&kl% and )iped his e%es )hen he sa) S&hu%ler. S&hu%ler !elt a sta' o! pit% !or the "an. :ust a "onth ago$ she had 'elieved hi" to 'e the personi!i&ation o! evil$ had even a&&used hi" o! 'eing a Silver -lood. Ho) o!! the "ark she had 'een. Charles 7or&e )as Mi&hael$ Pure o! Heart$ one o! the ar&hangels )ho had voluntaril% &hosen e3ile !ro" Heaven to help his 'rethren )ho had 'een &ast out during 6u&i!er s revolt and &ursed to live their lives on earth as the -lue -loods. He )as a va"pire onl% '% &hoi&e$ not sin. Her "other$ Allegra +an Alen$ )as the onl% other va"pire )ho shared this distin&tion. Allegra )as ;a'rielle$ the <n&orrupted$ the +irtuous. Mi&hael and ;a'rielle had a long and entangled histor%. The% )ere va"pire t)ins$ 'lood* 'ound to ea&h other$ and had 'een 'orn 'rother and sister in this &%&le.

The 'ond )as an i""ortal vo) 'et)een -lue -loods$ 'ut ;a'rielle had !orsaken the vo) )hen she had taken S&hu%ler s Red -lood !ather$ her hu"an !a"iliar$ as hus'and instead. 45o %ou kno) )h% %our "other is in a &o"a, 0r &hooses to 'e in a &o"a,4 Charles had asked. S&hu%ler nodded. 4She s)ore never to take another hu"an !a"iliar a!ter "% !ather died. Cordelia said it )as 'e&ause she )anted to die hersel!.4 4-ut she &annot. She is a va"pire. So she lives$4 Charles said 'itterl%. 4(! this is )hat %ou &all living.4 4(t is her &hoi&e$4 S&hu%ler said$ her voi&e even. She did not like the 1udg"ent inherent in Charles s )ords. 4Choi&e$4 Charles &ursed. 4A ro"anti& notion$ 'ut nothing "ore.4 He turned to S&hu%ler. 4( hear %ou are going to +eni&e.4 S&hu%ler nodded. 42e leave to"orro). To !ind "% grand!ather$4 she de&lared. (t is said that the daughter o! ;a'rielle )ill 'ring us to the salvation )e seek$ her grand"other had told her. 0nl% %our grand!ather kno)s ho) to de!eat the Silver -loods. He )ill help %ou. Cordelia had e3plained that throughout the histor% o! the )orld$ Silver -loods had pre%ed on -lue -loods$ &onsu"ing their 'lood and their "e"ories. The last kno)n atta&ks had happened in Pl%"outh$ )hen the va"pires had &rossed to the ne) )orld. 7our hundred %ears later$ in .e) /ork Cit%$ )hen S&hu%ler had started her sopho"ore %ear at the elite 5u&hesne S&hool$ the atta&ks had started again. The !irst vi&ti" )as a !ello) student**Aggie Carondolet. Soon a!ter Aggie s death$ the 'od% &ount had in&reased. Most dis* tur'ing to S&hu%ler$ all o! the slain had 'een -lue -lood teens$ taken during their "ost vulnera'le period 'et)een the %ears o! !i!teen and t)ent%*one$ 'e!ore the% )ere !ull% in &ontrol o! their po)ers. 46a)ren&e +an Alen is an out&ast$ an e3ile$4 Charles 7or&e said. 4/ou )ill !ind nothing 'ut &on!usion and sorro) i! %ou travel to +eni&e$4 the steel%*e%ed "agnate de&lared. 4( don t &are$4 S&hu%ler "uttered$ her e%es do)n&ast. She gripped the he" o! her s)eater tightl%$ t)isting it into knots. 4/ou still re!use to a&kno)ledge that the Silver -loods have returned. And alread% there have 'een too "an% o! us )ho have 'een

taken.4 The last killing had happened shortl% a!ter her grand* "other s !uneral. Su""er A"or%$ last %ear s 5e' o! the /ear$ had 'een !ound drained in her penthouse apart"ent in Tru"p To)er. The )orst part a'out the Silver -loods )as that the% didn t 'ring death no**the% 'rought a !ate )orse than death. The Code o! the +a"pires e3pressl% !or'ade the" !ro" per!or"ing the Caeri"onia 0s&ulor$ the Sa&red =iss$ the !eeding on 'lood**on their o)n kind. The Caeri"onia )as a regulated ritual$ )ith stringent rules. .o hu"ans )ere ever to 'e a'used$ or !ull% drained. -ut 6u&i!er and his legions dis&overed that i! the% per!or"ed the =iss on other va"pires instead o! hu"ans$ it "ade the" "ore po)er!ul. Red -lood held the li!e !or&e o! onl% one 'eing$ )hile -lue -lood )as "ore potent$ holding in it an i""ortal 'astion o! kno)ledge. The Silver -loods &onsu"ed a va"pire s 'lood and "e"ories$ su&king the" to &o"plete dissipation$ "aking the -lue -lood a slave to an insane &ons&iousness. Silver -loods )ere "an% 'eings trapped in one shell$ !orever. A'o"ination. Charles 7or&e s !ro)n deepened. 4The Silver -loods have 'een 'anished. (t is i"possi'le. There is another e3planation !or )hat has happened. The Co""ittee is investigating 4 4The Co""ittee has done nothing> The Co""ittee )ill &ontinue to do nothing>4 S&hu%ler argued. She kne) the histor% that Charles 7or&e &lung to that the -lue -loods had )on the !inal 'attle in an&ient Ro"e$ )hen he had de!eated 6u&i!er hi"sel!$ then kno)n as the "ania&al Silver -lood e"peror Caligula$ and sent hi" deep into the !ires o! Hell '% the point o! his golden s)ord. 4As %ou )ish$4 Charles sighed. 4( &annot stop %ou !ro" going to +eni&e$ 'ut ( "ust )arn %ou that 6a)ren&e is not hal! the "an Cordelia )ished hi" to 'e.4 He li!ted up S&hu%ler s &hin$ as she stared at hi" )ith de!ian&e. 4/ou should take &are$ Allegra s daughter$4 he said in a kinder tone. S&hu%ler shuddered at the "e"or% o! his tou&h. The past t)o )eeks had done nothing 'ut prove that Charles 7or&e "ight have kno)n )hat he )as talking a'out. Ma%'e S&hu%ler should 1ust stop asking questions$ go 'a&k to .e) /ork$ and 'e a

good girl$ a good -lue -lood. 0ne )ho didn t question the "otives or a&tions o! The Co""ittee. 0ne )hose onl% pro'le" )as )hat to )ear to the 7our Hundred -all at the St. Regis. She 'le) out her 'angs and looked 'esee&hingl% a&ross the ta'le at her 'est !riend. 0liver had 'een a !aith!ul supporter. He had 'een right '% her side throughout the )hole ordeal$ and during the &haoti& da%s right a!ter her grand* "other s !uneral. 4( kno) he s here$ ( &an !eel it$4 S&hu%ler said. 4( )ish )e didn t have to leave so soon.4 She put the 'ottle$ &o"pletel% stripped o! its la'el$ 'a&k on the ta'le. The )aiter arrived )ith the &he&k$ and 0liver qui&kl% slipped his &redit &ard in the leather ta'let 'e!ore S&hu%ler &ould protest. The% de&ided to hit&h a ride on a gondola !or one last tour o! the an&ient &it%. 0liver helped S&hu%ler into the 'oat$ and the t)o o! the" leaned 'a&k on the plush &ushion at the sa"e ti"e$ so that their !orear"s pressed against ea&h other. S&hu%ler in&hed a)a% 1ust a tin% little 'it$ !eeling slightl% e"'arrassed at their ph%si&al pro3i"it%. This )as ne). She had al)a%s !elt &o"!orta'le )ith 0liver in the past. The% had gro)n up together**skinn%*dipping in the pond 'ehind her grand"other s house on .antu&ket$ spending sleepovers &urled up ne3t to ea&h other in the sa"e dou'le*)ide sleeping 'ag. The% )ere as &lose as si'lings$ 'ut latel% she had !ound that she )as rea&ting to his presen&e )ith a ne)!ound sel!* &ons&iousness she &ouldn t e3plain. (t )as as i! she had )oken up one da% and dis&overed her 'est !riend )as also a 'o% and a ver% good*looking one at that. The gondolier pushed o!! !ro" the do&k$ and the% 'egan their slo) vo%age. 0liver took pi&tures$ and S&hu%ler tried to en1o% the vie). -ut as 'eauti!ul as the &it% )as$ she &ouldn t help 'ut !eel a )ave o! distress and helplessness. (! she didn t !ind her grand!ather$ )hat )ould she do then, Aside !ro" 0liver$ she )as alone in the )orld. 5e!enseless. 2hat )ould happen to her, The Silver -lood**i! it had 'een a Silver -lood**had al"ost taken her t)i&e alread%. She pressed a hand to her ne&k as i! to shield hersel! !ro" the past atta&k. 2ho kne) i! or )hen it )ould &o"e 'a&k, And )ould the slaughter stop$ as The Co""ittee hoped or )ould it &ontinue$ as she suspe&ted$ until all o! the" )ere taken, S&hu%ler shivered$ even though there )as no &hill in the air$ looked a&ross the &anal$ and sa) a )o"an )alking out o! a 'uilding.

A )o"an )ho looked eeril% !a"iliar. (t &an t 'e$ S&hu%ler thought. (t s i"possi'le. Her "other )as in a &o"a$ in a hospital roo" in .e) /ork Cit%. There )as no )a% she &ould 'e in (tal%. 0r &ould she, 2as there so"ething a'out Allegra that S&hu%ler did not kno), Al"ost as i! she had heard her$ the )o"an looked straight into S&hu%ler s e%es. (t )as her "other. She )as sure o! it. The )o"an had Allegra s !ine 'lond hair$ thin aristo&rati& nose$ the sa"e kni!e*'lade &heek'ones$ the sa"e lisso"e !igure$ the sa"e 'right green e%es. 40liver**it s**oh "% ;od>4 S&hu%ler e3&lai"ed$ pulling on her !riend s &oat. She pointed !ranti&all% a&ross the &anal. 0liver turned. 4Huh,4 4That )o"an...( think it s "%..."% "other> There>4 S&hu%ler said$ pointing to)ard a !igure running s)i!tl%$ dis* appearing into a &ro)d o! people leaving the 5u&al Pala&e. 42hat the hell are %ou talking a'out,4 0liver asked$ s&anning the side)alk )here S&hu%ler )as pointing. 4That )o"an, Are %ou serious, Sk%$ are %ou out o! %our "ind, /our "other s in a hospital in .e) /ork. And she s &ata* toni&$4 0liver said angril%. 4( kno)$ ( kno)$ 'ut...4 S&hu%ler said. 46ook$ there she is again**it s her$ ( s)ear to ;od$ it s her.4 42here do %ou think %ou re going,4 0liver de"anded$ as S&hu%ler s&ra"'led to her !eet. 42hat s gotten into %ou, Hold on> Sk%$ sit do)n>4 <nderneath his 'reath he "uttered$ 4This is a huge )aste o! ti"e.4 She turned around and glared at hi". 4/ou didn t have to &o"e )ith "e$ %ou kno).4 0liver sighed. 4Right. As i! %ou )ould have gone all the )a% to +eni&e on %our o)n, /ou ve never even 'een to -rookl%n.4 She e3haled loudl%$ keeping her e%es !o&used on the 'lond )o"an$ it&hing to 'e out o! the slo)*"oving 'oat. He )as right#

she o)ed hi" 'ig*ti"e !or a&&o"pan%ing her to +eni&e$ and it anno%ed her that she )as so dependent on hi". She told hi" so. 4/ou re supposed to 'e dependent on "e$4 0liver e3plained patientl%. 4( " %our hu"an Conduit. ( " supposed to help %ou navigate the hu"an )orld. ( didn t realize that )ould "ean 'eing %our travel agent$ 'ut he%.4 4Then help "e$4 S&hu%ler snapped. 4( need to go....4 she said !ranti&all%. She "ade up her "ind and 1u"ped !ro" the gondola to the side)alk in one gra&e!ul leap**a leap no hu"an )ould have 'een a'le to e3e&ute$ sin&e the% )ere a good thirt% !eet a)a% !ro" the nearest "ar&iapiede. 42ait> S&hu%ler>4 0liver %elled$ s&ra"'ling to keep up. 4Andia"o> Segua quella ragazza>4 he said$ urging the gondolier to !ollo) S&hu%ler$ 'ut not quite sure that the "an* po)ered 'oat )ould 'e the 'est )a% to &hase a !ast*"oving va"pire. S&hu%ler !elt her vision !o&us and her senses heighten. She kne) she )as "oving !ast**so qui&kl% that it !elt as though ever%one else around her )ere standing still. /et the )o"an )as "oving 1ust as !ast$ i! not !aster$ soaring a&ross the narro) &hannels that )or"ed through the &it%$ dodging speed'oats and !l%ing to)ard the other side o! the river. -ut S&hu%ler )as right at her heels$ the t)o o! the" a 'lur o! "otion a&ross the &it%s&ape. S&hu%ler !ound hersel! une3* pe&tedl% e3hilarated '% the pursuit$ as i! she )ere stret&hing "us&les she didn t kno) she had. 4Mother>4 She !inall% !elt desperate enough to &all out as she )at&hed the )o"an leap gra&e!ull% !ro" a 'al&on% to a hidden entr%)a%. -ut the )o"an didn t turn 'a&k$ and qui&kl% disap* peared inside the door o! a near'% palazzo. S&hu%ler 1u"ped to the sa"e landing$ &aught her 'reath$ and !ollo)ed the )o"an inside$ "ore intent than ever to dis&over the "%sterious stranger s true identit%. CHAPTER ?

Mimi Force surveyed the industrious scene inside the Jefferson Room at the Duchesne School and sighed happily. It was late on a Monday afternoon, the school day was over, and the weekly ommittee meeting was well underway. Diligent !lue !loods were

gathered in small groups at the round ta"le, discussing last#minute details for the party of the year$ the annual Four %undred !all. !lond, green#eyed Mimi and her twin "rother, Jack, were among the young vampires who were going to "e presented at the "all this year. It was a tradition that reached "ack centuries. Induction into &he ommittee, a secret and vastly powerful group of vampires that ran 'ew (ork, had "een only the first step. &he pu"lic presentation of young ommittee mem"ers to the entire !lue !lood society was a "igger one. It was an acknowledgment of one)s past history and future responsi"ilities. !ecause !lue !loods returned in different physical shells, under new names in every cycle## what vampires called the length of a human lifetime##their presentation or *coming#out* was highly important in the recognition process. Mimi Force didn)t need a herald with a trumpet to tell her who she was, or whom she had "een. She was Mimi Force the most "eautiful girl in the history of 'ew (ork ity and the only daughter of harles Force, the Regis, a.k.a. head of the coven and superior "adass, known to the world as a merciless media magnate whose Force 'ews 'etwork spanned the glo"e from Singapore to +ddis +"a"a. Mimi Force the girl with hair the color of woven fla,, skin like fresh "uttercream, full pouty lips that rivaled +ngelina Jolie)s. She was the underage se,pot with a reputation for cutting a reckless swath through the city)s most eligi"le young heirs$ hot red#"looded "oyfriends otherwise known as her human familiars. !ut her heart had always "een, and always would "e, much, much closer to home, Mimi thought as she looked across the room at her "rother, Jack. So far, Mimi was satisfied. -verything was shaping up to "e picture#perfect for the night at the St. Regis %otel. &his was the "iggest party of the year. .nlike that tacky little circus they called the /scars, with its sniveling actresses and corporate shilling, the Four %undred !all was a strictly old# fashioned affair##a"out class, status, "eauty, power, money, and "lood. !loodlines, that is, and more specifically, !lue !loodlines. It was a vampire#only "all$ the most e,clusive event in 'ew (ork, if not the world. +"solutely no Red !loods allowed. +ll the flowers had "een ordered. 0hite +merican !eauty roses. &wenty thousand of them, specially flown in from South +merica for the occasion. &here would "e ten thousand roses in the garland entrance alone, the rest scat# tered among the centerpieces. &he most e,pensive event planner in the city, who had turned &he Metropolitan Museum into a Russian wonderland straight out of Dr. 1hivago for the ostume Institute)s Russian e,hi"it, was also planning to hand#make ten thousand silk roses for the napkin rings. +nd to top it all off, the entire "allroom would "e scented "y gallons of rosewater perfume pumped into the air vents. +round Mimi, &he ommittee conferred on last# minute issues. 0hile the 2unior mem"ers, high school kids like herself, were

occupied with "usywork filing RS34 cards, checking off guest lists, confirming logistics for the two fifty# piece orchestras) stage re5uirements and lighting the senior coven, led "y 4riscilla Du4ont, a well#known Manhattan socialite whose regal visage graced the weekly social columns, was involved with more delicate matters. Mrs. Du4ont was surrounded "y a group of similarly thin, pol# ished, and well#coifed women, whose tireless work on "ehalf of &he ommittee had led to the preservation of some of 'ew (ork)s most important landmarks and funded the e,istence of the city)s most prestigious cultural institutions. Mimi)s e,tra#sensitive hearing picked up on the conversation. *'ow we come to the 5uestion of Sloane and ushing arondolet,* 4riscilla said gravely, picking up one of the ivory linen place cards scattered in front of her. &he cards were em"ossed with the name of each guest, and would "e placed at the front reception with a designated ta"le num"er. &here was a murmur of disapproval among the well# heeled crowd. &he arondolets) growing insu"ordination was hard to ignore. +fter they had lost their daughter +ggie a few months ago, the family had shown signs of "eing distinctly anti# ommittee. Rumor had it they were even threatening to call for an impeachment of Mimi)s father. *Sloane can)t "e with us today,* 4riscilla continued, *"ut she has sent in their yearly donation. It)s not as "ig as it has "een in the past, "ut it is still su"stantial##unlike some other families I won)t mention.* Donations to the Four %undred !all "enefited the 'ew (ork !lood !ank ommittee, &he ommittee)s pu"lic name, which was organi6ed ostensi"ly to raise money for "lood research. &he money it "rought in was also used in part to fight +IDS and hemophilia. -very family was e,pected to make a magnanimous donation to its coffers. &he com"ined offerings fueled &he ommittee)s multimillion#dollar "udget for the entire year. Some, like the Forces, gave a"ove and "eyond the call of duty, while others, like the 3an +lens, a pitiful "ranch of a once#powerful clan, had struggled for years to come up with the re5uisite amount for their tithe. 'ow that ordelia was gone, Mimi wasn)t even sure if Schuyler knew what was e,pected of her. *&he 5uestion is,* &rinity !urden Force, Mimi)s mother, said in her lilting voice, *is it appropriate for them to sit at the head ta"le as they usually do, knowing what they have said a"out harles7* &rinity posed the 5uestion in a way that let the rest of &he ommittee know that she and harles would rather dine on ashes than dine with the arondolets. *I say shaft them at the "ack ta"le with all the other fringe families8* !o"i+nne 9lewellyn declared with her forceful &e,an "ray. She made a 2oking slash across her neck, if only to display the thirty#carat diamond on her ring finger. !o"i+nne 9lewellyn was the

second and much younger wife of Forsyth 9lewellyn, who currently served as 2unior senator for 'ew (ork. Several ladies seated around 4riscilla Du4ont shuddered ever so slightly at the suggestion, even if they privately agreed with it. !o"i+nne)s crass way of putting it was distinctly not the !lue !lood way of doing things. Mimi noticed her friend !liss 9lewellyn look up at the sound of her stepmother)s grating voice. !liss was one of &he ommittee)s newest mem"ers, and her face had turned as red as her curls when she)d heard !o"i+nne)s guttural laugh "oom across the room. *4erhaps we can reach a compromise,* 4riscilla noted in her gracious manner. *0e will e,plain to Sloane that they shall not sit at the head ta"le this year, seeing as they are still in mourning and we respect their grief. 0e will place the 3an +len girl at their ta"le as well. &hey cannot argue with that, seeing as they were great friends of ordelia)s, and, as her granddaughter, she too has suffered a loss.* Speaking of Schuyler##where was that little wretch7 'ot that it was Mimi)s pro"lem, "ut it annoyed her that Schuyler hadn)t even "othered to show up for today)s ommittee meeting. She)d heard someone say that Schuyler and her human sidekick, /liver, had gone to 3enice, of all places. 3enice7 0hat the hell were they doing in 3enice7 Mimi wrinkled her nose. If one had to a"scond to Italy, wasn)t the shopping in Rome and Milan "etter7 3enice was 2ust wet and stinky, in Mimi)s opinion. +nd how were they a"le to get permission from the school to do so7 Duschene did not look kindly upon self#scheduled school vacations even the Forces had "een reprimanded when they had taken the twins out of school last Fe"ruary for a ski vacation. &he school had already allocated an official *ski week* in March on the calendar that all families were sup# posed to follow. !ut tell that to the Forces, who maintained that the powder on +spen Mountain in March was deeply inferior to Fe"ruary)s snowfall. Mimi threw a silk rose across the ta"le at her "rother, Jack, who was involved in a lively discussion with his su"committee over security issues, "lueprints of the St. Regis "allroom spread out in front of them. &he rose fell into his lap, and he looked up, startled. Mimi grinned. Jack colored a "it, "ut returned her smile with a da66ling one of his own. &he sun shone through the stained# glass windows, framing his handsome face with a golden glow.

Mimi thought she would never get tired of looking at him$ it was almost as gratifying as looking at her own reflection. She was glad that after the truth of Schuyler)s heritage##a half "lood8 4ractically +"omination8##had "een revealed, things "etween the two of them had gone "ack to normal. 0hat passed for normal around the Force twins, anyway. %ey handsome, Mimi sent. 0hat)s up7 Jack replied, without speaking. Just thinking of you. Jack)s smile deepened, and he threw the rose "ack at his sister so that it landed in her lap. Mimi tucked it "ehind her ear and fluttered her eyelashes appreciatively. She checked over the RS34 cards once again. Since the "all was a community affair, it would "e a party dominated "y the -lders and the 0ardens##an older crowd. Mimi pressed her lips tightly together. Sure, it would "e a fun party##the most glamorous event ever##"ut suddenly she had an idea. 0hat a"out an after#party7 For !lue !lood teens only7 0here they could really let loose without worrying a"out what their parents, 0ardens, and ommittee leaders thought7 Something more edgy and adventurous...something only the cr7me de la cr7me could attend. + cold, glittering smile played on her lips as she imagined all her silly little peers at Duchesne "egging for an invitation to the party. +ll in vain, Mimi thought. !ecause there would "e no invitations. /nly a te,t#message sent to the right people on the night of the Four %undred !all would reveal the location of the after# party. &he +lterna#vampire !all. Mimi glanced over at Jack, who was holding a sheet of paper in front of his face, covering his handsome visage. +nd she suddenly remem"ered a scene from a past life of theirs$ the two of them, "owing to the ourt at 3ersailles, their faces concealed "ehind ornately "eaded and feathered masks. /f course8

+ mas5uerade "all. &he after#party would re5uire ela"orate masks. 'o one would "e sure who was who, who had "een invited and who had not##creating the most e,5uisite social an,iety. She liked this idea very much. +ny time she could e,clude other people from having fun, Mimi was always ready.
CHAPTER @

It)s not like she hasn)t had this dream "efore. /f "eing cold and wet, and of not "eing a"le to "reathe. +ll the other dreams had "een like this, e,cept this one felt real. She was free6ing, shivering, and as she opened her eyes to the murky darkness, she sensed another presence in the shadow. + hand, grasping her arm, lifting her up, up, up toward the light, and "reaking the surface. Splash8 !liss took a ragged, coughing "reath, and looked around wildly. It was no dream. &his was real. She was su"merged in the middle of a lake. *%old still, you)re too weak. I)ll swim us to shore.* &he low voice in her ear was soothing and calm. She tried to turn around to look at his face, "ut the voice interrupted. *Don)t move, don)t look "ack, 2ust concentrate on the shore.* She nodded, rivulets of water dripping from her hair into her eyes. She was still coughing, and felt an enormous need to retch. %er arms and legs were weak, although there was no current. &he lake was placid and still. It was hardly even a lake. 0hen !liss)s eyes ad2usted to the dark, she saw that she was in entral 4ark, in the middle of the man#made lake where, last summer, "efore she)d enrolled at Duchesne, her parents had taken her and her sister to the "oathouse restaurant for dinner. &he "oats were nowhere to "e found this time. It was almost the end of 'ovem"er, and the lake was deserted. &here was frost on the ground, and for the first time that evening, !liss felt a cold seeping into her veins. She started to shake. *It)ll pass. (our "lood will heat up, don)t worry. 3ampires don)t get frost"ite.* &hat voice again.

!liss 9lewellyn was from &e,as. &hat was the first thing !liss said to new ac5uaintances. *I)m from &e,as,* as if identifying her home state went a long way to e,plaining everything a"out herself$ the accent, the "ig curly hair, the five#carat diamond rocks on each ear. It was also a way for !liss to hold on to her "eloved hometown, and a life that seemed more and more remote from her current reality as 2ust another pretty girl in 'ew (ork. In &e,as, !liss had stood out. She was five foot ten :with the hair height, she was easily si, feet tall;, fierce, and fearless## the only cheerleader who could e,ecute a tum"ling leap off the top of a fifty#person pyramid and safely land feet first on the soft grass of the foot"all field. !efore she discovered she was a vampire and capa"le of such physical de,terity, !liss had chalked up her coordination to luck and practice. She had lived with her family in a sprawling, gated man# sion in an e,clusive %ouston su"ur", and had driven to school in her grandfather)s vintage adillac converti"le##the one with real "uffalo horns on the hood. !ut her father had grown up in Manhattan, and after a fruitful run as %ouston)s leading politician, had a"ruptly uprooted the family when he ran and won##'ew (ork)s empty senate seat. +d2usting to the fren6y of the !ig +pple after life in %ouston was difficult for !liss. She felt uneasy in all the glamorous nightclu"s and e,clusive parties Mimi Force, her self# appointed new "est friend, dragged her to. <ive !liss a 2ug of !oone)s, a few girlfriends, and a D3D of &he 'ote"ook, and she was happy. She didn)t like hanging out at clu"s, feeling like a wallflower while watching Mimi have all the fun. !ut her life had suddenly picked up when she)d met Dylan 0ard, the sad#faced, "lack#eyed "oy with the se,y smolder who had walked, cigarette#first, into !liss)s life in a "ack alley on the 9ower -ast Side 2ust a few months ago. Dylan had "een a misfit at Duchesne, too##a sullen, alienated re"el with a "unch of loser friends, including /liver %a6ard#4erry and Schuyler 3an +len, the two most unpopular kids in their year. Dylan had "een more than a friend= he was an ally, not to mention a possi"le "oyfriend. She "lushed to remem"er his deep, penetrating kisses##oh, if only they had not "een interrupted the night of the party. If only... If only Dylan were still alive. !ut he had "een taken "y a Silver !lood, turned into one of them and then killed when he had come "ack to visit her##to warn her....!liss "linked "ack tears, remem"ering how she had found his 2acket crumpled on her "athroom floor and covered in "lood. !liss had thought that that was the last time she would ever see Dylan again, and yet...this "oy who had rescued her...his low voice in her ear##it had "een so familiar. She didn)t dare to hope= she didn)t want to "elieve in something that couldn)t "e true, that couldn)t possi"ly "e real. She had clung to him as he pulled her steadily to the shore.

&his wasn)t the first time !liss had woken up in an une,# pected place, only to find herself inches from danger. Just last week she had opened her eyes to find herself perched on the topmost ledge of the loisters Museum, high up in Fort &ryon 4ark. %er left foot had "een dangling off the edge, and she had caught herself 2ust in time to pull "ack and save herself from a dangerous fall. !liss reali6ed she pro"a"ly would have survived the fall anyway, with only a few scratches, and wondered idly that if she did want to commit suicide, what options would "e availa"le to an immortal anyway7 +nd then today she had found herself in the middle of the lake. &he "lackouts##the nightmares of someone stalking her, and of "eing here "ut not here##were getting worse. &hey had "egun the year "efore$ e,cruciating, head#pounding migraines accompanied "y terrifying visions of crimson eyes with silver pupils, and sharp, glittering teeth...and of running down endless corridors while the "east chased her, its foul "reath sickening in its intensity...catching up to her, "ringing her down to the ground, where it would devour her soul. Stop it, she told herself. 0hy think of that now7 &he nightmare vision was gone. &he "east##whatever it was resided in her imagination only. 0asn)t that what her father had said7 &hat the nightmares were simply part of the transformation7 !liss was fifteen, the age at which the vampire memories resurfaced, the age in which the !lue !loods "egan to reali6e their true identities as immortal "eings. !liss tried to recall everything that had happened earlier that day, if there was any clue as to how she could come to find herself half drowned in the entral 4ark lake. She had gone to school as usual, and afterward had attended another tedious ommittee meeting. &he ommittee was supposed to teach her and all the new inductees how to control and use their vampire senses, "ut for the last two months the organi6ation had "een more invested in planning a fancy party than anything else. %er stepmother, !o"i+nne, had attended the meeting, em"arrassing !liss with her screechy voice and her tacky outfit, a head#to#toe# logo)d 3uitton tracksuit. !liss hadn)t reali6ed they made casual wear out of the same "rown canvas as the luggage. She thought her stepmother looked like one "ig gold#and#"rown train case. +fterward, "ecause her father was home for a change, the family had dined at the new 9e ir5ue that had recently relocated to sumptuous 5uarters at /ne !eacon ourt. &he famed 'ew (ork dining hall catered to the powerful and wealthy, and Senator 9lewellyn had spent the evening shaking hands with the other well# heeled patrons##the mayor, the "roadcaster, the actress, the other senator from 'ew (ork. !liss had ordered her foie gras rare, and had en2oyed slathering goose"erry 2am on the thick, rich, creamy goose liver on her plate.

0hen dinner was over, they had attended an opera, in the family)s private "o,. + new Met production of /rfeo ed -uridice. !liss had always loved the tragic story of how /rpheus descended into %ell to rescue -urydice, only to lose her at the very end. !ut the stentorian rum"ling and mournful singing had rocked !liss to sleep, leading her to dream of the watery a"yss of %ades. &hat was where her memory ended. 0as her family still in the theater7 %er father seated like a stern, grave idol, his hands placed under his chin, watching the show intently while her stepmother grimaced and yawned, and her half sister, Jordan, silently mouthed all the words. Jordan was eleven years old and an opera freak##freak "eing the definitive word, in !liss)s estimation. &hey were near the dock now, and the steady hand hoisted her up the ladder ne,t to the pier. !liss slid on the slippery ledge, "ut found she could walk. 0hoever he was, he was right$ her vampire "lood was warming her up, and in a few minutes she wouldn)t even notice that it was forty degrees outside. If she had "een human, she would have "een dead, drowned for certain. She looked down at her damp clothing. She was still wearing the same clothes she had worn to dinner and the opera. +n intricately em"roidered "lack satin &emperley dress ruined now. So much for dry#clean only. /nly one of her five#inch patent leather !alenciaga platforms remained. &he other one was pro"a"ly at the "ottom of the lake. She looked askance at the opera program she was still holding tightly in her hand, and released it, letting it flutter to the ground. *&hank you...* she said, looking "ehind her to finally see the face of her savior. !ut there was nothing "ehind her "ut the calm "lue waters of the man#made lake. &he "oy was gone. 'ew (ork %erald +rchives / &/!-R >, >?@A &%- M(S&-RI/.S DIS+44-+R+' - /F M+<<I- S&+'F/RD /il man)s daughter disappears on night of society "all. 0as she drugged7

&%- '-0 (/RB 4/9I - +R- pu66led over the mysterious dis#appearance of si,teen#year#old Maggie Stanford, who walked out of the home of +dmiral and Mrs. &homas 3ander"ilt three weeks ago during the annual 4atrician !all held in their home at ?AA Fifth +venue and has not "een seen since "y her family or relatives. Maggie Stanford is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. &i"erius Stanford of 'ewport. &he detectives have worked industriously on the strange case "ut have "een una"le to find any clews. &he disappearance of Miss Stanford was reported at the &enth 4recinct police station as having occurred on Friday, +ugust CC. /n that evening, according to her mother, Dorothea Stanford, who is known in society, Maggie was presented at the 4atrician !all and led the 5uadrille. Maggie is of a 5uiet and retiring disposition. She weighs ninety#five pounds, is fragile, pretty, and delicate, and her home relations are of a pleasant character. She has dark red hair, green eyes, and winning ways. %er engagement was announced to +lfred, 9ord !urlington, -arl of Devonshire, on the evening of the "all. Mrs. Stanford told the police she thought her daughter had "een decoyed or a"ducted "y some person of evil influence. &he Stanford family has offered a su"stantial reward for any information leading to her return. &i"erius Stanford founded Stanford /il, the most profita"le organi6ation in the .nited States.
CHAPTER A -ut she )as right here. S&hu%ler )as &ertain. The )o"an she )as &hasing had disappeared through the door o! the ver% sa"e palazzo that S&hu%ler )as no) standing in$ and %et the )o"an )as no)here to 'e !ound. S&hu%ler looked around. She )as inside the lo''% o! a s"all$ lo&al inn. Man% o! the "agni!i&ent !loating pala&es o! an&ient +eni&e had 'een turned into tourist*!riendl% pensiones$ sha''% little hotels$ )here guests didn t "ind the &ru"'ling 'alustrades and peeling paint 'e&ause their gloss% 'ro&hures had pro"ised the" the% )ere e3perien&ing a sli&e o! the 4authenti&4 (tal%. An old )o"an )ith a 'la&k s&ar! around her head looked up &uriousl% !ro" the registration ta'le. 4Posso li aiuto,4 Can ( help %ou, S&hu%ler )as &on!used. There )as no sign o! the 'lond )o"an an%)here in the roo". Ho) &ould she have hidden hersel! so qui&kl%, S&hu%ler had 'een right at her heels. The roo" )as e"pt% o! &losets or doors. 4Ci era una donna qui$ si,4 S&hu%ler said. A )o"an 1ust &a"e in here$ %es, She )as grate!ul that the 5u&hesne S&hool "ade their students take not one 'ut t)o !oreign languages$ and that 0liver had urged her to take (talian$ 4so )e &an order 'etter

at Mario -atali s restaurants.4 The old lad% !ro)ned. 4<na donna,4 She shook her head. The &onversation &ontinued in rapid (talian. 4There is no one here 'ut "e. .o one &a"e in 'ut %ou.4 4Are %ou &ertain,4 S&hu%ler de"anded. She )as still questioning the landlad% )hen 0liver arrived. He pulled up to the side o! the 'uilding in a sleek speed'oat. He d !ound that a )ater ta3i )as "ore suita'le to his needs than the "an*po)ered gondola. 45id %ou !ind her,4 he asked. 4She )as 1ust here. ( s)ear. -ut this lad% sa%s no one &a"e in.4 4.o )o"an$4 the old lad% said$ shaking her head. 40nl% the Pro!essore lives here.4 4The Pro!essore,4 S&hu%ler asked$ her ears keen. Her grand!ather had 'een a pro!essor o! linguisti&s$ a&&ording to the Repositor% o! Histor%$ the -lue -lood ar&hive that held all the kno)ledge and se&rets o! their ra&e. 42here is he,4 4He has 'een gone "an% "onths no).4 42hen )ill he return,4 4T)o da%s$ t)o "onths$ t)o %ears**it &ould 'e an%ti"e. To"orro) or never$4 the landlad% sighed. 4.o one kno)s )ith the Pro!essore. -ut ( a" lu&k%$ he al)a%s pa%s his 'ills on ti"e.4 4Can )e**&an )e see his roo",4 S&hu%ler asked. The landlad% shrugged and pointed to the stairs. Her heart 'eating in her &hest$ S&hu%ler as&ended the stair)a%$ 0liver &lose 'ehind. 42ait$4 0liver said as the% rea&hed a s"all )ooden door at the !ront o! the landing. He 1iggled the kno'. 4(t s lo&ked.4 He tried again. 4.o di&e.4

45a"n$4 S&hu%ler said. 4Are %ou sure,4 She rea&hed around hi" to tr%. She turned the kno' and it &li&ked open. 4Ho) do %ou do that,4 0liver "arveled. 4( didn t do an%thing.4 4(t )as totall% lo&ked$4 he said. S&hu%ler shrugged and pushed on the door gentl%. (t led to a neat$ spare roo" )ith a single 'ed$ a )orn )ooden desk$ and shelves o! 'ooks sta&ked up to the &eiling. S&hu%ler pulled a 'ook !ro" the lo)er shelves. 45eath and 6i!e in the Pl%"outh Colonies '% 6a)ren&e 2inslo) +an Alen.4 She opened to the !irst page. (t )as ins&ri'ed in elegant hand)riting# 4To "% dear Cordelia.4 4This is it$4 S&hu%ler )hispered. 4He s here.4 She peered at several "ore 'ooks on the shelves and !ound that "an% o! the" 'ore spines that de&lared 6. 2. +an Alen as their author. 4.ot right no)$ he is not$4 the landlad% said !ro" the door)a%$ "aking S&hu%ler and 0liver 1u"p. 4-ut the -iennale ends toda%$ and the Pro!essore has not "issed one %et.4 The -iennale$ the 'iannual art e3hi'it in +eni&e$ )as one o! the "ost de!initive$ in!luential$ and e3haustive presen* tations o! art and ar&hite&ture in the )orld. 7or several "onths ever% other %ear$ the entire &it% )as taken over '% an international &olle&tion o! artists$ art dealers$ tourists$ and students eager to partake o! the histori& art !estival. (t )as an event S&hu%ler and 0liver had "issed during the )eekend$ due to their !ruitless sear&h !or her grand!ather. 4(! it s &losing toda%$4 S&hu%ler said$ 4)e ve got to hurr%.4 The landlad% nodded and le!t the roo". S&hu%ler )ondered again a'out the )o"an )ho had looked so eeril% like her "other. Had her "other led her to her grand!ather, 2as she helping S&hu%ler in so"e )a%, 2as it 1ust her spirit that S&hu%ler had seen,

The% hurried do)n the stairs and !ound the landlad% shu!!ling papers at the re&eption desk. 4Thank %ou !or all %our help$4 S&hu%ler said$ 'o)ing to the old )o"an. 4Eh, E3&use "e. Posso li aiuto,4 the old )o"an snapped. 4The Pro!essore$ the -iennale$ )e are going to tr% and !ind hi" no).4 4Pro!essore, .o$ no. .o Pro!essore...4 The old )o"an "ade the sign o! the &ross and 'egan shaking her head. S&hu%ler !ro)ned. 4.o Pro!essore, 2hat do %ou think she "eans '% that,4 she asked 0liver. 4He leave...t)o %ear ago$4 the landlad% said in halting English. 4He no live here no "ore.4 4-ut %ou 1ust said...4 S&hu%ler argued. 42e )ere 1ust talking$ upstairs. 2e sa) his roo".4 4( never see %ou in "% li!e$ his roo" is lo&k$4 the landlad% said$ looking sho&ked and sti&king deter"inedl% to her stilted English even though it )as o'vious S&hu%ler )as !luent in (talian. 4Erava"o giusti qui$4 S&hu%ler argued. -ut )e )ere 1ust here. The landlad% 'ale!ull% shook her head and "uttered to hersel!. 4There s so"ething di!!erent a'out her$4 S&hu%ler )his* pered to 0liver as the% )alked out o! the inn. 4/eah$ she s even "ore &rank% no)$4 0liver &ra&ked. S&hu%ler turned 'a&k to look at the &ross old )o"an again$ and noti&ed that she had a "ole underneath her &hin !ro" )hi&h a !e) stra% hairs had sprouted. And %et the old )o"an )ho had spoken to the" earlier had not 'een a!!li&ted )ith su&h a "ole$ S&hu%ler )as sure o! it.

CHAPTER B

Mimi looked at her vi"rating cell phone as she e,ited her +4 French class. +m I on the list7 +nother te,t message. It was the seventh one today. ould everyone please calm down7 Somehow, in less than twenty#four hours, the news that the fa"ulous Mimi Force was planning an after#party to the Four %undred !all had gone out to the entire 'ew (ork ity teen vampire elite. /f course, Mimi herself had told 4iper randall, the "iggest gossip in the school, and 4iper had made sure everyone knew e,actly what was going down. &here was a secret location. &he Force twins were hosting. !ut no one would know if they were invited until the night of the event. Sheer social torture8 Just say ( or '888 She deleted the te,t without replying. Mimi walked down the "ack staircase at Duchesne that led to the cafeteria in the "asement. +s she passed "y, several !lue !lood teens tried to capture her attention. *Mims...heard a"out the after#party...<reat idea, do you need any help7 My dad can get Banye to DJ,* offered !lair McMillan, whose father headed the largest record la"el in the world. *%ey, Mimi, I)m invited, right7 an I "ring my "oyfriend7 %e)s an R!...Is that cool7* Soos Bem"le wheedled. *%ey, sweetie, 2ust making sure you got my RS34...* 9ucy For"es called out, "lowing Mimi an e,aggerated air kiss. Mimi smiled graciously at all of them and put a finger to her lips. *I can)t say anything a"out anything. !ut you)ll all find out soon enough.* Downstairs in the cafeteria, underneath the gold "aro5ue mirror that hung across from the fireplace, !liss 9lewellyn picked listlessly at her sushi roll, as if it were a particularly distasteful specimen. Mimi was supposed to meet her for lunch, and she was late as usual. !liss was glad of the reprieve, since it gave her a chance to lose herself in the events of the night "efore.

Dylan. It had to "e him. &he stranger in the park who had saved her from drowning. !liss had to "elieve he had survived the Silver !lood attack. 4erhaps he was now in hiding, and may"e he would "e in danger if he revealed his identity. 9ike a superhero, she thought dreamily. 0ho else would have sensed her distress7
CHAPTER C The +eni&e -iennale )as lo&ated in several overlapping pavilions$ so that visitors )andered through a long series o! darkened roo"s$ sear&hing as video installations &ra&kled to li!e in une3pe&ted &orners. 7a&es pro1e&ted on vin%l 'alls e3panded and &ontra&ted$ shrieking and giggling. 7lo)ers 'losso"ed and )ithered on the s&reens. A rush o! Tok%o tra!!i& sped '%$ &laustropho'i& and threatening. 2hen S&hu%ler and 0liver had !irst arrived in +eni&e$ S&hu%ler had 'een !ired up )ith a )ild$ al"ost !everish$ energ%. She )as relentless in her sear&h$ dogged and deter* "ined. -ut her enthusias" had !lagged )hen it 'e&a"e &lear that !inding her grand!ather in +eni&e )ould not 'e as eas% as she had assu"ed. She had &o"e )ith nothing 'ut a na"e** she didn t even kno) )hat he )ould look like. 0ld, /oung, Her grand"other had told her 6a)ren&e )as an e3ile$ an out&ast !ro" the -lue -lood &o""unit%. 2hat i! all those %ears o! isolation had led to "adness and insanit%, 0r )orse$ )hat i! he )as no longer alive, 2hat i! he had 'een taken '% a Silver -lood, -ut no)$ a!ter seeing the Pro!essore s roo"$ she )as !illed )ith the sa"e !ier&e hope as )hen she had !irst arrived. He is here. He is alive. ( &an !eel it. S&hu%ler dri!ted !ro" one roo" to the ne3t$ s&anning the dark pla&es !or a sign$ a &lue that )ould lead her to her grand!ather. She thought "ost o! the art )as intriguing$ i! so"e)hat over)rought$ )ith 1ust a hint o! pretension. 2hat did it "ean that a )o"an kept )atering the sa"e plant over and over again, 5id it even "atter, As she looked at the video$ she realized she )as the sa"e as the )o"an$ trapped in a Sis%phean task. 0liver had alread% skipped ahead several installations. He took the sa"e a"ount o! ti"e to stud% ea&h pie&e appro3i"atel% ten se&onds. 0liver &lai"ed that that )as all he needed to understand art. The% )ere supposed to &all ea&h other i! the% !ound an%thing$ although 0liver had pointed out that neither o! the" kne) )hat 6a)ren&e +an Alen a&tuall% looked like. 0liver )as not as &onvin&ed as S&hu%ler that a visit to the -iennale )ould 'e !ruit!ul$ 'ut he had held his tongue.

She stopped at the entran&e to a roo" 'athed in a &ri"son haze. A single light &ut through the entire spa&e$ pro1e&ting a glo)ing orange equator through the e3panse o! MARCH 1B$ 1DE1 E.;A;EME.T -R0=E. 6ord -urlington and Maggie Stan!ord 2ill .ot Marr%. Maggie Stan!ord Still Missing. THE E.;A;EME.T 07 MA;;(E Stan!ord$ the daughter o! Mr. and Mrs. Ti'erius and 5orothea Stan!ord o! .e)port$ and Al!red$ 6ord -urlington o! 6ondon and 5evonshire$ has 'een 'roken. The )edding )as to have taken pla&e to*da%. Maggie Stan!ord "%steriousl% disappeared on the night o! the Patri&ian -all**si3 "onths prior. Superintendent Ca"p'ell has &ontinued to investigate. The Stan!ord !a"il% suspe&ts !oul pla%$ although no ranso" note or sign o! kidnapping has %et 'een dis&overed. A su'stantial re)ard has 'een o!!ered !or an% in!or"ation &on&erning Maggie Stan!ord s )herea'outs. CHAPTER E

It was a 2ewel "o, of a room, high up on the highest floor of one of the tallest skyscrapers in midtown Manhattan, a "uilding made of glass and chrome, and as Mimi looked out over the magnificent 'ew (ork skyline, she caught her reflection in the plate glass window and smiled. She was wearing a dress. !ut not 2ust any dress. &his was a couture confection of thousands of chiffon rosettes hand#stitched together to create an ethereal, cloudlike elegance. &he strapless "odice hugged her tiny twenty#two#inch waist, and her lustrous gold locks spilled over her creamy shoulders and toned lower "ack. It was a si,# figure dress, a one#of#a#kind showstopper that only John <alliano could create. +nd it was hers, at least for one night. She was in the cele"rity dressing department at hristian Dior. +n e,clusive showroom that was "y invitation only. +ll around the racks that surrounded Mimi were dresses flown straight from the 4aris runways##samples that only models and model#thin socialites could ever dream of wearing. %ere was the Dior that 'icole Bidman wore to the /scars, there was the gown harli6e &heron wore to the <olden <lo"es.

*Stunning,* the Dior pu"licist pronounced with a 5uick nod of her head. *+"solutely, this is the one.* Mimi took a flute of champagne from the silver tray proffered "y a white#gloved servant. *4erhaps,* she acknowledged, knowing that with the dress)s fifty foot7long train, she would cause a commotion when she entered the party. &hen !liss appeared in the doorway. Mimi had invited her friend to 2oin her, thinking it would "e fun to have an audience watch her try on dresses. Mimi liked nothing more than to have a fawning friend envy her good looks and social privileges. She hadn)t e,pected the pu"licist at hristian Dior to fall over herself and encourage !liss to "orrow a dress as well. !ut ever since !liss had "een signed "y the Farnsworth Modeling +gency, and her face and figure had "een em"la6oned all over town in the *Stitched for ivili6ation* 2eans advertising campaign that she had starred in with Schuyler 3an +len, the little &e,as rose had "ecome a "ona fide 'ew (ork cele"rity##a fact Mimi had yet to forgive. !liss had even "een chosen as 3ogue)s *<irl of the Moment,* and there were 0e" sites devoted to her every move. Mimi had to face the awful truth$ her friend was famous. *(ou guys##what do you think of this7* !liss asked. Mimi and the pu"licist turned. Mimi)s smile faded. &he pu"licist ran over to !liss 9welleyn)s side. *<orgeous8* she declared. *I only wish John were here to see you in it.* !liss was wearing a plush velvet dress of the darkest green almost "lack that dramatically offset her cascading reddish#gold curls. %er pale, ivory comple,ion looked almost translucent against the deep rich, dark 2eweled color of the gown. It had a plunging, outrageously low neckline, cut from collar"one to "elly "utton, revealing a generous amount of cleavage "ut stopping short of anything o"scene. &he "odice was em"roidered with a thousand Swarovski crystals that twinkled against the fa"ric like stars in the night sky. It was a fantastic, entrance#making dress, the kind of dress that propelled unknown actresses into +#list movie stars, a contender against -li6a"eth %urley)s famed 3ersace safety pins. *I like it.* !liss nodded. She towered over Mimi in her 2eweled stilettos, and the two of them looked at themselves in the mirror. +gainst !liss)s severe yet se,y gown, Mimi in her pale# pink rosettes suddenly looked inconse5uential, and Mimi)s smile withered underneath the lights as !liss twirled and danced around the room.

*It only looks heavy,* !liss said, lifting the hem. *!ut it)s so light.* *It)s made from 3enetian silk##some of the "est in the world,* the Dior rep e,plained. *&en !elgian nuns went "lind making it,* she 2oked. *So girls, I suppose we)re all set7* Mimi shook her head. &here was no way in hell she would allow !liss to steal the spotlight##her night##away from her. She had her heart set on "eing the single most "eautiful girl in the room, and there was no way she would "e a"le to do that if !liss upstaged her in that insanely opulent gown. 3isiting the cele"rity dressing department had "een her idea, "ut now Mimi had to opt for 4lan !. She wouldn)t "e content with a gown from the runway##she had to have a gown custom# made and designed for herself only, "y the master. !alenciaga. &hey left the showroom and crossed the street to gra" a 5uick lunch at Fred)s, the restaurant on the top floor of !arneys. &he hostess seated them immediately in a comfy, four#person "ooth near the window, where they could "e seen "y the tony crowd. Mimi noted !rannon Frost, the !lue !lood editor in chief of hic, seated across from them with her fourteen#year#old daughter, 0illow, a freshman at Duchesne. !liss)s color was high and her face glowed happily. She was still talking a"out the dress. *(eah, totally, it looked great on you,* Mimi said in a flat voice. %er friend)s smile wavered, and !liss swallowed a gulp of water to camouflage her disappointment. Mimi)s disinterest was a cue that all discussion a"out !liss)s "all gown was now over. !liss 5uickly regrouped. *!ut yours was ah#ma#6ing. 4ink is so your color.* Mimi shrugged. *I don)t know. I think I)m going to look somewhere else. Dior is so outr7, don)t you think7 De trop, as they say. + little over the top. !ut of course, if that)s what you)re looking for, it)s fa"ulous.* She said condescendingly as she paged through the leather#"ound menu. *So where do you think you)ll go7* !liss asked, trying not to feel the sting of Mimi)s little "ar"s. She knew she had looked great in that dress, and that Mimi was 2ust 2ealous##Mimi was always that way. &he last time they went shopping, they had "oth found a gorgeous "a"y#lam" fur coat at Intermi,, a trendy downtown "outi5ue. Mimi had allowed !liss to "uy it, "ut only after she)d

disparaged wearing fur. *!ut you go ahead, dear. I know some people don)t care a"out the suffering of tiny little animals.* In the end, !liss had purchased the coat, "ut she had yet to wear it. Score one for Mimi Force. &he "itch was 2ust green#eyed with envy. I rocked that dress, !liss thought, then immediately felt ashamed to "e thinking of her friend that way. 0as Mimi really 2ealous7 0hat did the "eautiful Mimi Force have to "e 2ealous a"out, ever7 %er life was like, perfect. May"e !liss was reading too much into her reaction. May"e Mimi was right##may"e the dress was too much. May"e she shouldn)t wear it after all. If only someone else had "een with her at the showroom, someone like Schuyler, whom !liss knew would "e a"le to offer an honest opinion. Schuyler didn)t even reali6e how pretty she was= she was always hiding in those "ag#lady layers of hers. *I don)t know where I)m going to find a "all dress,* Mimi said airily. *!ut I)m sure I)ll find something.* She wasn)t a"out to share the ace up her sleeve this time. <od help her if !liss got the same idea to ask the !alenciaga designer to make her a "all dress as well. &he waiter arrived and took their orders, two steak au poivres. Rare. *!loody.* Mimi smiled, showing 2ust a hint of her fangs so that the waiter did a dou"le take. *Raw,* !liss 2oked, handing "ack the menu, although she wasn)t really kidding. *+nyway,* Mimi said, taking a sip of water and looking around the lively restaurant to see if anyone was looking at her. (es. Several women##tourists, "y the looks of their pastel cardigans and eighties#era scrunchies##seated in Si"eria, were whispering and talking a"out her. *&hat)s Mimi Force. (ou know, Force 'ews7 %er dad)s that ga6illionaire7 &here was a story a"out her in last week)s Styles. She)s like, the new 4aris %ilton.* *+s I was saying, it)s not really a"out the dress. It)s a"out a date,* Mimi said. *+ date7* !liss gagged. *I didn)t know we had to find dates for this thing.* Mimi laughed. */f course you need a date, silly. It)s a "all.* *So who are you taking7*

*Jack, of course,* Mimi replied promptly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. *(our "rother7* !liss asked, shocked. *.m, like, ew7* *It)s a family thing,* Mimi huffed. *&wins always go as each other)s dates. +nd "esides, it)s not like...* *It)s not like7* !liss prodded. Mimi had "een meaning to say, It)s not like he)s really my "rother, "ut this was neither the time nor place to e,plain their complicated and immortal romantic history and the "ond "etween them. !liss wouldn)t understand. She didn)t have full control of her memories yet and would not "e coming out at the "all until ne,t year. *'othing,* Mimi said, as their entrees were set "efore them. */oh. I think this one is still "reathing.* She smiled as she cut into her steak, releasing a river of red "lood on the immaculate white plate. + date, !liss thought. + date for the Four %undred !all. !liss knew there was only one guy in the world she wanted as an escort. *So what a"out you7 May"e you can take Jaime Bip,* Mimi suggested. *%e)s totally hot and so availa"le.* +ctually, Jaime Bip had a girlfriend, "ut since she was a Red !lood, in Mimi)s mind she didn)t count. *9isten, Mimi, I need to tell you something,* !liss whispered. She hadn)t meant to confide in Mimi, "ut she couldn)t keep her thoughts and hopes to herself any longer. -specially since they were talking a"out "oys. Mimi raised an eye"row *<o on.* *I think Dylan is alive,* !liss said, e,plaining in an almost incoherent rush how she had found herself half drowned in the entral 4ark lake, only to "e rescued "y a "oy a "oy whose face she never saw, "ut whose voice had "een only too familiar. Mimi looked pityingly on her friend. &hrough her father, Mimi had heard what had happened. Dylan had "een attacked and killed "y a Silver !lood. &here had "een no hope for his survival. &hey had never found his "ody, "ut !liss)s testimony to &he ommittee a"out the tragic evening had spelled out his fate loud and clear.

*!liss, darling, I think that)s really sweet how you think this guy, your so#called Dsavior,) was Dylan. !ut there)s no way. (ou know as well as I do that...* *&hat what7* !liss asked defensively. *&hat Dylan)s dead.* &he words hung in the air "etween them. *+nd he)s never coming "ack, !liss. -ver.* Mimi sighed and put down her knife and fork. *So let)s get serious. Do you want me to set you up7 I think Jaime Bip is such a hottie.*
CHAPTER D

0hen Schuyler woke up, she was lying in an enormous king#si6e "ed in the middle of a vast room furnished in what can only "e descri"ed as -arly Medieval Royalty. +n immense and fore"oding tapestry depicting the death of a unicorn decorated the far wall, a gargantuan gold chandelier lit with a hundred dripping candles hung from the ceiling, and the "ed itself was piled with all manner of thick and woolly animal pelts. &he whole place conveyed a "rutal, primitive elegance. She "linked her eyes and her hands went flying up to her neck. !ut there were no "ite marks. She was safe from that, at least. *+h, you are awake.* Schuyler turned to the sound of the voice. + uni# formed maidservant in a "lack dress with a white apron curtsied. *If you please, follow me, Miss 3an +len,* she said. *I am supposed to take you downstairs.* %ow did she know my name7 *0here am I7* Schuyler asked, kicking off the covers and stuffing her feet "ack into her motorcycle "oots that she found on the floor.

*&he Ducal 4alace,* the maid answered, leading Schuyler out of the room and toward a winding stairway lit "y hanging torches. &he 4ala66o Ducale, or the Doge)s 4alace, was the seat of the 3enetian government for centuries and housed its administrative and legislative arms, as well as council rooms and the doge)s private residence. &ourists were welcome to visit the grand halls and galleries. Schuyler herself had already seen the palace on the officially sanctioned tour. She reali6ed she was in one of the private residences, the roped#off section of the palace that was not open to the pu"lic. &he maid motioned for her to follow, and Schuyler walked down the stairway to a long hall. +t the end of it was an immense oak portal, carved with assorted hieroglyphics and pagan sym"ols. *(ou will find him here,* the maid said as she opened the door. Schuyler walked inside and found a roomy li"rary of "aronial splendor. Red velvet curtains were draped over the dou"le#height windows. 0alnut shelves were lined with leather# "ound "ooks. +nimal rugs and trophies a"ounded. + stooped, gray#haired gentleman in %arris tweeds sat in a massive leather chair in front of a roaring fire. * ome forward,* he ordered. 'e,t to him was the handsome young Italian "oy from the !iennale. %e nodded at Schuyler and motioned to the chair in front of them. *(ou put a spell on me,* Schuyler accused. &he "oy acknowledged this was so. *It was the only way to make sure of your identity and your true intentions. Do not worry, you were not harmed.* *+nd7 So are you satisfied7* *(es,* the "oy said gravely. *(ou are Schuyler 3an +len. (ou are staying at the %otel Danieli with /liver %a6ard#4erry Senior and his son, /liver. (ou are on a 5uest of some kind. +llow me to "ring you some e,cellent news. (our 5uest is over.*

*%ow so7* Schuyler asked warily. *&his is the 4rofessore,* the "oy said. *(ou have "een looking for me, I hear,* the 4rofessor said 2ovially. *I am not so popular these days with +merican students. + long time ago, I had many little pilgrims come to see me lecture. !ut not anymore. &ell me, why have you come7* * ordelia 3an +len sent me,* Schuyler said. +t the mention of her name, the 4rofessor and the "oy e,changed a meaningful glance. &he warmth of the hearth "rought heat to Schuyler)s cheeks, "ut it wasn)t 2ust the "la6e that "rought a red "lush to her pale skin. Saying ordelia)s name so "oldly made her feel vulnera"le. 0ho were these strange men7 0hy had they taken her here7 %ad she "een right in invoking ordelia)s call for help7 *&ell me more,* the 4rofessor encouraged, leaning forward and assessing Schuyler keenly. * ordelia was my grandmother...* Schuyler said. -ven if these were enemies, there was no "acking out of it now. She scanned the room for e,it points$ she noticed a hidden door "uilt into one of the li"rary walls. May"e she could escape through there, or else she could stun "oth the old man and the "oy with a spell of her own and fly out through the window. *0as7* the "oy asked. *She has e,pired in this cycle. She was attacked,* Schuyler inhaled sharply. *!y a Silver !lood. roatan.* *%ow can you "e sure7* the "oy demanded. *&he Silver !loods have not "een heard of since the seventeenth century. &heir e,istence has "een legislated out of !lue !lood history.* *She told me herself.* *!ut she was not taken7* the "oy asked in a hoarse voice.

*'o. &hankfully. &he attack did not drain her of all her "lood and memory. She will live to return in the ne,t cycle.* &he "oy leaned "ack in his chair. Schuyler noticed he was fiddling with the car keys in his left hand, and his right knee was moving up and down in impatience to hear the rest of her story. * ontinue,* the 4rofessor urged. * ordelia said that the key to defeating the Silver !loods lay in finding her hus"and, 9awrence 3an +len, who has "een in hiding. She thought if she sent me##if she sent me to 3enice I might find him. %ave I7* &he old man)s eyes twinkled. *4erhaps you have.* *<randfather, I come to you for help. ordelia said it was imperative that...* &here was a throat#clearing noise from the "oy. Schuyler turned to him. *I am 9awrence 3an +len,* the "oy said, leaning forward. &he "oy)s features shifted not so much melted, "ut phased out## changed, so that he appeared to "e an older gentleman. !ut this was not the stoop#shouldered, white#haired grandfather of Schuyler)s imagination. &his was a tall, thin man with the same leonine hair as the "oy)s, e,cept it was flecked with silver, and still there was the aristocratic, hawkish nose and the arrogant chin. It was as if the room shrank in his presence. %e was a commanding figure, and the sharpness of his ga6e was intimidating. %ere was a man who would "e a worthy rival to harles Force, Schuyler thought. *(ou are a shapeshifter,* Schuyler said admiringly. *Is this your real form7* *+s much as any form can "e real,* 9awrence replied. *+nderson, you may e,cuse us.* &he elderly gentleman winked at Schuyler and e,ited the room, closing the creaky wooden door with a hush. Schuyler settled in her chair, noticing the faded +u"usson rugs on the hard stone floor. &hey were similar to the ones in ordelia)s li"rary on >A>st Street. *(our onduit7*

9awrence nodded. %e stood up and walked over to the recessed "ar across from the fireplace, opened a lower ca"inet, and removed a "ottle of port wine. %e poured two glasses of the scarlet li5uid and handed Schuyler a glass. *I had a feeling,* she said, accepting the drink. She sipped it slowly. It was sweet without "eing cloying, full#"odied and delicious. +lcohol had no effect on vampires, "ut most of them still en2oyed the taste. *I thought you might. (ou almost turned to address me, "ut caught yourself. %ow did you know7* *&he lord of the manor typically seats on the left, where you were, while he was seated on your right,* Schuyler said. It was a law of medieval eti5uette she had learned from ordelia)s endless lessons on !lue !lood history. &he king was always seated on the left, while his 5ueen, or any lesser personage was seated on the right. *+h, very o"servant. I forgot. I am getting old.* *I)m sorry ordelia couldn)t "e here,* Schuyler said softly. 9awrence sighed. *It is all right. 0e have "een separated now for more than a century. /ne gets used to solitude. 4erhaps one day it will "e safe for us to "e together again.* %e leaned "ack on his chair and removed a cigar from his front pocket. *So, you are +llegra)s daughter.* %e said, "reaking off the corner of the cigar with a silver cigar cutter. *I have "een watching you. I knew you were looking for me the minute you arrived in 3enice. I sensed something in the air##I thought it was your mother "ut it was a different energy. (ou saw me.* *(ou were the woman on the street that I saw today. (ou had taken +llegra)s form,* Schuyler reali6ed aloud. It all made sense now. 9awrence nodded. *I do sometimes. If only "ecause I have missed her for a very long time.* %e took a 5uick puff from the cigar and e,haled. *I was wary of coming out to you until I was certain of your identity. I have many enemies, Schuyler. &hey have "een hunting me for centuries. (ou could have "een one of them.* Schuyler sat up suddenly, almost spilling her drink. *&he lady at the pensione7 &hat was you as well. +t least at first.*

9awrence chuckled. *(es. /f course.* *So that was why she said she had never seen us "efore when we came down the stairs. She was telling the truth.* Schuyler set her empty glass on the small side ta"le across from her chair, taking care to place it on one of the gold#plated coasters. *Marie is an honest landlady, I)ll give her that.* 9awrence smiled. *0hy did you show us your room7* *I didn)t mean to, "ut you were chasing me and I had to seek shelter in one of my secret hiding places around the city. I have many addresses, you know. /ne needs them if one is going to hide successfully. Marie was telling you the truth= the room was locked. !ut it opened for you. I took that as a good sign. I thought I would give you a clue see if you would "e a"le to find me in the !iennale. (ou did well. (ou were drawn to the /lafur -liasson as was I.* *!ut why did you run away from me again7 I was chasing you.* *+nd you almost got me. My <od, the speed of you##you are un"elieva"ly strong. It took all of my energy 2ust to stay ahead of you. I was still unsure of your intentions or your identity. (ou surprised me "y finding me in front of the olonial "uilding. I)m sorry I had to use that sleep spell on you.* *0hy do you choose to trust me now7* Schuyler asked. *!ecause only +llegra)s daughter would know the correct +dvoco +diuvo, the invocation you used. ordelia and I had agreed that if we ever went looking for each other, our emissaries would use those words from the Sacred 9anguage. 0ithout the +dvoco, you would never have found me in a thousand years, regardless of your powers. !ut I had to put you to sleep to stall for time while I made sure you had not "een corrupted. I had to take you somewhere safe, where we would not "e o"served.* Schuyler nodded. She had guessed as much. *So now you have found me, what do you want7* 9awrence asked, looking at Schuyler through a ha6e of smoke.

*I want to know a"out the Silver !loods. I want to know everything.*

CHAPTER F The ne3t da% )as the 'eginning o! !inals )eek at 5u&hesne. <nlike at other s&hools$ students at the e3&lusive institution a&tivel% looked !or)ard to e3a"inations sin&e it "eant a !le3i'le s&hedule and "arked the advent o! the &o"ing s&hool holida%s. -liss &onsulted her &hart as she hurried through the s&hool s dou'le*height$ gold*'rass and glass doors. That da% she had English and AP A"eri&an Histor%. The ne3t da%$ ;er"an and -iolog%. She had a So&ial :usti&e test on 2ednesda%$ no e3a"s on Thursda%$ and onl% a 7ren&h re&itation on 7rida%. As she ran up the grand stair&ase to the third !loor$ she noti&ed that all around her$ girls )ere dressed do)n in %oga pants$ T* shirts$ and )orn <gg 'oots$ )hile the 'o%s )ore !aded s)eatshirts$ hole% 1eans$ and sneakers. 2hat )as going on, She hersel! )as )earing her usual attire# pressed stovepipe 1eans tu&ked into knee*high 'u&kled pirate 'oots$ and a Stella M&Cartne% s)eater over a ru!!led 5erek 6a" 'louse. 2h% did ever%one else look as i! the% had stu"'led out o! 'ed and had gotten dressed in the dark, 4He%$ -liss>4 Mi"i %elled as she sped out o! the se&ond*!loor li'rar%. -liss )as surprised to !ind Mi"i in an out!it she )ould never 'e &aught dead in other)ise. Mi"i had pulled 'a&k her long 'lond hair into a garish red*and*'lue 'andanna and )as )earing hardl% an% "akeup 8in !a&t$ -liss noted a s"all pi"ple on Mi"i s &hin9. An oversize 5u&hesne la&rosse T*shirt 'orro)ed !ro" her 'rother$ :a&k$ hung on her skinn% !ra"e$ and she &o"pleted the look )ith lo)*slung !lannel pa1a"as and &o"!orta'le shearling slippers. 4He%>4 -liss &alled. 4Can t talk**late !or "% Che" !inal$4 Mi"i e3plained$ hurr%ing do)nstairs$ her slippers !lip*!lopping on the "ar'le. 45id %ou 1ust get here,4 Soos =e"'le asked$ !ollo)ing Mi"i. She )as )earing an oversize 03!ord s)eatshirt and sagg% 1erse% leggings$ her thin 'lond hair a !rizz. This )as the girl )ho arrived in s&hool ever% da% )ith her hair per!e&tl% 'lo)*dried$

)earing designer out!its that &ost in the !ive*!igure range. 4/eah.4 -liss shrugged. 42h%,4 4Ever%one else has 'een here sin&e da)n.4 Soos %a)ned. 4(t s the onl% )a% to get the 'est &u'i&les in the li' during !inals.4 (nteresting$ -liss thought. She )ould never quite understand the unspoken rules at 5u&hesne$ 'ut apparentl% looking like a 4grind4 or a 4nerd4 )as the height o! !ashion during e3a"s. /ou had to appear like %ou )ere slaving a)a% and totall% serious a'out tests. Even the -lue -loods$ )ith their h%perintelligen&e$ still needed to &ra". To"orro)$ -liss pro"ised hersel!$ she )ould arrive at s&hool in her oldest pa1a"as. She hated sti&king out like a sore thu"'. (t )as 1ust another )a% to 'road&ast the !a&t that$ unlike her &lass"ates$ she hadn t 'een a student at 5u&hense sin&e pre* pre* kindergarten. 2ould she al)a%s 'e an ignorant outsider, -liss )ondered i! she should 'e anno%ed that Mi"i hadn t told her a'out the &asual dress &ode$ 'ut then realized Mi"i pro'a'l% had 'etter things to )orr% a'out than advising -liss on )hat to )ear to !inals. 2hen -liss arrived at the Histor% roo"$ al"ost ever%one in &lass )as sitting do)n quietl% and )aiting !or their pro!essor to hand out the tests. -liss took a seat in the 'a&k o! the roo"$ looking around to see i! S&hu%ler or 0liver )ere there. She )anted to tell the" her ne)s o! 5%lan s return. Surel% the% )ould 'elieve her$ even i! Mi"i did not. .o su&h lu&k. Then she re"e"'ered the t)o o! the" had 'een given per"ission to take their e3a"s earl% so the% &ould travel to +eni&e !or t)o )eeks. 6u&k% 'astards. -liss looked do)n at her 'lue &o"position note'ook. The !irst question had &on&erned the Ma%!lo)er 1ourne%$ Pilgri"s$ and the !ounding o! the thirteen &olonies. Sin&e she had lived through it$ all she d had to do )as &lose her e%es and she &ould see their desolate settle"ent. She )as sure to pull top "arks. -liss !elt &on!ident she had a&ed the e3a" as she stood up and handed in her paper. :a&k 7or&e )as in her &lass$ and he gave her a !riendl% s"ile as he turned in his paper a!ter she did. He held the door open !or her so the% &ould )alk out together.

4Ho) are %ou,4 he asked on&e the% )ere in the hall)a% ne3t to the grand stair&ase. 4;reat$4 she said. 4( !eel like a &heat$ ( "ean...%ou kno).4 He nodded. 4( kno) )hat %ou "ean. All )e have to do is &lose our e%es$ right,4 4(t s like )e have an open te3t'ook or so"ething$4 -liss said. 42ell$ it s not as i! )e have to use it$4 :a&k "u"'led. 4E3&use "e,4 -liss asked. 4.othing.4 :a&k shrugged. He had a !ara)a% look in his e%es$ and -liss )ondered )hat )as going on )ith hi". She didn t kno) hi" ver% )ell$ although she hung out )ith hi" o!ten enough sin&e Mi"i al)a%s liked to have hi" around. 4;ood lu&k this )eek$4 :a&k said$ slapping her on the 'a&k in a 'rotherl% !ashion. 4/ou too$4 -liss &alled. She looked at her )at&h. She had several hours 'e!ore her ne3t e3a". Ma%'e she &ould gra' a qui&k 'ite !ro" a &orner deli and then tr% to s&ore one o! those &u'i&les in the li'rar%**i! there )ere an% le!t. As she )alked do)n the stairs$ a girl !ell into step )ith her. -liss raised an e%e'ro) 4/es,4 (t )as Ava -reton$ a !ello) sopho"ore**a Red -lood** and %et ver% popular. Al"ost all o! Ava s !riends )ere -lue -loods$ although she didn t kno) it. -liss noti&ed there )ere telltale "arks on her ne&k$ )hi&h "eant that :ai"e =ip$ her -lue -lood 'o%!riend$ had "ade her a !a"iliar. (nteresting. 4-liss$ &an ( ask %ou so"ething,4 Ava asked$ tu&king a hair 'ehind her ear. Ava )as )earing a thin$ long*sleeved A"eri&an Apparel T*shirt over her 'o%!riend s 'asket'all shorts$ and gra% ther"al under)ear. 4Sure.4

45o %ou kno) an%thing a'out this part% that Mi"i and :a&k 7or&e are thro)ing ne3t )eek,4 -liss shi!ted un&o"!orta'l%. 4(...4 4(t s oka%. ( "ean$ :ai"e is 'eing reall% )eird a'out it. ( kno) he s going to that 'all at the St. Regis )ith his parents seriousl%$ ho) la"e is that, -ut ( thought it )as )eird he didn t even invite "e to the a!ter*part%.4 4( " sorr%.4 -liss said$ !eeling un&o"!orta'le. She hated )hen people )ere le!t out o! the !un. She re"e"'ered )hat her li!e had 'een like 'e!ore Mi"i had taken her under her )ing. She didn t have it in her heart to e3&lude people. (t )as so shallo) and sno''%$ and so Mi"i. (t &ertainl% )asn t -liss. An%)a%$ )hat )as the har", Ma%'e the 7our Hundred -all )as e3&lusivel% !or -lue -loods$ 'ut the a!ter*part% )as !or teenagers. (n -liss s opinion$ the "ore the "errier. (! so"eone )anted to 1oin$ )hat )as the har"$ reall%, 4( 1ust**it s 1ust**( "ean$ ( kno) ever%one else )ill get an invite$4 Ava said$ 'iting her lip. 4And )hat i! ( don t...4 4(t s do)nto)n at the Angel 0rensanz Center at "id* night$4 -liss 'lurted out. 4And it s a "asquerade part%. /ou ll need a "ask$ so"e sort o! disguise$ to get in.4 A rapturous s"ile appeared on Ava s !a&e. 4Thank %ou$ -liss. Thank %ou S0 M<CH.4 5a"n. .o) she d gone and done it. She d invited a Red -lood to the part%. Mi"i )as going to 'e seriousl% pissed. CHAPTER 1G

%opeless. -verything was hopeless now. %er grandfather had turned out to "e useless$ a scared old man with nothing to live for "ut his "ooks, his cigars, and his port wine. 0hat had she e,pected7 + tutor, a guide, a patron...a father. Someone who would take the

"urden off her shoulders for a while. +s she packed her "ags in her hotel room the ne,t morn# ing, Schuyler remem"ered 9awrence)s parting words. *I am sorry, Schuyler. ordelia was wrong in sending you to me.* %e then "egan to pace in front of the fire. *&he truth is, I no longer have any interest in !lue !lood affairs. I have washed my hands of their plight, ever since Roanoke. &hey chose to follow Michael then, as they have always done,* he said, meaning the coven leadership had reinstalled Michael as Regis when the crisis at Roanoke had "een discovered and it looked as if the Silver !loods had returned. *+nd if I)m not mistaken, they still choose to follow him today as harles Force.* 9awrence shook his head. *0hen he turned his "ack on the family and renounced the 3an +len name, I vowed that I would never return to the coven. *+las, you have traveled to 3enice in vain. I am an old man. I would prefer to live out my immortal life in peace. I have nothing to offer you.* *!ut ordelia said...* * ordelia placed too much faith in me, as always. &he key to defeating the Silver !loods lies with harles and +llegra, not with me. /nly the .ncorrupted can save !lue !loods from the Silver !lood +"ominations. *I am sorry I cannot "e of much help. I swore off the !lue !loods forever when I went into e,ile.* *&hen harles Force was right a"out you,* Schuyler said, her voice shaking. *%ow do you mean7* 9awrence asked darkly. *%e said you weren)t half the man ordelia wished you to "e. &hat I would only find sorrow and confusion if I traveled to 3enice.* 9awrence stepped "ack as if he had received a physical "low. %is face registered a myriad of emotions##shame, anger, pride##"ut he remained silent. In the end, he a"ruptly turned his "ack on her and left the room, slamming the door "ehind him. 0ell. &hat was that. Schuyler 6ipped up her carryall, lugged it over her shoulder, and walked out to the elevator, where /liver was

waiting. %e didn)t say hello or good morning. She knew that if she wanted to, she could catch a glimpse of his mind##his thoughts "roadcast as if on satellite radio. !ut she always switched the signal. She didn)t feel it was right to pry. !esides, she didn)t need any of her special powers to figure out he was still annoyed with her for not calling him the night "efore. 9awrence)s chauffeur had "rought her "ack to the hotel late the previous evening, and Schuyler had found several frantic messages from her friend on her cell phone and hotel voice mail. She would have called him "ack, "ut it was so late she hadn)t wanted to wake him. *I thought you were dead,* /liver accused. *If I was, you could have my i4od.* *%a. (ours sucks. It doesn)t even have video.* Schuyler repressed a smile. She knew /liver couldn)t stay mad at her for long. *+nyway, you missed a hilarious -uropean music awards show on &3. David %asselhoff swept all the categories.* *Sucks to "e me.* %e grunted. *Dad)s gone, he took an earlier flight. %ad to get "ack for some shareholders) meeting.* Schuyler glanced sideways at her friend. /liver)s chestnut shag covered his forehead, and his warm ha6el eyes, flecked with green and topa6, were filled with hurt and con# cern. Schuyler restrained herself from touching his neck, which looked so vulnera"le and inviting. 9ately she had "een sensing a new desire in her "lood to feed. &he thirst was a low hum, like music in the "ack of your head that you didn)t even notice, "ut once in a while it would raise its voice, and there was no mistaking it. She found herself drawn to /liver in a new way, and she "lushed when she looked at him. It occurred to Schuyler that her human father had "een her vampire mother)s familiar, and +llegra had taken him as her hus"and against vampire law. For the first time in the history of the !lue !loods, the lines "etween the races had "lurred, and the result had

"een Schuyler. %alf human, half vampire. Dimidium ognatus. Schuyler had "een made aware of her ancestry only a few months ago, "ut now she understood that her "lood was her destiny, formed in an intricate pattern of veins underneath her skin. !lood calling for "lood. /liver)s "lood... She)d never noticed how handsome her "est friend was. %ow soft his skin looked. %ow much she wanted to reach out with her fingers and touch that spot "elow his +dam)s apple, and kiss him there, and then, may"e, to prick the skin with her teeth, to sink in her fangs...and feed.... *0here were you, anyway7* /liver asked, "reaking her train of thought. *It)s a long story,* Schuyler said. &he elevator doors opened and they "oth stepped inside. +s they made their way in a rickety ca" through the co""lestone streets to the tiny regional airport, Schuyler filled /liver in on everything that had happened, and her friend listened attentively. *It)s a goddamn shame,* /liver said. *!ut may"e he)ll change his mind one day.* Schuyler shrugged. She had pleaded her case, she had done as her grandmother had asked, "ut she had still "een spurned. She really didn)t think there was anything she could do a"out it anymore. *May"e, may"e not. 9et)s stop talking a"out it,* she sighed. &heir flight to Rome was delayed, so Schuyler and /liver killed time "y "rowsing the duty#free and souvenir shops. /liver grinned as he showed Schuyler a racy Italian maga6ine. Schuyler gra""ed several maga6ines, a "ottle of water, and gum to ease the air pressure in her ears during takeoff and landing. She was waiting on line for the cashier to ring her up when she noticed a stack of 3enetian masks. &he city was full of sidewalk vendors hawking them, even though arnevale was still a few months away. She had hardly paid any attention to the cheap trifles, "ut one mask in particular in the airport display caught her eye. It was a full#face mask with only holes for eyes, and was made of the finest porcelain, with gold#and#silver "eading. *9ook,* she

said, holding it up to show /liver. *0hat do you want that tacky thing for7* he asked. *I don)t know. I don)t have anything to remind me of 3enice. I)m getting it.* &heir flight to Rome was "umpy, and the flight to 'ew (ork was even worse##so much tur"ulence that Schuyler thought she would go cra6y from her teeth chattering against each other every time the plane "ounced. !ut once she looked out the window and saw the 'ew (ork skyline, she felt a rush of love for the city, tinged with sadness to know that there was no one waiting for her at home e,cept two loyal servants who were now her legal guardians, as per ordelia)s will. +t least there was !eauty, her "loodhound, a true friend and protector. !eauty was another part of the transformation, a part of ordelia)s soul that had transferred to the physical world to protect Schuyler until she was in full control of her powers. She had missed her dog. &hey made their way to the concourse to retrieve their "ags from the carousel, weary from their 2ourney. +fter traveling for almost fifteen hours straight, "oth of them looked peaked, and it was dusk when they arrived in 'ew (ork. &hey walked out to find a light dusting of snow. It was the first week of Decem"er, and winter had finally arrived. /liver found his family)s car and driver idling "y the cur", and led Schuyler toward the "lack Mercedes May"ach. &hey settled inside the co6y leather interior, Schuyler thanking the gods for giving her /liver. %is family fortune :intact; definitely came in handy during times like these. &he two of them were 5uietly a"sor"ed in their own thoughts as they rode "ack to the city. &raffic was light on the freeway for a change, and they made it to Manhattan in half an hour. &he car drove over the <eorge 0ashington !ridge and e,ited on >CEth Street, making its way down Riverside to the 3an +len mansion on the corner of >A>st and Riverside. *0ell, this is me,* Schuyler said. *&hanks again for every# thing, /llie. I wish it had worked out with my grandfather.* *(eah, no worries. D4rotect and serve,) that)s my motto.* /liver leaned over to kiss her on the cheek like he always did, "ut at the last minute Schuyler turned her head so that their noses "umped into each other.

*/ops,* she said. /liver looked em"arrassed, and they em"raced awkwardly instead. 0hat was wrong with her7 %e was her "est friend. 0hy was she acting so lame7 She was a"out to open the car door when he cleared his throat. She turned to him. *Did you say something7* *So, uh, I guess you)re going to that thing tonight, huh7* he asked, scratching his chin. Schuyler "linked. *&hing7* *&hat, uh, Four %undred !all,* /liver said, rolling his eyes and making e,aggerated scare 5uotes with his fingers. *&he "ig "loodsuckers shindig.* */h, right.* She had almost forgotten a"out that. %er presence would "e re5uired as part of &he ommittee. She was too young to "e officially presented at the "all, unlike Mimi and Jack Force. Jack Force##for weeks now she had suppressed her feelings for him, "ut the thought of the Four %undred !all "rought his image to the forefront of her mind. &all, painfully handsome, the sun shining on his golden hair and skin, laughing with his piercing green eyes, showing his even, da66lingly white teeth. Jack had "een the first to suspect there was more to the story of +ggie)s death than anyone on &he ommittee would have liked to "elieve. %e was the one who had "een determined to find out the truth. She had sought him out after she had "een attacked, and after he had comforted her, they had kissed. &he memory of his kiss was still pressed like an imprint on her lips. If she closed her eyes she could still smell him, clean and fresh like newly laundered linen, with a hint of woodsy aftershave. Jack Force... 0ho had turned his "ack on her when she had mistak# enly accused his father of "eing a Silver !lood. She wondered if Jack had a date for the "all, and if he did, who it was. She felt a "right flare of 2ealousy at the thought of another girl in his arms. *Do you want to go with me7* She hadn)t even given any thought to a dress or a date until /liver mentioned it. /liver "lushed and

looked pained. *It)s, um...vampires only. Bind of a rule. 'o human familiars or onduits allowed.* */h, I)m sorry, I didn)t know,* Schuyler said. *May"e I won)t go.* /liver looked out the window, where snow had covered the rooftops and sidewalks with a gla6e of white crystal. *(ou should,* /liver said 5uietly. * ordelia would have wanted you to.* Schuyler knew he was right. She was the remaining 3an +len in 'ew (ork. She would have to represent the family. *+ll right, I)ll go. !ut I)ll leave early and may"e we can meet up later on7* /liver smiled wistfully. *Sure.*
CHAPTER 11

&he Forces had "ooked the four#"edroom presidential suite at the St. Regis. +lmost all the rooms in the hotel were taken over "y !lue !lood families. It was a tradition, since it meant a simple ride in the elevator to the "allroom and guaranteed less crinkling of the ladies) gowns. harles Force fastened his remaining cuff link. %e was a tall, proud man with a handsome head of silver hair. %e was wearing white tie and tails, as well as white gloves. &he tailcoat was "eautifully cut in the traditional fashion, with a two#"utton closure and a velvet stripe down the side of the trousers. %e stood in the living room with his hands clasped "ehind him, waiting for the women in his family to finish dressing. %is son, Jack, was dressed similarly, and looked dashing in his tailcoat. Jack had chosen a pointed collar that lay flat on his dress shirt rather than the traditional "utterfly collar that turned up against the chin. Jack had "een 5uiet all day, and suddenly he swung his legs off the couch and stood up. %e looked his father in the eye. *0hat did

you say to Schuyler "efore she left7* *Still concerned a"out the 3an +len girl7* harles asked. *I would think that after she wrongly accused me of "eing +"omination, you would have lost interest in her.* Jack shrugged. *I)m not concerned, father. Just curious,* he said. During the ruckus that had surrounded Dylan)s disappearance and ordelia)s passing, his father had taken Jack into his confidence, telling him the truth of Schuyler)s ancestry. &hat night, Jack had also discovered the truth a"out his relationship with his sister. Mimi was his other half, for "etter or worse, his "est friend and worst enemy, his twin in more ways than one. !ut although Jack had reconciled himself to the truth of his family, 5uestions remained$ what was &he ommittee hiding7 %ad a Silver !lood truly returned7 %is father acted as if the entire situation were completely resolved, since the killings had a"ruptly stopped several months ago. harles sighed. *I simply told her that her 2ourney to 3enice would "e useless. She has gotten it into her head that her grandfather is somehow going to provide the necessary answers to all of her silly 5uestions. !ut he shall not. I know 9awrence very well= he will stay out of it as he always has. She has em"arked on a fruitless 2ourney.* Jack had guessed as much. %e was aware of his father)s dislike of 9awrence 3an +len, and his newly surfacing memories confirmed it. *+ny more 5uestions for me7* harles asked. Jack looked down at his patent#leather shoes, shined especially for the occasion. %e could see his "rooding reflection on their shiny surface. *'o, Father.* %e shook his head. %ow could he dou"t his father7 harles Force was Michael, 4ure of %eart, the Regis. + vampire "y choice rather than sin, and infalli"le. *<ood,* harles said, "rushing the lint off Jack)s "lack tailcoat and admonishing his son to stand up straight. *&his is the Four %undred !all. (our formal presentation to our people. I)m proud of you.* *&rinity, my dear7 +re you ready7* harles called from the living room.

Jack saw his mother, &rinity !urden Force, walk out of her dressing room and smile affectionately at her hus"and. She was dressed in a deep#red silk charmeuse "all gown with a sweetheart neckline and a plunging "ack. &he two of them would open the "all with their entrance. !ut Jack knew from his father that &rinity had not "een honored in this fashion in the past. In fact, this would "e only the si,teenth year that +llegra 3an +len did not take her place "y her "rother)s side. &he si,teenth year that <a"rielle would not lead the coven. In an ad2oining suite, Mimi Force was draped in a plush &urkish "athro"e, sitting on a gilt#"ack chair while a "evy of stylists and manicurists surrounded her, tending to every inch of her. %er hair was "eing "rushed "ack into a graceful chignon, while another assistant held an industrial#strength hair dryer. &wo of the most well#known makeup artists in the city were working on their final touches$ one was "rushing on lipstick, the other dotting her face with "ron6er. +ll the while, Mimi held a cell phone to her ear while she "lew on her nails, painted a pearly *Socialite.* */h my <od, it)s a madhouse in here, sorry##I can)t hear you that well. 0hat time did you say you guys were getting there7 *0e)re at the hotel. (eah, the penthouse. Sorry, do you mind7 -,cuse me, hello, you there,* she said sharply to the goateed stylist with the hair dryer. *(ou almost singed my ear off,* she said, giving him a dirty look. *Sorry, !liss, I gotta go.* Mimi flipped her cell phone closed, and the activity around her came to a standstill. *+re we done7* she asked. *9ook.* &he stylist handed her a mirror. *4olaroids8* Mimi demanded. /ne of the "lack#shirted assistants took a 5uick snap. Mimi checked her reflection as well as the photograph. She studied herself critically, searching for any detecta"le flaw, no matter how minute. %er hair was "rushed and styled to a "urnished sheen, and framed her face like a golden crown. %er skin glowed= a dark smoky shadow "rought out the green in her eyes, and her lips looked stained with freshly picked roses.

*(es, I think that will "e all,* she said regally, dismissing her entourage with a wave of the hand and without a trace of gratitude. Mimi considered it a privilege for them to work on her, not the other way around. Soon after, her maid entered the room "earing a white card"oard "o, the si6e of a small child)s coffin. It had "een messengered over to the hotel at the last minute, and Mimi clapped her hands when she saw it. *It)s here8* her maid said happily, having "een the unlucky recipient of Mimi)s tantrums at the fact that the "all was starting in a few hours and her dress had still not arrived. *I see that. I)m not an idiot,* Mimi snapped. She ran over to the "o,, laid it on the "edspread, and ripped open the "rown parcel paper like a whirling dervish. +fter leaving the Dior showroom, Mimi had complained to her mother a"out the lack of proper "all gowns, and &rinity had secured her an appointment at the !alenciaga atelier to meet with the head designer himself. /ver the course of the five#hour meeting, Mimi had re2ected and dismissed countless designs, causing the designer to rip up more than several do6en sketches. *0hat is it you)re looking for7* he had asked, com# pletely e,asperated. *(ou)re pickier than a "ride.* Mimi inhaled sharply. *-,actly.* She closed her eyes and saw herself and Jack together##during their first "onding. &he dress she)d worn then was simple, white, merely a sheet, like a toga, and they had walked "arefoot down the streets of 3enice together, hand in hand, for the ceremony. *0hite, the dress has to "e white,* she murmured. *0hite like snow. &ransparent like tears.* 'ow, there it was, nestled in deepest tissues. &he dress of her dreams. It was made of the thinnest white silk satin, and when she picked it up, it felt like a whisper "etween her fingers, it was so fragile. Just as she had ordered, it was severe in its simplicity. It looked like nothing on the hanger##like a plain white piece of cloth. It was corded with a heavy silver chain at the hips, and had a se,y, une,pected keyhole cut out at the hip "one##the one concession to

modern fashion she had allowed. Mimi shrugged off her "athro"e, tossing it to the floor. She stood in the middle of the room, completely nude as her maid held the dress aloft. Mimi stepped into it, feeling the light, gossamer fa"ric fluttering a"out her like mist, settling against her slim form. *<o,* she said curtly to her maid. &he frightened servant almost tripped on the "athro"e in her haste to leave. She tied the cord around her waist and assessed the tanned skin that peeked through the cutout. 0hen she stood in front of the light, her form would "e shown in complete "lackened silhouette= every curve of her "ody, every line from neck to "reast, from waist to hips to her endless legs, she would "e at once covered and yet e,posed, clothed and unclothed, gar"ed and yet nude. 'o underwear necessary. It was spectacular. *0ow.* She smiled. &hat didn)t take long. She turned around to face her "rother. Jack was standing in the doorway to her room, leaning a hand on the doorkno". harles had sent him to collect his sister. %is fine, platinum hair was "rushed "ack from his forehead, and there was a tender look on his face. (ou look...%e sent. I know.... &hey had gone "ack to their old ha"its of talking without speaking Jack letting his sister into his every thought, his every memory. %is eyes gla6ed over. She could see what he saw through his eyes, and she knew he was remem"ering that first night as well. She could see the cloudless 3enetian sky, their footsteps light and 5uick over the "ridge. She could see herself through his eyes, an

eternity younger##how young they had "een then at the dawn of the world, "efore the wars, "efore the dark. %ow did you find...is it the same one7 'o, sadly that dress is gone to the &i"er river....Silk does not keep a thousand years, my darling. &his is a new one, for a new "onding. *!ut not yet,* Jack "lurted. &heir shared vision disappeared, and Mimi was annoyed to find herself wrenched out of a very pleasant memory. *'o, not yet,* Mimi allowed. &hey would not "e "onded officially until their twenty#first "irthday. +ccording to vampire law, the "ond##the holy matrimony "etween vampires was an immortal vow, "ut the ceremony could not "e performed until they were of age. &he two of them were o"ligated to renew their "ond in every cycle, although this was the first time that they had "een "orn as twins to the same family, confusing matters due to pesky human laws. !ut no matter. &hey were vampire twins, which had a different meaning among their kind. It meant their souls had twinned in heaven, where they had pledged their love. &he "ond could not "e performed until they had "oth come into their full memories and mastered their powers. 3ampire twins sometimes spent cycles looking for each other, and "onded couples had to "e old enough to "e a"le to rec# ogni6e the latest reincarnation of their spouse in a new phys# ical shell. She knew that in the entire history of the vampires, there was only one couple that had forsaken their "ond. <a"rielle as +llegra 3an +len had forsaken Michael, harles 3an +len Force, in this cycle. She had married##married##in a church, a holy sanctuary, had said the words, had pledged her troth to a human8 &o her human familiar8 +nd look what happened...<a"rielle trapped in a coma forever, caught "etween life and non#death. ondemned to eternal silence. *!ut why wait7* Mimi asked. *I)ve known who you were ever since I could see. +nd you know who I am now.* Mimi was referring to the night in her father)s study when Jack)s memories had finally rushed "ack, allowing him to finally see what was right in front of him all along. &hey were two who were one. She was his. For eternity. *I love you, you know,* Mimi said. *(ou make me cra6y, "ut <od help me, Jack, I do.* Jack "ent his head so that his nose was "uried in Mimi)s hair. It smelled of honeysuckle and 2asmine, and he inhaled deeply.

*I love you too,* he replied. *My <od.* &rinity said, with a sharp intake of "reath. Mimi and Jack slowly parted from their em"race and looked to see their mother standing at the open doorway. *Mimi, you are only si,teen. +nd that is certainly not a dress for a si,teen#year#old,* &rinity accused, her voice shaking. *Should I remind you I am centuries older than you, DMother)7* Mimi sniffed. She was coming of age now, the memories flooding "ack, and Mimi did not want to have to play at "eing Red !loods anymore, with typical nuclear family dynamics. * harles,* &rinity said. * ontrol your children.* *Mimi, you look "eautiful,* harles said, kissing his daughter on the forehead. *9et)s go.* &rinity scowled. * ome, darling, it is time to dance,* harles said soothingly, taking his wife)s hand and leading her out of the room. *Shall we7* Jack asked, holding out his hand. *0e shall.* Mimi smiled. +nd together the Force twins walked out, arm in arm, to the party of the year.
CHAPTER 1? A !e) 'lo&ks a)a%$ in an altogether di!!erent penthouse the 6le)ell%ns outlandish triple3$ ni&kna"ed 4Penthouse des R,ves4 due to its a)eso"e$ i! surreal$ e3travagan&e 7ors%th 6le)ell%n )as standing in !ront o! a se&ret &o"part"ent 'ehind the shoe &loset. He qui&kl% turned the kno' on the vault t)o &li&ks to the right$ then three &li&ks to the le!t$ and stepped 'a&k as the !ive*in&h stainless steel door s)ung open.

45aaaad$ )hat s this all a'out,4 -liss asked$ standing 'eside hi". 4( " supposed to "eet :ai"e in the lo''% at eight.4 She )as holding Miss Ellie$ her Chihuahua$ in her ar"s. Miss Ellie )as her &anine !a"iliar$ na"ed a!ter her !avorite &hara&ter$ on 5allas$ o! &ourse. :ust as pro"ised$ Mi"i had set -liss up )ith :ai"e =ip. (t )as a total !riend*date. :ai"e had a'solutel% no interest in -liss$ and vi&e versa. (n !a&t$ it )as :ai"e )ho had suggested the% "eet in the St. Regis lo''% sin&e the% )ere 'oth attending )ith their !a"ilies. -liss got the distin&t i"pression :ai"e had asked to 'e her es&ort !or the sole purpose o! getting Mi"i o!! his 'a&k. Mi"i &ould 'e quite push% )hen she )anted to 'e. -liss &rossed her ar"s and looked around at her step* "other s enor"ous dressing roo". (t never !ailed to i"press guests during the ritual house tour. The 4&loset4 )as easil% t)o thousand square !eet. (t had a step*do)n Ro"an 'ath lined )ith travertine "ar'le and )as equipped )ith dan&ing sho)erheads along the side$ so that %ou 'athed in the "idst o! a !ountain. There )as an endless hall)a% o! "irrors that "asked a series o! &o"part"ents that housed !ive thousand ite"s o! designer &lothing$ )hi&h had 'een &atalogued and ar&hived '% -o'iAnne s personal assistant. Too 'ad so "u&h o! )hat )as inside )as$ in -liss s opinion$ vulgar and tasteless. -o'iAnne had never "et a "ara'ou*tri""ed leopard*print pon&ho that she didn t like. -o'iAnne )as a'sor'ed in her o)n toilette$ and -liss &ould hear her step"other s gravell% laugh e&ho around the dressing &ha"'er as she gossiped )ith her t)o st%lists. -liss looked at hersel! in the in!init% o! "irrors. She had de&ided to )ear the green 5ior a!ter all. Her !ather and step"other had si"pl% gasped )hen the% sa) her. 4M% dear$ %ou are so 'eauti!ul$4 -o'iAnne had )hispered$ &lasping her stepdaughter in her 'on% ar"s "ade string% '% too "u&h Pilates. (t )as like 'eing hugged '% a skeleton. -o'iAnne )as !orever praising -liss s good looks to the heavens$ and disparaging her o)n daughter s rather plain appearan&e. :ordan$ )ho at eleven )as too %oung !or the 'all$ had peeked in )hile -liss )as getting dressed and rendered her o)n 1udg"ent. 4/ou look like a slut.4 -liss had thro)n a pillo) at her sister s retreating 'a&k.

A!ter sho)ing her parents the dress$ her !ather had taken her aside and led her to the sa!e. He pulled open several o! the suede*lined dra)ers &usto"*"ade to -o'iAnne s e3a&t spe&i!i&ations. -liss &ould see the sparkle o! her step"other s "an% dia"ond tiaras$ ne&kla&es$ rings$ and 'ra&elets. (t )as like the inside o! Harr% 2inston. (n !a&t$ ru"or had it that )hen the Te3ans had "oved to Manhattan$ the senator s )i!e had &leaned out the vaults at all the "a1or dia"ond "er&hants in order to &ele'rate their as&endan&e in the &it% s so&ial real". He pulled out a long 'la&k velvet 'o3 !ro" a 'otto" dra)er. 4This )as %our "other s$4 he said$ sho)ing her a "assive &ushion*&ut e"erald set in a platinu" ne&kla&e. The e"erald )as as large as a !ist. 4/our real "other s$ ( "ean. .ot -o'iAnne.4 -liss )as stru&k silent. 4( )ant %ou to )ear it !or this evening. This is an i"portant ti"e !or us$ !or our !a"il%. /ou )ill honor %our "other s "e"or% )ith this 1e)el$4 7ors%th said$ &lasping the ne&kla&e around his daughter s ne&k. -liss kne) little o! her "other$ onl% that she had &%&led out earl% !or an unkno)n reason. Her !ather never talked a'out her$ and -liss had gro)n up understanding that her "other )as a pain!ul su'1e&t. There )as little to re"e"'er her '%$ and )hat !e) photographs re"ained )ere )ashed*out and !aded$ so that her "other s !eatures )ere al"ost indistin&t. 2hen -liss asked a'out her$ her !ather onl% said to 4&hannel her "e"ories$4 and that she )ould "eet her "other again i! ti"e allo)ed it. The dog in -liss s ar"s )ent 'erserk$ snapping and gro)ling at the stone. 4Miss Ellie> Stop>4 4Silen&e>4 7ors%th ordered$ and the dog 1u"ped !ro" -liss s ar"s and high*tailed it out the door. 4/ou s&ared her$ 5add%.4 -liss looked at the e"erald$ )hi&h had nestled itsel! inside her &leavage. (t )as heav% against her skin. She didn t kno) i! she

liked it or not. (t )as so 'ig. Had her "other reall% )orn this, 4The stone is &alled the Rose o! 6u&i!er$ or 6u&i!er s -ane$4 the senator e3plained )ith a s"ile. 4Have %ou heard the stor%,4 -liss shook her head. 4(t is said that )hen 6u&i!er !ell !ro" heaven$ an e"erald !ell !ro" his &ro)n. The e"erald )as &alled the Rose o! 6u&i!er$ the "orning star. So"e other stories even &all it the Hol% ;rail.4 -liss a'sor'ed the in!or"ation quietl%$ not kno)ing )hat to think. Her "other o)ned a 1e)el linked to the Silver -loods, 40! &ourse$4 7ors%th said$ shaking his head$ 4it s onl% a stor%.4 At that "o"ent$ -o'iAnne entered the roo" )earing a !right!ul +ersa&e dress that looked like "etalli& vin%l siding spra% painted on her 'od%. 4Ho) do ( look,4 she asked her hus'and s)eetl%. -liss and her !ather e3&hanged a glan&e. 4+er% prett%$ darling$4 her !ather said )ith a !rozen s"ile. 4Shall )e, The &ar s )aiting.4 (n !ront o! the hotel a phalan3 o! photographers had gathered$ and a s)elling &ro)d o! &urious onlookers )ere 'eing held 'a&k '% se&urit% gates and a legion o! .e) /ork s 7inest. As ea&h 'la&k to)n &ar pulled up to the entran&e$ !lash'ul's e3ploded in a &a&ophon% o! sta&&ato 'ursts. 4Here )e go$4 -o'iAnne e3&lai"ed 1o%!ull% as she stepped out o! the &ar and leaned on her hus'and s ar". -ut the paparazzi )ere onl% interested in -liss. 4-liss> 0ver here> -liss> 0ne !or "e> -liss**this )a%>4 42hat are %ou )earing,4

42ho "ade that dress,4 A !e) o! the photographers and reporters )ere polite enough to ask the senator and his )i!e )hat the% thought o! the part%$ 'ut it )as o'vious -liss )as the "ain attra&tion. There )ere onl% ten steps !ro" the &ur' to the hotel entran&e$ 'ut it took -liss a good hal! hour to get there. 4(t s "adness$4 -liss re"arked$ looking pleased )hen she !inall% arrived in the pink and gold lo''% and !ound her date )aiting i"patientl% '% the !ront re&eption ta'le. The St. Regis -allroo" had 'een trans!or"ed into a t)in* kling )inter )onderland# the &r%stal &handeliers )ere hung )ith so!tl% 'eaded strings o! rhinestones$ and glorious A"eri&an -eaut% roses 'loo"ed ever%)here$ !ro" the soaring$ si3*!oot*tall &enterpie&es 8so heav% that the ta'les had to 'e rein!or&ed9 to the "assive garlands on ever% ar&h)a%. A sno)*)hite &arpet on the "ar'le !loor led the )a% !ro" the !ront re&eption roo" into the 'allroo" proper. 4Senator and Mrs. 7ors%th 6le)ell%n$4 the herald announ&ed as the politi&ian and his )i!e appeared at the top o! the stairs. A spotlight shone on the"$ and the per&ussionist pla%ed a dra"ati& dru"roll. 4Mr. :a"es Andre)s =ip. Miss -liss 6le)ell%n.4 The !our o! the" )alked slo)l% into the part%. The t)o !i!t%*pie&e or&hestras !a&ed ea&h other a&ross the e3panse o! the 'allroo"$ pla%ing a serene )altz as the -lue -loods displa%ed their !iner%**the "en dashing and suave in their tails$ the )o"en preternaturall% thin and i"possi'l% st%lish in their &outure 'all go)ns. (t )as a "agi&al sight. The Co""ittee had reall% outdone the"selves this ti"e. The )hole 'allroo" )as !illed )ith a dazzling$ )hite 'rillian&e# the antique &r%stal &handeliers shone$ and the terrazzo !loors glea"ed. :ai"e deposited -liss at her ta'le$ saluted her$ and pro"ptl% disappeared !or the rest o! the evening. So "u&h !or that. -liss !ound Mi"i standing )ith her parents at the !ront o! the re&eption line. 42o)$ look at that>4 Mi"i said$ zeroing in on the ne&kla&e i""ediatel%. 42hat a ro&k>4

4(t )as "% "other s$4 -liss e3plained. She told Mi"i the legend o! 6u&i!er s -ane. Mi"i took the e"erald in her hands$ stroking its gla&ial &oldness. 0n&e she tou&hed it$ she )as transported 'a&k to that !inal 'attle$ !lashes o! the 'la&k da%$ tru"pets sounding in the distan&e$ Mi&hael )ith his !la"ing s)ord$ the 'anish"ent$ and then the &old. The &old...)aking up i""ortal on earth and d%ing to !eed. 40h.4 Mi"i s e%es glazed$ her hand still &upping the stone. And then she dropped it as i! it had 'urned her. -liss )as startled. She kne) so"ething had happened to Mi"i$ the !lash o! insight$ the "e"or% spike )hen she had tou&hed it. And %et )hen -liss tou&hed the stone hersel!$ nothing happened. (t )as 1ust a dead pie&e o! 1e)elr%. 6u&i!er s -ane. (t gave her shivers. 4(t s the Heart o! the 0&ean$4 Mi"i &ra&ked. 4:ust pro"ise "e %ou )on t thro) it o!! the de&k o! the Titani&.4 -liss tried to laugh. -ut the stone$ !i!t%*!ive &arats$ )eighed heavil% on her skin. Rose o! 6u&i!er. 6u&i!er s -ane. The Prin&e o! the Silver -loods$ his "ost pre&ious possession$ hung around her ne&k like a noose. She shuddered. Part o! her )anted to rip it o!! her throat and thro) it as !ar a)a% as she &ould.

CHAPTER 1@

&he 3an +len mansion on the corner of >A>st and Riverside had once "een one of the largest and most ma2estic homes in all of 'ew (ork. ountless generations of the family had entertained presidents, heads of state, foreign dignitaries, 'o"el pri6e7winning laureates, as well as %ollywood royalty and the occasional flavor#of#the#month "ohemian##artists, writers, and their ilk. (et now it was a mere shadow of its former self$ the cornices were chipped, there was graffiti on the side of the "uilding, the roof leaked, and the walls were riddled with cracks, as the family had "een una"le to maintain its upkeep over the years. Schuyler dragged her suitcase up the steps and rang the "ell.

%attie, her grandmother)s loyal maid, answered and let her inside. &he living room was as dark and shrouded as when Schuyler had left. For years Schuyler and ordelia had lived in only a 5uarter of the rooms in the vast house##kitchen, dining, and their two "edrooms. -verything else was locked and unused, which Schuyler had always attri"uted to ordelia)s penury. %er grandmother kept almost all the fur# niture in the house under canvas sheets, windows were cur# tained, and entire wings of the house were off#limits. %ence the mansion was akin to a musty old museum, filled with anti5ue artifacts and e,pensive art o"2ects that were hidden and kept under lock and key. Schuyler made her way to her room, where !eauty greeted her with a cheerful and resonant "ark, and only then did Schuyler feel like she was truly at home. 'ow the only pro"lem was what to wear. &he invitation had stated 0hite &ie, which Schuyler understood to mean long, formal gowns for the women. She dimly remem"ered ordelia getting ready for the yearly Four %undred !all, donning a succession of stiff, /scar de la Renta "all gowns with el"ow#length opera gloves. 4erhaps she would "e a"le to find something in ordelia)s closet. She made her way to her grandmother)s "edroom. She hadn)t "een inside since the fateful evening of the attack. She dreaded "eing in there, remem"ering how she had found her grandmother lying in a pool of "lood. !ut she comforted herself with the knowledge that ordelia had managed to survive the attack, and she had "een a"le to "ring enough of ordelia)s "lood to the medical center. &hey would keep it resting until the ne,t cycle. ordelia would return one day. She was not dead. She had not "een taken "y the Silver !lood. *9ooking for something, Miss Schuyler7* %attie asked, popping her head in and finding Schuyler standing with her hands on her hips in front of her grandmother)s closet. *I need a dress, %attie. For the "all tonight.* *Mrs. ordelia had a lot of dresses.* *(es.* Schuyler frowned, removing several hangers and assessing the dresses that hung on them. &hey were very old# fashioned, with huge mutton sleeves or peplums. Several were very Reagan#eighties$ shoulder pads that rivaled those on +le,is arrington)s 'olan Miller originals on Dynasty. *I 2ust don)t think these are going to cut it.*

*Miss +llegra had dresses too,* %attie said. *My mother7 My mom)s dresses are still here7* *In her room, on the third landing.* %er mother had grown up in the same house, and Schuyler wished, not for the first time, that her mother was around to help her with her current dilemma. %attie led her upstairs to the ne,t floor, down the hallway, to a corner room in the "ack. Schuyler)s heart "eat in nervous e,citement. *It)s a shame a"out Miss +llegra,* %attie said as she opened the door. *&he room)s 2ust like it was when she was eighteen. !efore she eloped and married your father.* &he room was pristine. Schuyler was shocked to see that there were no co"we"s in the corners, or a layer of dust everywhere. She had e,pected a crypt, a mausoleum, "ut it was a "right and cheerful room, with crisp Italian linens on the "ed and "illowing white curtains on the windows. *Mrs. ordelia always insisted we keep it up. For when# ever your mother wakes up.* Schuyler walked toward the armoire in the middle of the room and opened one of its doors. She reached inside and pulled out a shirt on a hanger. 3alentino, circa >F?F. *+re you sure she had "all gowns7* *She had a cotillion. She was presented at the Four %undred !all on her si,teenth "irthday,* %attie e,plained. * hanel made the dress. It should "e in there.* Schuyler patiently went through each hanger. +t last, in the farthest reaches of the closet, she found a "lack garment "ag em"roidered with the dou"le# logo. She laid the "ag out on her mother)s "ed and un6ipped it slowly.

*0ow,* Schuyler "reathed, removing a carefully preserved dress. She held it up to the light. It was a gold dress with a tight, strapless corset "odice and a princess skirt with folds and folds of voluminous fa"ric. She held it up against herself. It would fit, she knew it would fit. 0hen Schuyler entered the St. Regis !allroom, the whole room stood still. &he guests stared at her as she stood "y the entrance, illuminated under the spotlight, uncertain a"out where to go ne,t. + few gasps could "e heard from the crowd. Jack Force, for one, couldn)t take his eyes off her. 9ike almost every"ody in the room, for one "rief moment, he had "elieved that <a"rielle, +llegra 3an +len, had returned to them.
CHAPTER 1A The 7our Hundred -all$ also kno)n as the Patri&ian -all$ never )avered !ro" the tradition set '% its original organizers in the late nineteenth &entur%$ )hen the -lue -loods !irst &a"e into pro"inent position in so&iet%. The ten* &ourse "eal$ )ith 'reaks in 'et)een !or dan&ing$ )as set on HEB$GGG*a*pie&e gold servi&e**solid gold plates$ gold !lat* )are$ and gold*&rusted &r%stal go'lets. Along the length o! the !our re&tangular ta'les$ )ith a hundred seats at ea&h$ )as a pile o! sand$ and ea&h pla&e setting )as set )ith a golden tro)el. ;uests )ere en&ouraged to 4dig4 !or treasure**their parting gi!ts. The Co""ittee had 'een a'le to &onvin&e sponsors to provide e3pensive$ e%e* popping 1e)elr% set )ith ru'ies$ sapphires$ and dia"onds as part% !avors. The :unior Co""ittee$ led '% Mi"i$ had added a "odern tou&h# 4alpha'et4 ne&kla&es !ro" Me I Ro$ intri&ate Peruvian pea&o&k earrings '% Jani$ and the "ost &oveted pie&e o! the season$ =aviar and =ind s dia"ond* en&rusted shark*tooth pendant. The "enu )as 1ust the sa"e as it had 'een on the night o! the !irst Patri&ian -all# a !irst &ourse o! Conso"", 0lga$ then 7ilet Mignons 6ili$ +egeta'le Marro) 7ar&ie$ !ollo)ed '% a roast du&kling and sirloin o! 'ee!$ a&&o"panied '% &rea"ed &arrots and par"entier potatoes. Several to)ering i&e s&ulptures depi&ting .e) /ork s greatest "onu"ents and institutions$ in&luding the ne) M0MA 'uilding$

renovations !unded '% -lue -lood "one%$ and the proposed 7rank ;ehr% port$ &ha"pioned '% none other than Senator 6le)ell%n hi"sel!$ )ere arranged ne3t to the 'ars that lined the roo"$ and &ha"pagne !lo)ed !ro" hidden spigots in the i&e. Mi"i 'arel% tou&hed her !ood$ getting up !ro" her seat to &ir&ulate a"ong the glittering &ro)d. Ever% prestigious !a"il% in .e) /ork$ all the old na"es )ere represented# the +an Horns$ the S&hlu"'ergers$ the 2agners$ the Ste)arts$ the Ho)ells and the Ho)lands$ the ;oulds and the ;oelets$ the -an&ro!ts and the -arlo)s. Me"'ers o! the &lan )ho had re"ained in England )ere represented$ as )ell as several "ore e3oti& 'ran&hes. A vastl% ri&h -lue -lood !a"il% )ho had splintered !ro" the "ain group &enturies ago and settled in )hat )as no) "odern China had 1ust arrived !ro" Shanghai$ a &it% that the% had re&entl% helped re'uild. Their si3teen*%ear*old t)in daughters$ t)o gorgeous long* li"'ed Chinese so&ialites$ )ould 'e a"ong those presented at the 'all that evening. -ut there )as no !a"il% "ore respe&ted or revered than the 7or&es. Mi"i )as a prin&ess a"ong her people$ and she )alked through the"$ a&&epting their ad"iration$ their de!eren&e. She looked !or her 'rother. He had 'een '% her side all evening 'ut had disappeared 'et)een the !ish and "eat &ourse. -% all rights the% should 'e doing this together. Tonight )as the night the &oven )ould re&ognize that the% had !ound ea&h other$ and that )hen the ti"e &a"e$ the% )ould 'e rene)ing their i""ortal vo)s. 2here )as he, She &ast her "ind a&ross the roo"$ looking !or his signal. Ah$ there he )as$ '% the head ta'le$ talking to a !riend on the la&rosse tea"$ -r%&e Cutting. She sa) hi" stop and look in her dire&tion )ith a sudden$ 1o%ous s"ile on his !a&e. She s"iled 'a&k and )aved at hi"$ 'ut he didn t return the )ave. Anno%ed$ she turned around**"a%'e he )asn t looking at her a!ter all, And that s )hen she noti&ed )ho )as standing right 'ehind her$ at the top o! the stair&ase$ &o""anding the attention o! the entire 'allroo".

S&hu%ler +an Alen. (n a dress that even Mi"i hersel! )ould die to )ear. S&hu%ler !ound her seat ne3t to the dour parents o! Aggie Carondolet. (t )as apparent that the Carondolets had !elt slighted '% their seating$ and the% hardl% spoke a )ord to S&hu%ler e3&ept to in!or" her that the% )ere trul% sad a'out Cordelia. She !ound -liss sitting '% hersel! at the !ront ta'le$ and )aved to her. -liss )aved 'a&k. 4Co"e over$4 -liss "outhed. She gathered up her gold skirts and )alked over to -liss s side. The t)o girls hugged )ar"l%. 4Sk%$ ( have to tell %ou so"ething**a'out 5%lan$4 -liss said. 40h,4 S&hu%ler raised an e%e'ro). 4( think he s...4 'ut 'e!ore -liss &ould !inish$ a 'o% )alked over and asked her to dan&e. 4Sure.4 -liss shrugged. 4( ll tell %ou later$4 she said to S&hu%ler. S&hu%ler nodded. As she de1e&tedl% )alked 'a&k to her seat$ she )ondered )hat -liss )as a'out to tell her. -liss )as her onl% !riend at the 'all. 2hat )as S&hu%ler doing here$ an%)a%, 2h% had she &o"e, 7or Cordelia, 7or the +an Alen na"e, .o. She had to 'e honest. And this )as )here the truth hurt. She had )anted to see :a&k 7or&e again. -ut it )as agon%. There he )as$ attentivel% at his sister s side$ the t)o o! the" gliding through the 'allroo"$ ent)ined at the hip. :a&k keeping a hand on Mi"i s tin% )aist. S&hu%ler had heard )hispers !ro" the Elders and the 2ardens at the ad1oining ta'le...so"ething a'out a 'ond...so"ething a'out the t)o o! the" and an i""ortal vo). The ne3t &ourse )as served$ roast squa' and a &old asparagus vinaigrette. (t looked deli&ious$ 'ut the !ood tasted dr% and "eal% on her tongue. 4:a&k$4 Mi"i )hispered so!tl% in his ear as the% "ade their )a% around the roo". 4(t s ti"e.4 Ever pra&ti&al$ she de&ided to ignore )hat she had seen earlier. Mi"i )as a "as* ter o! sel!*de&eption. (! so"ething 'othered her$ she re!used to even a&kno)ledge its e3isten&e. (n her "ind$ S&hu%ler +an Alen )as a te"porar%$ i! anno%ing$ in!atuation. -ut !or :a&k$ the sight o! S&hu%ler +an Alen had onl% served to ignite a !eeling he had 'een repressing !or "onths. A

disquieting thought nagged at his &ons&ien&e. 2h% did S&hu%ler a!!e&t hi" in su&h a po)er!ul )a%, 2as it the rese"'lan&e to Allegra, 2as that all, 0r )as it so"ething ne)...so"ething he )asn t prepared !or and didn t e3pe&t, He shook his head$ disgusted and asha"ed o! hi"sel!. His right!ul pla&e )as '% his sister s side. He )ould 1ust have to a&t as i! S&hu%ler did not e3ist. 4The% are )aiting !or us to lead the quadrille$4 Mi"i said$ and :a&k duti!ull% es&orted his sister to the dan&e !loor$ )here three other %oung &ouples )ere )aiting. (t )as part o! 7our Hundred tradition that the %oung )ho )ere going to 'e presented )ould lead in this dan&e$ and the teens in the !ore* "ost quadrille )ere &hosen 'e&ause o! their !a"il% s hierar* &h% in The Co""ittee. Aggie Carondolet )ould have 'een one o! the dan&ers had she lived. Mi"i thought the quadrille )as 1ust a !an&% na"e !or square dan&ing$ 'ut she en1o%ed it even so$ as :a&k led her through the &ross*over$ the 'alan&e$ and then the &ir&le eight$ ending )ith the !our ladies grand &hain$ )hi&h pla&ed her in the !ront o! the group$ as it should 'e. A!ter the dan&e$ the -lue -lood teens re"ained !rozen in their position in the "iddle o! the dan&e !loor$ )aiting to 'e !or"all% presented to the asse"'l%$ &alled out '% their &ur* rent and true na"es '% the Regis. 45ehua Chen$4 )as &alled$ and one o! the i"perial Chinese 'eauties stepped !or)ard. 4=no)n to our people '% her true na"e$ Ki 2ang"u.4 The Angel o! (""ortalit%. 45e"ing Chen.4 Her sister )as &alled ne3t. The t)o o! the" )ere identi&al in their serene$ other)orldl% 'eaut%$ )ith skin the &olor o! toasted "ilkL silk%*straight$ e'on%* 'la&k hairL se3il% slanted al"ond e%esL and an in&ongruous splattering o! !re&kles a&ross their 'utton noses. 4=no)n to our people '% her true na"e$ =uan /in.4 The Angel o! Mer&%. Several other -lue -lood teens )ere &alled$ rounding out the !or"er heavenl% pantheon. At last$ a lone spotlight )as shone on the 7or&e t)ins. Mi"i gripped her 'rother s hand tightl%.

4Madeleine 7or&e.4 Mi"i stepped !or)ard$ her &hin held high. 4=no)n to our people '% her true na"e$ Azrael.4 The Angel o! 5eath. 4-en1a"in 7or&e.4 :a&k 'o)ed his head. 4=no)n to our people '% his true na"e$ A''adon.4 The Angel o! 5estru&tion. The t)in Angels o! the Apo&al%pse. This )as their i""ortal destin%. This )as their pla&e. The &lan s "ost po)* er!ul va"pires a!ter the <n&orrupted. 6u&i!er s !or"er lieu* tenants$ )ho had turned their 'a&ks on the Prin&e o! Heaven a!ter the 7all. (n Ro"e$ the% had hunted and slain the Silver -lood spa)n. 0nl% '% their strength had the -lue -loods survived the "illennia. :a&k s"iled at Mi"i$ and the% 'oth 'o)ed lo) to the &oven. The% had their )ork &ut out !or the". CHAPTER 1B

&he coffee had "een served in its golden carafes, and dessert##the traditional 0aldorf pudding along with peaches in chartreuse 2elly, as well as chocolate and vanilla 7clairs and a light# as#air meringue cake topped with +maretto whipped cream##had "een served and :lightly; consumed. 4owdered cheeks were pressed against powdered cheeks in good#"ye. + wonderful time had "een had, it was agreed, and a ridiculous amount of money had "een raised, "reaking records from last year, even. +ll around the St. Regis !allroom, Mimi)s te,t messages were "eing delivered. For select vampire teens, the evening had 2ust "egun. +fter#party. +ngel /rensan6. Midnight. Masks + Must. 'o &e,t. 'o -ntry. &here was a "u66ing through the crowd "y the cloakroom and the elevators among the invitees, as well as cries of confusion and disappointment among those who had not received the te,t. *+re you going to change7* !liss asked Mimi, following her out the door.

*+re you cra6y7 I)m going to wear this dress until they pry it off my cold dead "ody,* Mimi 2oked. * ome upstairs. 0e have the "est selection of masks.* Mimi was in high spirits. &he "all had "een a "last and all, "ut now it was time to par#tay. Schuyler walked out to the sidewalk, hugging her "lack fur coat, an old one of ordelia)s, around her shoulders. She found Julius, her grandmother)s driver, waiting patiently for her "y the cur" in the old rown 3ictoria. *0here to7* She was a"out to say *home* when her phone "u66ed. /liver, for sure. 'ope. It was a te,t message from a "locked num"er. Directing her to +ngel /rensan6, the a"andoned syna# gogue on the 9ower -ast Side. Masks a must7 0hat was this all a"out7 *Did you get the message7* icely +ppelgate called e,citedly from the ne,t car over. icely was part of Mimi)s crew, and Schuyler wondered why she was "othering to talk to her. *.h, yeah.* *See you there8* icely said gaily. *<reat dress, "y the way8* she added admiringly. *My mom said it)s definitely vintage hanel.* So that was it. Sometimes it seemed to Schuyler that high school was so silly. If you dressed a certain way, or looked a certain way, or had the *right* things##like a designer hand"ag, or the newest cell phone, or an e,pensive watch##your life was much easier. Schuyler never had any of those things. ordelia had "een strict with her allowance, and she had always "een the kid in secondhand sweaters and items from last year)s clearance "in. !ut the dress, and the fact that it was from a respected and e,pensive design house, had changed icely)s perception of her. For the evening, at least. *%ome, Miss Schuyler7* She had promised to call /liver the minute she left the party. She had told him that she was only going to stay for a few minutes and

depart soon after dinner, "ut it was already eleven thirty. %e would "e 2et#lagged, Schuyler thought. %e)s pro"a"ly passed out in front of the television "y now. &he te,t message must "e for the party downtown that other kids at the "all were talking a"out##the "u66 a"out Mimi Force hosting some kind of "acchanal that evening. Should she go7 0hat could it hurt7 !esides, if Mimi was there, that meant Jack would "e there too. She thought of how handsome he)d looked in his coattails, and the way he)d stared at her when she)d entered the party, his green eyes "oring into hers. 'ot too long ago, he had "een the one who was hell#"ent to find out the truth a"out the Silver !loods, "ut he had "acked off all of a sudden. !ut may"e there was still a chance she could convince him to 2oin her in her fight. Since her grandfather had refused to help, she was now adrift. !ut with Jack at her side...She made up her mind. *9et)s go home, Julius, "ut 2ust for a minute,* Schuyler decided. *I 2ust need to pick up something. + souvenir from 3enice. &hen we)re going downtown.* 'ew (ork %erald +rchives '/3-M!-R CG, >?@> -'<+<-M-'& +''/.' -M-'& F/99/0S DIS+44-+R+' - /F F/RM-R FI+' --nglish 9ord to Marry 3ander"ilt %eiress &he formal announcement of the engagement of aroline 3ander"ilt, the daughter of +dmiral and -li6a"eth 3ander"ilt of ?AA Fifth +venue, to +lfred, 9ord !urlington, of 9ondon and Devonshire, is the se5uel to the mysterious disappearance of 9ord !urlington)s former fianc7e, Maggie Stanford, the daughter of &i"erius and Dorothea Stanford of 'ewport. Maggie Stanford mysteriously disappeared on the night of the 4atrician !all held at +dmiral and -li6a"eth 3ander"ilt)s home over a year ago upon the announcement of her engagement to 9ord !urlington. &he engagement was "roken eight months ago while Maggie Stanford was still missing. +s yet, the wedding day of the couple has not "een set.

CHAPTER 1C

9ike many of the guests, when !liss arrived at the after#party, she gasped in delight. &he a"andoned synagogue was lit "y a thousand tea light candles, casting long and gloomy shadows on the walls. Mimi was right, it looked like a "eautiful ruin, and there was something spooky and romantic a"out dancing only in firelight. &he masks lent the evening an eerie glamour, since all the guests were still in their "all finery. &he "oys were so handsome in their tailcoats, and the girls gorgeous in their couture "all gowns, and everyone looked a little "it wicked with all those masks. !liss fi,ed the feathered and 2eweled mask on her face. It was a little hard to see everyone from "ehind it. She noticed Schuyler arrive. <ood. !liss had forwarded the message to Schuyler without Mimi knowing. &he DJ was spinning !auhaus, a dark, violent tune, *!urning from the inside...* + "oy in white tie and tails walked up to !liss, his face hidden underneath a sad 4ierrot mask. %e motioned toward the dance floor. !liss nodded and followed him. %e held out his hands and she stepped into his em"race. *So you have survived,* he whispered, his mouth close to her ear, so that she could feel his "reath "low softly. *-,cuse me7* *I would have hated to let you drown.* %e chuckled. *(ou...* %e put a finger to his lips, or rather to the lips of the 4ierrot mask. *I missed you...* !liss said. Dylan. It had to "e him. %e had found her again. %ow clever to show up at a mas# 5uerade party, where he could appear without causing a fuss.

*I haven)t "een gone for long,* he said earnestly. *I know, "ut I was worried....* *Don)t "e. -verything will "e all right.* *+re you sure7* *(es.* !liss danced 2oyfully. %e had returned8 %e had returned to "e with her. She was elated. &he song ended. &he "oy in the mask "owed low *+ pleasure.* *0ait * !liss called, "ut already he had disappeared into the throng, and when she looked around, she saw a do6en "oys dressed similarly in their "lack tails, "ut none were wearing a mask with a sad clown face, one tear glinting "elow the eye. Schuyler walked despondently from room to room. She should have called /liver after all, if only to have some company. &his party didn)t seem to "e as e,clusive as the Four %undred !all. She noticed a few of her human classmates were there looking a "it nervous, as if they weren)t sure they were welcome. She could tell human from vampire$ the vampires glowed in the dark##the gift of Illuminata made them recogni6a"le to each other. Deep in the shadows "ehind the columns, several couples were availing of the dark to neck##*necking* taking on 5uite a different meaning among the vampire teens. She could hear the deep, sucking sounds as vampires fed on their human familiars, the thro""ing "eat of "lood and life force e,changed from one "eing to the ne,t. +fterward, the vampires glowed even more, their features sharper and more distinct, while the humans looked vacant and listless. /ne day, Schuyler knew, she would have to do the same. She would have to perform the Sacred Biss with a human familiar. &he thought "oth e,cited and terrified her. &he Sacred Biss was not a 2oke. It was a serious "ond "etween vampire and human, one that was respected "y the !lue !loods. %uman familiars were to "e treated with affection and care for the service they provided.

&he genteel atmosphere at the Four %undred !all had given way to a rowdier, more "oisterous "ehavior. Several teens were dancing "ody#to#"ody to the hard "eats of the house music the DJ was spinning, and a riotous, anything#goes atmosphere prevailed, as girls "egan dancing se,ily with each other, or grinding their pelvises against their male partners. &he party was soon packed with sweaty teens throwing their hands in the air and declaring they were getting mega#crunked tonight. : ra6y#ass drunk on "lood.; Schuyler remained at the fringes. She didn)t fit in with this crowd. She had no friends here. She sighed. &he 3enetian mask she was wearing covered her entire face. She wished she could take it off= it was itchy and making her face hot. She made her way to a small alcove hidden "ehind the speakers, so she could sit down while she de"ated her ne,t move. + "oy followed her inside the room. %ow funny, Schuyler thought. %ow you knew who the girls were "ecause they were wearing different dresses, whereas the "oys were truly disguised since they all looked the same in their penguin suits. Just like this one, in his "lack silk mask that covered his eyes, nose, and hair, giving him a rakish air like an ur"an pirate. *Don)t you like parties7* he asked, when he noticed her sitting "y herself on a ruined stone "ench. Schuyler laughed. *I hate them, actually.* *Me too.* *I never know what to say, or what to do.* *0ell, it looks like dancing is involved. +nd drinking. /f all kinds.* %e was a vampire, then. Schuyler wondered who he was, and why he was "othering to speak to her. *.ndou"tedly,* she agreed. *!ut you choose not to choose.*

*I)m a re"el,* she said sarcastically. *I don)t think so.* *'o7* *(ou)re here, aren)t you7 (ou could have chosen not to come at all.* %e was right. She didn)t have to "e there. She had come for the same reason she had chosen to attend the "all. For the chance to see Jack again. She had to face it$ every time she saw Jack Force, something inside her 5uickened and came alive. *&o "e honest, I came to see a "oy,* she said. *0hat "oy7* he asked in a teasing tone. *It doesn)t matter.* *0hy not7* *!ecause. It)s complicated.* Schuyler shrugged. *'ow, now.* *It is. %e)s...he)s not interested,* she said, thinking of Jack and Mimi, and the "ond "etween them. 0hatever she was feeling for him was irrelevant. %e had made that clear at her grandmother)s funeral. %e had responsi"ilities to his family. She couldn)t escape the image of the two of them holding their hands aloft. +6rael and +""adon. &he magnetic charge "etween them was electric. &he whole "allroom had tingled with e,citement at the announcement. &wo of our most powerful vampires. &hey have "een revealed to us at last. 0ho was she, Schuyler 3an +len, not even a pure#"lood vampire, to come "etween them7 *%ow do you know he)s not interested7* he asked in a serious tone. *I 2ust do.*

*(ou might "e surprised.* Schuyler reali6ed that the "oy was standing close to her as he spoke. %is eyes "ehind the mask she could detect a hint of green. %er heart skipped a "eat. &he "oy moved closer. *Surprise me,* Schuyler whispered. In response, the "oy lifted her mask gently, so that her lips were e,posed, and then he leaned down and "rought his mouth to hers. Schuyler closed her eyes. &he only "oy she had ever kissed was Jack Force, and this was like that##"ut different somehow. More urgent. More insistent. She inhaled his "reath, felt his tongue in her mouth, rolling on top of hers, almost as if he wanted to devour her. It felt as if she could kiss him forever. +nd then it stopped. She opened her eyes, her mask askew from her face. 0hat happened7 0here had he gone7 *%ey8* Schuyler turned. Mimi Force was standing in the foyer, wearing a da66ling Indian princess headdress, her *mask* e,pertly drawn on with makeup and face paint. *%ave you seen my "rother anywhere7* Mimi had "een upset at first to find her party overrun "y human gatecrashers, "ut then she)d 2ust chalked it up to her own irresisti"le popularity. So she wasn)t fa6ed to find Schuyler, another non#invitee, at the party as well. !efore Schuyler could answer, Jack Force materiali6ed "y his sister)s side. %e was wearing an Indian headdress like his sister)s. +nd his mask too, was made of face paint. *%ere I am,* he said 2ovially. */h, hey, Schuyler. %ow was 3enice7* *<reat,* Schuyler said, trying to keep her composure. * ool.* * )mon, Jack, the fireworks are a"out to start.* Mimi said, pulling on his sleeve.

*See ya,* Jack called. Schuyler felt num". She was so sure it was Jack she had "een kissing. So sure it had "een him "ehind that "lack mask. !ut his rela,ed attitude, that casual friendliness, made her dou"t her assumption. !ut if it wasn)t Jack she had 2ust kissed, then who7 0ho was the "oy "ehind the mask7 0ith a pang, she reali6ed tomorrow was the start of the hristmas holidays, and she wouldn)t see Jack Force again for two whole weeks.
CHAPTER 1E 2inter !inall% arrived in .e) /ork in earnest$ unleashing several stor"s. The &it% )as &overed '% a pristine 'lanket o! sno) !or several da%s$ until it turned to gra% and %ello) "ush$ &reating i"pro"ptu sno)'anks around the side)alks and "udd% puddles that hard% &itizens either 1u"ped a&ross or gri"l% splashed through in salt*&aked ru''er 'oots. S&hu%ler )as glad !or the &old$ as the )eather re!le&ted her &urrent "ood. The holida%s )ere a t%pi&all% quiet ti"e !or the +an Alens. (n the past$ she and Cordelia )ould attend servi&es at St. -artholo"e) s a&ross to)n$ then have a "odest repast at "idnight on Christ"as Eve. As she did ever% %ear$ she spent this Christ"as 5a% )ith her "other at the hospital. :ulius and Hattie had the da% o!! to 'e )ith their !a"ilies$ so she had taken the 'us all the )a% upto)n '% hersel!. The hospital )as pra&ti&all% a'andoned )hen she arrived. There )as one sleep% guard at the !ront desk and a skeletal &re) o! nurses an3ious to !inish their shi!ts. She noti&ed the sta!! had tried to in!use the pla&e )ith so"e Christ"as &heer. There )ere )reaths on ea&h door$ and a lone Charlie -ro)n **like Christ"as tree )ith 'ro)n 'ran&hes stood in the "iddle o! the nurse s station$ along )ith a !li&kering "enorah. Her "other )as asleep on the 'ed as usual. .othing had &hanged. S&hu%ler pla&ed another unopened gi!t '% her "other s 'edside. Through the %ears$ S&hu%ler s presents &olle&ted "ore and "ore dust in her "other s &loset. 5usting o!! the sno)$ she re"oved her &oat$ and stu!!ed her )ool &ap and gloves in its po&kets. (! Cordelia had 'een there she )ould have set out their Christ"as lun&h$ re"oving turke% and stu!!ing$ ha" and hot rolls !ro" Tupper)are &ontainers Hattie

had prepared. Hattie had "ade up the sa"e "eal !or S&hu%ler to 'ring$ 'ut eating it )ithout Cordelia &orre&ting her on her ta'le "anners or snapping at the nurses to 'ring her por&elain$ not plasti&$ plates 1ust )asn t the sa"e. She turned on the television and settled in to eat her lonel% lun&h and )at&h another rerun o! (t s a 2onder!ul 6i!e. The "ovie never !ailed to "ake her "ore depressed$ sin&e there )as no happ% ending !or Allegra that she &ould see. 0liver had invited her to spend the da% )ith his !a"il%$ 'ut she had de&lined. 2hatever !a"il% she had le!t in the )orld )as in this loneso"e hospital roo". This )as )here she 'elonged A&ross to)n on the <pper East Side$ the great houses and lavish apart"ents )ere e"pt% o! their residents. The 7or&es had alread% le!t on their ;ul!strea" (+ !or their annual so1ourn$ shipping their 'ea&h)ear via 7edE3 to their villa in St. -arths$ )here the% )ould spend the !irst )eek o! the 'reak$ and sending their ski gear to their Aspen &ottage !or the se&ond hal! o! their va&ation. The 6le)ell%ns )ere o!! to Te3as to visit !a"il% !or Christ"as and )ere "eeting up )ith the 7or&es in Aspen !or .e) /ear s. Even 0liver s !a"il% had "ade plans !or a 'ea&h geta)a% to the !a"il% &o"pound in Tortola$ 'ut he had opted to sta% in the &it% to 'e &lose to S&hu%ler. He planned to visit the +an Alen to)n house the da% a!ter Christ"as )ith an a'undan&e o! presents. The% al)a%s spent -o3ing 5a% together. 0liver liked to 'ring over a &rust% 'aguette$ 7ren&h 'utter**the real kind$ he stressed$ nothing like the 'land A"eri&an versions**several 1ars o! pre"iu" Russian &aviar !ro" Petrossian$ as )ell as a "agnu" o! &ha"pagne !ro" his parents )ine &ellar !or their post*Christ"as !east. -ut on the "orning o! the t)ent%*si3th$ 1ust as 0liver had pa&ked the pi&ni& 'asket )ith treats and )as a'out to leave$ he re&eived a !ranti& &all !ro" Hattie$ the +an Alen s "aid. 4Mr. 0liver$ %ou &o"e$ %ou &o"e right no)$4 she 'egged. 0liver i""ediatel% 1u"ped into a &a' and arrived at the 'ro)nstone$ to !ind Hattie !ranti& and in&oherent$ )ringing her hands on her apron and &lose to tears. She led hi" up the stairs to S&hu%ler s roo". 4Miss didn t &o"e do)n !or 'reak!ast. ( thought she )as 1ust sleeping in$ until -eaut% ran do)n the stairs and pra&ti&all%

pulled "e up here. Then ( sa) she )as 1ust l%ing there$ and ( &ouldn t )ake her up. ;od help "e$ she looks so "u&h like Miss Allegra$ and ( )as so )orried 'e&ause she )ouldn t "ove$ didn t even look like she )as 'reathing$ so ( &alled %ou$ Mr. 0liver.4 -eaut%$ S&hu%ler s 'loodhound$ )as )hi"pering at the !oot o! her 'ed. The dog 1u"ped up and li&ked 0liver s hands and !a&e )hen he entered the roo". 4/ou did )ell$ Hattie$4 0liver said$ patting -eaut% and then shaking S&hu%ler and &he&king !or her pulse. There )as none$ 'ut that didn t "ean an%thing. His Conduit training had told hi" va"pires &ould slo) their heart'eat to a 'arel% dete&ta'le rh%th" to &onserve their energ%. /et S&hu%ler )as onl% !i!teen %ears old and had onl% 'egun the trans!or"ation. (t )as too earl% !or her to go into preservation "ode. <nless... 0liver suddenl% had an a)!ul thought# )hat i! S&hu%ler had 'een atta&ked '% a Silver -lood, His hands shook as he dialed his aunt$ 5r. Pat$ the hu"an do&tor )ho &ared !or -lue -loods. 5r. Pat dis&ouraged 0liver !ro" )aiting !or an a"'ulan&e or taking her to a proper hospital. 4The% )on t kno) )hat to do )ith her. :ust get her to "% o!!i&e no). ( ll "eet %ou there.4 2hen 0liver arrived$ holding S&hu%ler in his ar"s$ 5r. Pat and her tea" )ere read%. The% )heeled out a hospital 'ed$ and 0liver gentl% laid his !riend do)n. 4Tell "e she ll 'e all right$4 0liver pleaded. 5r. Pat &he&ked S&hu%ler s ne&k. There )ere no "arks. .o sign o! A'o"ination. 4She should 'e. (t doesn t look like she s 'een atta&ked. She should 'e !ine. The% are i""ortal. -ut )e ll see )hat s going on.4 0liver )aited in 5r. Pat s outer roo" on a parti&ularl% un&o"!orta'le plasti& &hair. His aunt had al)a%s 'een ena"ored o! "odern !urniture$ and the o!!i&e rese"'led the lo''% o! a trend% hotel rather than a &lini&# all*)hite plasti& !urniture$ )hite !lokati rugs$ )hite spa&e*age la"ps. A!ter a !e) an3iet%*ridden hours$ 0liver s aunt e"erged !ro" the inner o!!i&e. 5r. Pat looked tired and 'eat. 4Co"e in$4 she told her nephe). 4She s a)ake. ( gave her a trans!usion. That see"s to have done the tri&k.4

S&hu%ler looked even s"aller and "ore !ragile in the hospital 'ed. She )as )earing one o! those go)ns that tied in the 'a&k$ and her !a&e )as paler than usual. He &ould see her 'lue veins through her transparent skin. 42ell hello$ Sleeping -eaut%$4 0liver &ra&ked$ tr%ing to "ask his &on&ern. 42here a" (,4 4/ou re in "% o!!i&e$ &hild$4 5r. Pat said sole"nl%. 4/ou )ent into hi'ernation. (t s not so"ething that usuall% happens until "u&h$ "u&h later. (t s another )ord !or prolonged sleep$ so"ething va"pires do )hen the% are )ear% o! i""ortalit% at the &lose o! a &%&le.4 4M% head !eels )eird. And "% 'lood**it !eels strange. (&k%.4 4( had to give %ou a trans!usion. /ou had ver% lo) 'lood &ell &ounts. (t s going to !eel strange !or a little )hile as the ne) 'lood ad1usts to the old.4 40h.4 S&hu%ler shuddered. 40liver$ &an %ou e3&use us,4 4;ood to see %ou re oka%$4 0liver said$ gripping S&hu%ler s shoulder tightl%. 4( ll 1ust 'e outside.4 0n&e 0liver )as gone$ 5r. Pat shone a light into ea&h o! S&hu%ler s pupils. She "ade a note on her &hart$ )hile S&hu%ler )aited patientl% !or the diagnosis. 5r. Pat e3a"ined S&hu%ler &losel%. 4/ou are !i!teen$ %es,4 S&hu%ler nodded. 4(ndu&ted into The Co""ittee,4 4/es.4 46ike ( said$ %ou had ver% lo) red*'lood &ell &ounts. /et %our 'lue*'lood &ell &ounts are o!! the &harts. (n so"e )a%s$ %ou

alread% have the 'lood levels o! a !ull*!ledged va"pire$ and %et %our 'od% )ent into hi'ernation$ )hi&h "eans %ou aren t produ&ing the right levels o! antigens.4 42hat does that "ean,4 4(t "eans the trans!or"ation is going a 'it ha%)ire )ith %ou.4 4E3&use "e,4 4The trans!or"ation is a pro&ess in )hi&h %our 'lue* 'lood &ells %our va"pire 5.A**starts to take over. /ou gro) %our !angs$ %our 'od% s)it&hes !ro" needing nourish"ent !ro" !ood to needing nourish"ent spe&i!i&all% !ro" hu"an 'lood. The "e"ories start to &o"e 'a&k$ and %our po)ers$ )hatever the% are$ 'egin to "ani!est.4 S&hu%ler nodded. 4/et there s so"ething odd in %our 'lood anal%sis. The va"pire &ells are taking over$ 'ut it s not a nor"al$gradual pro&ess$ )herein the hu"an sel! is shed !or the i""ortal like a snake shedding its skin. ( " not sure$ 'ut it s al"ost as i! %our hu"an 5.A is !ighting the va"pire one. Resisting it. And so to over&o"pensate$ %our va"pire 5.A is !ighting 'a&k$ hard**sending %our hu"an 'lood &ounts )a% 'elo) )here the% should 'e. The sho&k sent %our 'od% into hi'ernation. 5id so"ething happen, So"eti"es it s triggered '% a trau"ati& event.4 S&hu%ler shook her head. The night 'e!ore had 'een unevent!ul. 4So"eti"es$ it &an 'e a dela%ed rea&tion$4 5r. Pat sur"ised. 4(t "ust 'e %our "i3ed 'lood$4 she added. 5r. Pat kne) all a'out the &ir&u"stan&es o! S&hu%ler s 'irth. She had 'een Allegra s o'stetri&ian. 4.o one has ever do&u"ented )hat happens )hen hu"an 5.A "i3es )ith va"pire 'lood. ( d like to put %ou under o'servation !or a )hile.4 CHAPTER 1D

+ week later, Schuyler still felt a "it woo6y after the *episode,* which is what she and /liver were calling her emergency visit to Dr. 4at)s office. /liver had offered to pick her up in his car to take her to the first day "ack at school. Schuyler, who would usually resist such a gesture since she lived across town and out of the way, had meekly agreed to such an arrangement. /liver was her onduit## he was supposed to take care of her, and for once, she was going to let him. &he spring semester at Duschene was officially opened "y an assem"ly, in which the %eadmistress welcomed all the students "ack for another e,citing term, followed "y a tea of currant scones and hot chocolate in the "elvedere. /liver and Schuyler found their usual seats in the "ack pew of the chapel with the other sophomores. &here was a lot of cheerful greeting and e,changing of vacation stories all around. Most of the girls looked tan and rested, trading cell phones to show pictures of themselves in "ikinis on the "eaches of the !ahamas, St. &homas, or Maui. Schuyler saw !liss 9lewellyn walk in with Mimi Force, the two of them with their arms linked around each other)s waists as if they were the closest of friends. Mimi)s hair had "een made even lighter "y the sun, and !liss sported a few copper highlights of her own. Jack Force walked slowly "ehind them, hands 2ammed in the pockets of his Duckhead chinos. %e had a "it of a ski#mask tan around his eyes, which only made him look more adora"le. /liver noticed where Schuyler was looking and didn)t comment. She knew how he felt a"out her crush on Jack Force. Sensing her friend)s pi5ue, Schuyler leaned down and rested her head affectionately on his shoulder. If it hadn)t "een for /liver...she might have...what7 4assed out forever7 Joined her mother in the comatose room uptown7 She was still having trou"le understanding everything. 0hat did it mean that her vampire cells were fighting her human cells7 0ould she always "e torn in two directions7 &he hunger she had felt in 3enice had a"ated somewhat with the transfusion. May"e that was all it was. She had needed "lood. May"e she could 2ust get transfusions instead of having to feed. She would have to ask Dr. 4at if that was a via"le alternative. It was 2ust too weird to always look at /liver and think he)d taste delicious. %e was her "est friend, not a snack. !liss 9lewellyn looked around and met Schuyler)s eye. &he two girls waved shyly to each other. !liss had "een meaning to tell Schuyler a"out Dylan)s return, to have the conversation she had started at the "all, "ut somehow the opportunity never seemed to come up.

&he holidays had "een an an,ious time for !liss. &he "lackouts and nightmares had returned in full force. hristmas -ve had "een the worst night yet. She had woken up with a pain in her chest so e,cruciating that she couldn)t "reathe. She was drenched in sweat and the "edsheets were so wet they were pasted together. <ross. -ven more terrifying, the "east of her nightmares had "egun to speak to her in her sleep. !lissssss... !lissssss... !lissssss... It only said her name, and yet it sent shivers down her spine. It was 2ust a dream. Just a dream. Just a dream. &here was no "east who could hurt her. It was 2ust part of the trans# formation. %er memories waking up and talking to her, that)s what &he ommittee said. %er former selves, her past lives. She clenched her 2aw and sat up straighter in her seat. 'e,t to her, Mimi Force yawned into her delicate palm. For Mimi, the two weeks off had "een nothing short of heaven. She had picked up not one "ut two yummy human familiars on the trip, had had her fill of them, and felt like she could con5uer the world. She was eager to start the new semester. + new season always meant another e,cuse to go shopping. 9ike !liss, Mimi was an,ious, too. +n,ious to get to !arneys today "efore it closed. !liss forced herself to pay attention to the %eadmistress)s semiannual pep talk##+nother semester of e,cellence awaits you in the halls of Duchesne, "lah "lah "lah## when the chapel doors flew open with a "ang. %eads swiveled to look at what had caused the commotion. + "oy stood at the threshold. + very, very handsome "oy.

*/h, er, sorry. Didn)t mean to do that. Slip of the fingers, eh7* he asked. *'o, no, it)s okay. ome on in, Bingsley. (ou can have a seat up here in front,* the %eadmistress said, waving him forward. &he "oy grinned. %e swaggered down the aisle, his walk a rolling, slouching gait. %is "lack hair gleaming, a forelock saucily slanting over his left eye, he e,uded a cocky confidence to go along with his model#perfect good looks. %e wore a loose white o,ford shirt and tight "lack 2eans, as if he had 2ust stepped off of a D cover. 9ike all of the girls assem"led, !liss couldn)t take her eyes off him. +s though he could feel her stare, he turned around and looked at her directly in the eye. +nd winked.
CHAPTER 1F

%is name was Bingsley Martin, and he was a 2unior. &he female populace at Duchesne agreed$ even his name was se,y. &he minute he appeared, it was as if a wild# fire had spread among the girls. 0ithin a week, his accom# plishments were legendary. +lready, he had "een tapped to start on the school)s lacrosse, soccer, and crew teams. Just as impressive, he was an academic sharpshooter. %e had slain the crusty +4 -nglish teacher with his presentation on Dante)s Inferno, titled *&aco %ell,* where he had compared the circles of hell to common fast#food esta"lishments. In +4 alculus, he had solved a complicated pro"lem set in record time. It didn)t hurt that he was what the girls called a knee# trem"ler. %e was devastatingly handsome. &he kind of handsome that com"ined %ollywood glamour with dapper -uropean sophistication and a trace of mischief. &he new "oy looked fun. +nd 2ust like that, Jack Force "ecame old news. &he girls had all gone to school with Jack Force since preschool. Bingsley presented a new, dashing, and mysterious alternative. Mimi Force gave !liss the rest of the scoop after lunch while they reapplied lip gloss in the girls) "athroom.

*%e)s a !lue !lood,* Mimi said, making an A shape with her mouth as she slathered on the shine. *'o kidding,* !liss replied. /f course he was a vampire##she knew that the minute she laid eyes on him. She)d never met another vampire who flaunted his !lue !lood status so pu"licly. It was a surprise he hadn)t "ared his fangs in front of the whole school. *I met him at the Four %undred !all,* Mimi said. *%is family 2ust moved here from 9ondon, "ut he grew up everywhere$ %ong Bong, 'ew (ork, apetown. &hey)re like, related to royalty or something. %e has some sort of title "ut he doesn)t use it.* *Should we curtsy7* !liss 2oked. Mimi frowned. *It)s not a 2oke. &hey)re like, ma2or. 9anded estates, advisers to the Hueen, the whole she"ang.* !liss refrained from rolling her eyes. Sometimes Mimi was so stu""orn a"out her sno""ery, it s5uee6ed all the fun out of life. &hey e,ited the "athroom and "umped into the o"2ect of their discussion. Bingsley was walking out of the "oys) locker room, carrying a thick, leather#"ound "ook. %e looked rakish and wickedly charming. %is eyes danced when he saw them. *9adies,* he said, "owing. Mimi smirked. *0e were 2ust talking a"out you.* *+ll good things, I hope,* he said, looking directly at !liss. *&his is my friend !liss. %er dad)s a senator,* Mimi said, el"owing !liss roughly. *I know,* Bingsley said, his smile deepening. !liss tried hard to keep her composure. 0hen he looked at her that way, it felt as if she was standing there with no clothes on. &he second "ell rang, which meant they had five minutes to get to their ne,t class. *<otta go. Borgan)s senile "ut he can "e an asshole,* Mimi said, heading for the stairs. *+h, 2ust make him shut up,* Bingsley said. *Don)t you know how to do that yet7*

*0hat are you talking a"out7* !liss asked. Mimi laughed nervously. *%e)s talking a"out using the glom on teachers. (ou know, mind control. Bingsley, you 2oker, you know we)re not supposed to do that. It)s against the ode. If the 0ardens ever found out...* !lue !lood teens were e,pressly for"idden from using their powers or showing off their superhuman strengths until they had reached adulthood. +nd even then, the ode of the 3ampires was very clear on that policy$ humans were not to "e toyed with. &hey were to "e respected. &he !lue !loods were supposed to "ring peace and "eauty and light to the world, not use their superior powers to dominate and rule. *0ardens Shmardens,* Bingsley 2oked with a dismissive wave. *&hey never know what)s going on. /r do you still "elieve they can read your mind7* he teased. *(ou)re funny. 0e)ll talk later,* Mimi said, heading out. *I should go too,* !liss said nervously. *0ait.* !liss raised her eye"rows. *(ou)ve "een avoiding me,* Bingsley said simply. It was not an accusation, "ut a statement of fact. %e shifted the "ook he was carrying to his other hip. !liss glanced at it 5uickly. It didn)t look like a te,t"ook. It looked similar to one of those old reference "ooks from the Repository that /liver had used in their research on the roatan. *0hat are you talking a"out7 I 2ust met you.* *%ave you forgotten already7* Bingsley asked. *Forgotten what7*

Bingsley si6ed !liss up and down, from her new hloe "allerina flats to her highlighted hair. *I liked the green gown. +nd the necklace, of course. + perfect touch. !ut I think I liked you "etter wet and soaking. %elpless.* *(ou were the "oy at the park,* !liss gasped. &he "oy who had rescued her had "een Bingsley, not Dylan. Bingsley7 %ow7 0hich meant, she thought with an ache in her heart, that Dylan was truly dead7 *(ou made a very pretty 9ady of the 9ake,* Bingsley said. !liss)s mind raced. So that meant she had danced with Bingsley at the after#party as well. %e was the "oy in the 4ierrot mask. *0hat happened to Dylan7* !liss whispered, a dread creeping into her heart. She had "een so sure Dylan was alive. !ut if he hadn)t "een the one who had rescued her in the lake, or who had danced with her at the party...then she had to face it. She was holding on to a dream. %e was gone forever, and he wasn)t coming "ack. *0ho)s Dylan7* *It doesn)t matter,* !liss said, as she tried to process this new reality and a"sor" the information. *0hat did you mean, then, the night of the party, when you said you hadn)t "een gone for long. Do we##do we know each other7* she asked. Bingsley looked serious for once. *+h. I am sorry. (ou lot are a "it delayed here, yes7 (ou do not recogni6e me yet. I truly am sorry. I had thought you knew me when we were dancing. !ut I was mistaken.* *0ho are you7* !liss asked. Bingsley put his mouth to !liss)s ear and whispered softly, *I am the same as you.* &he final "ell rang. Bingsley wagged his eye"rows and grinned. *I)ll see you around, !liss.* !liss slumped against the wall, her knees shaking, her heart galloping in her chest. %e had stood so close to her, she could still feel his "reath on her cheek. 0ho was he really7 0hat was he talking a"out7 +nd would she ever discover what had truly happened to Dylan7

CHAPTER ?G The "inute S&hu%ler )alked do)n to 'reak!ast on 7rida% "orning$ she noti&ed so"ething di!!erent a'out the living roo"** sunlight. The roo" )as 'right )ith sun$ dro)ned in sun. The &anvas &overs on the !urniture )ere re"oved$ and the ra% o! sunshine through the )indo)s )as so strong it )as 'linding. 6a)ren&e +an Alen stood in the "iddle o! the roo"$ e3a"ining an old portrait that hung over the !irepla&e. There )ere old* !ashioned stea"er trunks sta&ked in the hall)a%$ along )ith a large$ 'attered 6ouis +uitton !ootlo&ker. Hattie and :ulius stood around hi"$ &lasping their hands. Hattie sa) S&hu%ler !irst. 4Miss S&hu%ler> ( &ouldn t stop hi"**he had a ke%. He said he o)ned this house$ and he 'egan to open the &urtains and de"anded )e re"ove the drop &loths. He said he s %our grand!ather. -ut Mrs. Cordelia )as a )ido) sin&e ( ve kno)n her.4 4(t s all right$ Hattie. (t s !ine. :ulius$ ( ll handle this$4 S&hu%ler said$ soothing the sta!!. The "aid and &hau!!eur looked dou't!ull% at the interloper$ 'ut the% heeded S&hu%ler s )ords and e3&used the"selves !ro" the roo". 42hat are %ou doing here,4 S&hu%ler de"anded. 4( thought %ou )ere keeping out o! it.4 She tried to !eel anger$ 'ut all she !elt )as elation. Her grand!ather> Had he &hanged his "ind, 4(sn t it o'vious,4 6a)ren&e asked. 4( ve returned. /our )ords )ounded "e deepl%$ S&hu%ler. ( &ould not live )ith "%sel! kno)ing ho) &o)ardl% ( had a&ted. 7orgive "e$ it has 'een a long ti"e sin&e Cordelia and ( had "ade the pa&t. ( never e3pe&ted an%one )ould &o"e looking !or "e.4 He )alked over to the pi&ture )indo) overlooking the !rozen Hudson River. S&hu%ler had !orgotten that their living roo" had su&h a "arvelous vie). Cordelia had kept the &urtains dra)n !or %ears. 4( &ould not let %ou go 'a&k to %our old li!e$ alone. ( have 'een in e3ile long enough. (t is ti"e !or .e) /ork to re"e"'er the po)er and the glor% o! the +an Alen na"e. And ( have &o"e to raise %ou. /ou are$ a!ter all$ "% granddaughter.4 (n ans)er$ S&hu%ler 'uried hersel! in her grand!ather s ar"s and hugged hi" tight. 4Cordelia )as right a'out %ou. ( kne) she )ould 'e.4

-ut 'e!ore she &ould sa% an%thing "ore$ the door'ell &hi"ed loudl% several ti"es$ as i! so"eone )ere pressing it in a highl% agitated "anner. S&hu%ler looked at her grand!ather. 4Are %ou e3pe&ting so"eone,4 4.ot at the "o"ent. Anderson is 1oining "e in a )eek$ a!ter he has &losed up "% ho"es in +eni&e.4 He looked grave. 4(t appears "% return to the &it% )as not as se&ret as ( had hoped.4 Hattie "oved to ans)er the door$ 'ut 6a)ren&e )aved her a)a%. 4( ll handle this$4 he said as he opened the door. Charles 7or&e and several 2ardens !ro" The Co""ittee stood on the doorstep$ looking gri" and deter"ined. 4Ah$ 6a)ren&e.4 Charles 7or&e s"iled thinl% 4/ou have honored us )ith %our presen&e on&e again.4 4Charles.4 6a)ren&e nodded. 4Ma% )e &o"e in,4 4-% all "eans$4 6a)ren&e said gra&iousl%. 4S&hu%ler$ ( 'elieve %ou kno) ever%'od%. Charles$ Pris&illa$ 7ors%th$ Ed"und$ this is "% granddaughter$ S&hu%ler.4 4/eah$ u". Hi$4 S&hu%ler said$ )ondering )h% her grand!ather )as a&ting as i! the 2ardens had si"pl% dropped in !or a !riendl% visit. The% ignored S&hu%ler. 46a)ren&e$ ( " sorr% a'out this$4 Pris&illa 5uPont said in her gentle$ "elli!luous voi&e. 4( )as overruled.4 4(t s quite all right$ "% dear. ( "ust sa%$ it delights "e to see %ou so )ell. (t has 'een a long ti"e sin&e .e)port.4

4Too long$4 Pris&illa agreed. 4Enough o! this$4 Charles interrupted irrita'l%. 46a)ren&e$ ( do not re&all %our e3ile 'eing revoked. /ou "ust appear 'e!ore the Con&lave to !or"all% testi!%. (! %ou )ill &o"e )ith us$ please.4 42hat s happening,4 S&hu%ler &ried$ as t)o 2ardens took a hold o! 6a)ren&e s ar"s on either side. 42here are the% taking %ou,4 45o not !ear$ granddaughter$4 6a)ren&e said. 4(! ( do not have a &hoi&e$ ( shall go )illingl%. Charles$ %ou )ill !ind no &ontest !ro" "e. S&hu%ler$ ( should 'e 'a&k soon.4 Charles 7or&e snorted. 42e shall see a'out that.4 S&hu%ler )at&hed as the% led her grand!ather out the door and inside one o! the 'la&k &ars in !ront o! the 'uilding. She !elt like &r%ing. :ust )hen she thought help had !inall% arrived$ it )as taken a)a% as qui&kl% as it had &o"e. 4Has he gone,4 Hattie asked$ stor"ing in !ro" the kit&hen. 4Thank the 6ord.4 4He ll 'e 'a&k$4 S&hu%ler said. She )alked over to the portrait 6a)ren&e had 'een stud%ing. (t )as a painting o! a )edding$ hidden underneath an a&id*!ree &loth !or %ears$ dating !ro" the earl% eighteenth &entur%. There )as Cordelia in her )edding dress$ looking &o"el% and pri". The "an standing 'eside her$ )earing a &risp "orning suit and as&ot$ had the un"istaka'le$ ha)kish !eatures o! a %oung 6a)ren&e +an Alen. .e) /ork Herald Ar&hives 7E-R<AR/ 1G$ 1DE? MARR(A;E A..0<.CEME.T (.+(TAT(0.S HA+E -EE. (SS<E5 !or the "arriage o! Miss Caroline +ander'ilt$ daughter o!

Ad"iral and Mrs. +ander'ilt$ and Al!red$ 6ord -urlington$ on Thursda% evening$ 7e'ruar% ?F$ at si3 o &lo&k$ at the ho"e o! the 'ride ele&t s parents$ DGG 7i!th Avenue. The Reverend Mr. Cushing o! this &it% )ill o!!i&iate. Miss +ander'ilt )ill 'e attended '% her %ounger sister$ Miss Ava +ander'ilt$ and the Marquis o! Esse3 )ill a&t as 'est "an. There )ill 'e a re&eption a!ter the &ere"on%. The 'ride s !a"il% is pro"inent in so&iet%$ and a"ong the eight*hundred invited guests )ill 'e the governor o! .e) /ork and the "a%or o! this &it%. 6ord -urlington is an e3&hange 'roker$ doing 'usiness in 6ondon and .e) /ork$ and is the eldest son o! the 5uke and 5u&hess o! 5evonshire. The 'ride and groo" )ill then leave !or an e3tended tour o! the (ndian su'&ontinent. CHAPTER ?1

&he "oy stood precariously on the railing of the "alcony off the third#floor li"rary. 0hen the weather was warm, the "alcony was nicknamed * lu" Duschene* since students routinely took their lunches there, tanning, rolling up 2eans into shorts, girls un"uttoning their "louses as low as they dared, and "oys going as far as to take off their shirts. !ut it was the middle of January, and the windows that led out to the "alcony were usually locked. 'ot today. &oday, someone had opened the window, letting an arctic "last inside the li"rary, and that someone was now outside, "alancing on a slim, four#inch iron rail. Jack was on his way "ack from the music "uilding when he came upon a lively crowd gathered in the cortile, the courtyard "ehind the main school. %e saw Schuyler slip through the side entrance, her face lined with concern as she spoke to her friend /liver, the Red !lood. %e tore his eyes away from her, wishing he were the one she would turn to for comfort, and looked up to where several people were pointing, and noticed the "oy. %e was a freshman, a Red !lood, and he stood on the railing with a "lank, da6ed look on his face. *Jump8* Soos Bem"le screeched, collapsing in giggles. *0hat does he think he)s doing7* another girl asked, horrified and titillated at the same time. Jack noticed that the crowd was amused "y the situation. %alf of them were eagerly, if unconsciously, rooting for the "oy to fall. lasses would "e canceled for the rest of the day for sure. * )mon8 <et it over with8 I have a 4re#calc 5ui6 I don)t feel like taking this afternoon8* someone called.

In one corner, hidden "ehind a hedge that surrounded a stone "ench, Jack)s supersensitive hearing picked up the sound of Bingsley Martin, the new "oy, laughing with Mimi. *Make him do a pirouette,* Mimi said. Bingsley waved his hand, and the "oy on the ledge e,ecuted a "allerina turn. &he crowd gasped. !ut the "oy landed on his feet. %e looked shocked at what had 2ust happened, almost as if he had no control.... 'o control... Jack glanced sharply at Bingsley. %e knew in an instant what was happening. Bingsley was using the glom to con# trol the "oy)s mind, as a puppet master would pull the strings. +t ommittee meetings, they had "een told there would "e strict punishments for using their powers on the Red !loods without provocation. Jack felt a deep rage rise within him. &he stupid, arrogant fool. Bingsley was going to put them all in danger. *Release him8* Jack commanded, holding up a palm, his eyes shooting daggers at Bingsley. &he crowd turned to see who was causing the scene. *+w, we were 2ust having a "it of fun, mate,* Bingsley said, and with another flick of his wrist, the "oy stopped turning. &he "oy screamed to find himself alone on top of the "alcony. %e wo""led= his left foot slipped off the edge.... *Martin8 !ring him down8 '/08* *If you insist,* Bingsley said, looking "ored already. &he "oy regained his "alance and safely stepped off the railing onto the terrace. *Modo caecus,* Jack whispered, sending a "linding spell over any of the humans who had congregated, to make them forget what they had seen. *&hat was foolish and dangerous, not to mention cruel and petty,* Jack said, confronting Bingsley. %e had never felt so angry in his life. +nd to see Mimi standing there ne,t to him was even worse. 0as he actually 2ealous7 /r was he 2ust angry and disappointed to

find his sister engaging in such low "ehavior7 *Stop "eing a spoilsport, Force,* Bingsley said. *'o harm done, eh7* *(eah, Jack, get off it,* Mimi said. *It)s 2ust a frosh. 'othing would have happened.* *&hat)s not the point, Mimi,* Jack said. *&he 0ardens will hear of this.* */h, the 0ardens.* Bingsley laughed. *9isten, why don)t you come after me yourself7* he taunted. */r are you too much of a Red !lood lover you)ve forgotten your !lood is "lue7* Jack "lushed to the roots of his fine "lond hair. *(ou Forces##or whatever your call yourselves these days##would "e nothing without my family, without the sacrifices we made,* Bingsley said darkly. %e turned on his heel and started to walk away. *+ny time you want to eat your words, Force, you know where to find me.* *Jack, it)s 2ust a 2oke,* Mimi said, trying to mollify her "rother. *Drop it,* Jack said, shrugging off her hand from his shoulder. %e walked away 5uickly, and Mimi followed him, a cross look on her face. *Jack, wait, c)mon.* !ut Jack didn)t turn around. %is ears were "urning from em"arrassment at lashing out like that in pu"lic. %ad that "een wise7 %e)d had to stop Bingsley, hadn)t he7 /r was he 2ust "eing humorless like his sister had said7 +nd anyway, what was Bingsley talking a"out7 0hat sacrifices had the Martins made7 %e would have to ask his father a"out this.
CHAPTER ??

/liver had saved her a seat ne,t to his in hem la". %e handed Schuyler her goggles, and she put on her lead apron. *0hat are we doing today7* she asked, fitting the goggles over her nose. /liver was already wearing his. &he whole class looked like a team of welders. +cross the room, Mimi loudly complained that the goggles gave her an ugly red mark on her nose, "ut no one paid much attention. *Making candy again7* Schuyler asked. /liver checked the !unsen "urner and turned it on slowly, so it emitted a small, red flame. *(up.* In the past, Duchesne had had one of the most inventive and charismatic science teachers on the su"2ect. In fact, hem la" was so popular among the students that "oth 2uniors and sophomores were allowed to take it as due to an unfortunate affair an elective. !ut Mr. +nthony, the "oyish, enthusiastic, and recent (ale grad, had "een discharged from the school over winter "reak with one of his students, who had gotten pregnant. Mr. +nthony was fired, and the student e,pelled. &his was not Degrassi Junior %igh, after all. &his was Duchesne. 0hich was all well and good, e,cept that with Mr. +nthony and his advanced, yet e,citing, la" e,periments gone :last semester they had turned copper into gold, or at least gold plate;, the students were stuck with "oring old Mr. Borgan, whose sylla"us included a series of e,periments each duller than the ne,t. alculating density. Determining the composition of water. Identifying a solution as acid, "ase, or neutral. (aawwwn. Mr. Borgan was so slow that for two weeks the class was involved in creating a chemical reaction in hydrogen and fructose otherwise known as turning sugar and water into candy. Schuyler was ready to place a "eaker filled with water a"ove the "urner, when Mr. Borgan announced they were going to do something different that day. *I would like you to##cough switch la" partners every week. &he class has grown very disruptive of late and so I must## cough separate you from your friends. 0ill the partner on the left please step down to the ne,t ta"le, and so on, and we will keep this rotation every week.*

/liver and Schuyler looked pained. *See you after class,* /liver called as Schuyler collected her things and moved over to the ne,t ta"le, where Bingsley Martin was standing. If anything, the large plastic goggles on his face only served to enhance his "eauty "y highlighting how nothing could put a damper on his good looks##not even "ug#eyed plastic shades. Bingsley could wear polyester pants and a <roucho mustache and still look hot. Schuyler hadn)t seen much of Bingsley since he arrived, although she had heard all the raves a"out him, and had witnessed his arrogant performance at the cortile that morning. *Shame a"out your grandfather,* he said as a greeting. Schuyler tried not to show her shock. !ut then, Bingsley was a !lue !lood. %is parents were pro"a"ly high#ranking mem"ers of the coven. *%e)ll "e all right,* she said tersely, waiting for the water in the "eaker to "oil. */h, I)m sure. I 2ust wish I were there to see 9awrence and harles "attle it out. Just like the old days.* *.h#huh.* Schuyler nodded, not wanting to get into the conversation. She hadn)t even told /liver a"out 9awrence)s return. She felt superstitious a"out it. 0hat if &he ommittee 2ust sent him "ack to Italy posthaste7 &hen there wouldn)t even "e anything to tell. *&ell me, are you still hung up on that "oy7* *-,cuse me7* Schuyler asked, holding a test tu"e. *'othing.* Bingsley shrugged innocently. *If that)s how you want to play it,* he said teasingly. 0hen Bingsley wasn)t looking, Schuyler studied his pro# file. %e had "een at the Four %undred !all, she)d heard. ould he could he have "een the "oy "ehind the mask she had kissed at the after#party7 Schuyler su"consciously put a hand over her lips. If he was the "oy she had kissed, did that mean that even though she found him repulsive, there was actually something a"out him that she found attractive7 /liver was always 5uoting from Foucault, saying that desire stemmed from revulsion. + random thought flew into her head$ what if the "oy "ehind the mask had "een /liver7 &here had "een Red !loods at the party...and /liver hated "eing left out of anything fun. %e would have "een a"le to find out a"out it, she was sure. %ad she felt

drawn to the "oy in the mask "ecause he was her "est friend7 %ad they kissed7 0as that why he was so nice to her lately7 &reating her with so much tenderness7 She peeked across the room at him, watching him grimace as Mimi Force, his la" partner, "urned the fructose so that it melted into a sickeningly sweet##smelling disaster. If she had kissed /liver, did that mean they were more than friends now7 0ould they have to start dating7 0as she even attracted to him7 She looked at his chestnut hair flopping over his eyes, and thought of how, in 3enice, she had wanted nothing more than to taste his "lood. Did that e5ual attraction7 +nd who knew how he felt a"out her7 Schuyler placed the perfectly molded candy s5uares on the ta"le, and caught the eye of another "oy across the room. Jack Force. %er stomach immediately tied up in knots. Suddenly Schuyler knew she was 2ust kidding herself She might toy with the idea of liking Bingsley or /liver. !ut really she knew she nursed a not#so#secret hope a"out the identity of the "oy she had kissed$ she wished for one name and one name only. Jack.
CHAPTER ?@

0hen Schuyler arrived home from school, 9awrence still had not returned. She asked Julius to "ring her grandfather)s luggage up to ordelia)s room. It looked forlorn and lonesome in the entryway. %attie had prepared supper, and Schuyler took a tray up to her room, eating her meat loaf and mashed potatoes in front of her computer. ordelia would never have allowed such a thing. %er grandmother had "een vigilant that Schuyler eat dinner properly at the ta"le every night. !ut then, ordelia wasn)t around to enforce her rules anymore. Schuyler fed !eauty scraps from her plate as she checked her e#mail and made a halfhearted attempt to finish her homework. +fterward, she "rought her tray down to the kitchen and helped %attie load the dishwasher. It was after nine o)clock. %er grandfather had "een gone for more than twelve hours already. %ow long could the meeting have lasted7

Finally, at a little past midnight, 9awrence)s key turned in the lock. %e looked e,hausted. &he lines on his face were haggard. Schuyler thought he looked as if he had aged several decades. *0hat happened7* she asked, alarmed at his condition. She flew up from the window seat where she had "een do6ing. &he living room, removed of its heavy drapes and covers, was a surprisingly comforta"le place. %attie had lit a fire in the hearth, and Schuyler couldn)t get enough of the river view. 9awrence set his crushed fedora on the rack and sank into one of the anti5ue couches across from the fire. Dust flew as he shifted in his seat. *I do think ordelia could have put some money into keeping this place a little cleaner,* he grum"led. *I left her with 5uite a nest egg.* ordelia had always given Schuyler the impression that they had run out of money, and what little they had went to financing the "are necessities$ Duchesne tuition, food, shelter, the skeletal staff. +nything aside from that##new clothes, money for movies or restaurants was grudgingly parceled out dollar "y dollar. *<randmother always said we were "roke,* Schuyler said. *In contrast to how we lived once, surely. !ut we 3an +lens are far from "ankrupt. I checked the accounts today. ordelia invested wisely. &he interest has "een collecting interest. 0e should "e a"le to "ring this house "ack to where it should "e.* *(ou went to the "ank7* Schuyler asked, a little startled. *I had to run a num"er of errands, yes. It)s "een a long time since I was in the city. Marvelous how the world has changed. /ne forgets that in 3enice. Ran into several friends. ushing arondolet insisted I dine with him at the old clu". I)m sorry, I would have come "ack earlier, "ut I had to find out what harles has "een up to in my a"sence.* *!ut what happened with &he ommittee7* 9awrence took a cigar out of his pocket and carefully lit it. */h, at the hearing7* *(es,* Schuyler said impatiently, mystified "y 9awrence)s casual attitude. *0ell, they "rought me into the Repository,* 9awrence said. *I had to speak in front of the onclave##the coven)s highest leadership. 0ardens, -lders. -nmortals like me.* -nmortals were vampires who kept the same physical shell over the centuries, who had "een given permission to "e e,empt from the cycle of sleeping and waking, otherwise known as reincarnation.

*'ever seen such a sorry "unch,* 9awrence said, pursing his lips in distaste. *Forsyth 9lewellyn is a senator##did you know that7 !ack in 4lymouth he was 2ust Michael)s lackey. It)s a disgrace. +nd completely against the ode. It wasn)t always so, you know. 0e have ruled "efore. !ut after the disaster in Rome, we agreed that taking positions of power in the human sphere was forever out of the 5uestion.* Schuyler nodded. ordelia had told her as much. *+nd they)ve kicked out the arondolets from the onclave, ushing told me all a"out it. !ecause he had proposed a andidus Suffragium.* *0hat is that7* *&he 0hite 3ote. For the leadership of the coven,* 9awrence said, kicking off his "anker)s cap#toes and waving his stockinged feet in front of the fire. *!ut I thought Michael## harles##was Regis. Forever.* *'ot 5uite,* 9awrence said, flicking his ashes into an ashtray he had removed from his 2acket pocket. *'o7* *'o. &he coven is not a democracy. !ut it is not a monarchy either. 0e had agreed that leadership can "e 5uestioned if the coven feels the Regis has not led us properly. So the 0hite 3ote is called.* *%as there ever "een a 0hite 3ote7* *(es.* 9awrence sunk so low into the chair that only the smoke from his cigar was visi"le. */nce, in 4lymouth.* *0hat happened7* *I lost.* 9awrence shrugged. *&hey "anished ordelia and me from the onclave. Since then, we have held no power on the council.

0e "owed to their rule, and later on, around the time of the <ilded +ge, we decided we had to separate.* *0hy7* Schuyler asked. * ordelia told you we suspected that a high#ranking mem"er of the onclave was har"oring the Silver !lood. I thought it would "e safer for her if I disappeared for a while, so I could continue our investigation without &he ommittee knowing a"out it. 0e thought it was clever of us. !ut alas, it meant that I was not here when +llegra succum"ed to her heartsickness. /r when you were "orn. +nd my work so far has "een fruitless. I am no closer to confirming my suspicions than I was "efore.* *!ut what happened##why did they let you go free7 I thought you were e,iled.* 9awrence chuckled. *So did they. &hey had forgotten I went into e,ile voluntarily. I don)t think any of them ever e,pected me to come "ack. &hey didn)t really have much of a choice. I haven)t "roken any rules of the ode. &here was no reason to prohi"it my return. Still, "ecause I have "een gone for so long they demanded that I testify.* *&estify to what7* */h, to promise not to 5uestion the oven)s leadership as I had once done. (ou know, call for another 0hite 3ote. &hey even reinstated my position on the onclave, as long as I promised not to "ring up the Silver !lood menace again. +ccording to harles, the roatan threat has "een contained, if it ever e,isted at all.* *Just "ecause no one)s died in the last three months,* Schuyler said. *(es. &hey are "lind as usual. &he Silver !loods are "ack. It was 2ust as ordelia and I had warned, so many years ago.* *!ut everything else is all right, then,* Schuyler said hap# pily, not caring a"out the roatan threat for the moment. *(ou)re "ack, and they can)t do anything a"out it.* %e studied the fireplace sorrowfully. *'ot 5uite. I have some "ad news.* Schuyler)s smile faded.

* harles has informed me he is making plans to adopt you.* *0hat7 0hy7* harles Force##adopt her7 0hat gave him the right7 0hat kind of sick 2oke was this7 *.nfortunate as it is, he is, nonetheless, your uncle. 0hen +llegra, his sister, revoked their "ond and refused to take him as her partner in this cycle, he turned his "ack on the 3an +len family. +ctually, he did everything he could to destroy this family. &o destroy your mother. %e could never forgive her for marrying your father and giving "irth to you. %e hardened his heart against her. %e even changed his name.* Schuyler thought of the many times she had found harles Force kneeling "y her mother)s "edside. %e had "een her mother)s constant visitor, and she had overheard him "egging +llegra for her forgiveness. *%ence, he is your last living "lood relative, aside from me, of course. !ut there is no record of my e,istence in this cycle in fact, according to the papers, I)m legally dead. I died in >?@C. &hank goodness for Swiss "anks. /ur accounts are merely numerical codes, otherwise I would not have "een a"le to touch them. harles has decided that I am not fit to raise you. %e wants to raise you himself.* %er uncle. ordelia had intimated as much, and yet Schuyler had refused to acknowledge this fact of her twisted family tree. *!ut they can)t...I mean, he)s not...I don)t even know him.* *Do not worry, I won)t let that happen. +llegra would want nothing more than to keep you away from him,* 9awrence said. *0hy does he hate you so much7* Schuyler asked, a glimmer of tears in her "right "lue eyes. 9awrence had finally returned, and again the forces or make that, the Forces were conspiring to take him away from her. Schuyler thought of what adoption might "e like$ having to live with Mimi and Jack, her cousins. Mimi would love that, she was sure....+nd Jack, what would he think7 * D&hey will "e pided, father against son, son against father,) 9awrence said, 5uoting from Scripture. *+las, I have always "een a disappointment to my son.* 'ew (ork %erald

+rchives S-4&-M!-R IA, >?@C DIS+44-+R+' - S&I99 + M(S&-R( Maggie Stanford has given no sign in two years. Father dead of grief, mother demented. &%- M(S&-R( S.RR/.'DI'< the disappearance of Maggie Stanford, now eighteen years old, who disappeared on the night of the annual 4atrician !all two years ago, has yet to "e solved. &he police never found a ransom note or any indication of kidnapping or foul play in relation to the case, and have suggested the girl ran away of her own volition. Mrs. Dorothea Stanford, of 'ewport, has reportedly "ecome mentally un"alanced from the shock of her daughter)s disappearance. Mr. Stanford died from grief shortly after Maggie went missing. Strange hallucinations continue to afflict the mother, who claims that her neigh"ors and friends are concealing the truth a"out her daughter)s wherea"outs and keeping her from coming home. &he %erald visited Mrs. Stanford in her home, and from what could "e made of Mrs. Stanford)s speech, she is still la"oring under the impression that someone has her girl in custody and refuses to release her. &he %erald has discovered that Maggie Stanford had "een living at the St. Dymphna +sylum in 'ewport for a year "efore she went missing, receiving treatment for an unknown condition. +nyone having any information on her disappearance is urged to come forward.
CHAPTER ?A Chi& "agazine )as lo&ated in a snazz% ne) steel*and* glass 'uilding in the "iddle o! Ti"es Square. (t )as 1ust one o! the high*pro!ile "edia properties o)ned '% the Christie*-est organization$ a &onglo"erate that also &ounted 7lash$ =iss$ Splendid$ and Mine a"ong its "an% other one*)ord*onl% gloss% titles. (ts lo''% )as a serene$ "ar'led spa&e )ith a dri''ling Jen !ountain and an ar"% o! 'lue 1a&keted se&urit% guards )ho "anned the on%3 re&eption desks. 0ne a!ternoon a!ter s&hool$ -liss stood patientl% in the lo''% )hile )aiting !or the guard to &all up to Chi& s "odel 'ooker !or

entran&e. 7arns)orth Models had sent her !or a go*see$ an appoint"ent to see i! the "agazine )ould like to hire -liss !or their ne3t photo shoot. -liss )as )earing her standard go*see out!it# tight$ tight dark*)ash Stit&hed !or Civilization 1eans$ 6anvin !lats$ a loose )hite 'louse. Her !a&e )as !reshl% s&ru''ed and !ree o! "akeup$ as advised '% her agen&%. -liss had 'een "u&h in de"and sin&e she had 'ooked the Stit&hed &a"paign$ and the photos o! her in the dazzling 5ior dress had 'een reprinted all over the glo'e**&ro)ning her the ne) %oung so&ialite 8and displa&ing Mi"i in the international 'est*dressed list9. She had shot a shoe ad$ a ;ap ad$ and had alread% done a !ive* page editorial spread in =iss. Chi& )as the "other lode$ the top o! the gloss% heap$ and )hile -liss thought "odeling )as a 'it o! a lark$ she also )anted the gig ver% "u&h. 4S&hu%ler +an Alen$4 she heard the girl at the ne3t station tell the guard. 4S&hu%ler> Are %ou here !or the Chi& go*see,4 -liss asked$ pleasantl% surprised to !ind S&hu%ler there as )ell. 4( a".4 S&hu%ler s"iled 'a&k. Ever sin&e her grand* "other s passing$ she had turned do)n the "odeling oppor* tunities that had &o"e !ast and !urious a!ter her Ti"es Square Stit&hed !or Civilization 'ill'oard. -ut 6inda 7arns)orth had &onvin&ed her to keep the Chi& appoint"ent$ and S&hu%ler had agreed$ i! onl% to keep her "ind o!! the distressing ne)s that Charles 7or&e )anted to adopt her. As usual$ S&hu%ler looked like a raga"u!!in in her tat* tered s)eater$ e"pire*)aist tuni&$ !ootless tights$ and :a&k Pur&ell sneakers$ )ith several la%ers o! plasti& 'eads draped around her ne&k. Although$ it should 'e noted that several !ashion editors )ho had spotted her in the lo''% had qui&kl% noti&ed her unique st%le$ and three "onths later$ the pages o! =iss$ Splendid$ and 7lash )ould all !eature an out!it eeril% si"ilar to the one S&hu%ler )as )earing. 4/ou girls &an go up$4 the guard told the"$ 'eeping the" through the auto"ati& turnstiles. The Chi& o!!i&e )as on the tenth !loor$ and S&hu%ler and -liss !elt a little inti"idated '% the i""a&ulate surroundings. The interior )aiting area )as lined )ith poster*size 'lo)ups o! the "ost !a"ous Chi& "agazine &overs a virtual tour o! the "ost &ele'rated 'eauties o! the t)entieth and t)ent%*!irst &entur%.

A grand"otherl% re&eptionist advised the" to take a seat on one o! the )hite -ar&elona &hairs. The girls &hatted quietl% a'out neutral topi&s# s&hool gos* sip$ tests$ )h% the &a!eteria )as suddenl% serving hot dogs. The% 'oth studiousl% avoided the topi& o! 5%lan s death**S&hu%ler$ 'e&ause she !eared it )ould hurt -liss too "u&h$ and -liss$ 'e&ause she !elt there )as nothing "ore to sa%$ sin&e the 'o% in the lake had turned out to 'e =ingsle%. 4/ou ve 'een hanging out )ith =ingsle% a lot$4 S&hu%ler said$ )hen -liss "entioned he had taken her to a part% at the hot ne) &lu'$ 5isaster. 4/eah.4 -liss 'it her thu"'. She )as sitting !or)ard on the edge o! the &hair$ not quite &o"!orta'le enough to take up too "u&h spa&e. She held her 'la&k$ "odeling port!olio on her lap. 4He s &ool.4 -liss still hadn t !igured out )ho or )hat =ingsle% had 'een in her past$ although she had to ad"it he "ade the present prett% !un. He see"ed to have it in his "ind that -liss )as his girl!riend$ and the t)o o! the" spent "ost o! their !ree ti"e together. =ingsle% al)a%s see"ed to have the latest invitations to the 'est parties$ and )ith hi" at her side$ -liss no longer !elt like a )all!lo)er$ 'ut "ore like a so&ial 'utter!l%. -esides$ her o)n gro)ing !a"e )as "aking her in&reasingl% &on!ident a"ong the glittering denizens o! .e) /ork nightli!e. Even Mi"i had sourl% "entioned ho) si&k she )as o! seeing -liss s na"e in 'old!a&e in the ne)spaper &olu"ns. 4Ho) s 0liver,4 -liss asked. 47ine$4 S&hu%ler said a'ruptl%. (n truth$ 0liver had 'een a tad distant latel%$ a!ter 'eing so &o""iserative 'e!ore. Ma%'e it )as a rea&tion to her pulling a)a% !ro" hi"$ or his o)n reservations a'out the &hanging nature o! their relationship. The transition !ro" 'est !riend to hu"an Conduit )as not an eas% one to "aneuver. The% stopped talking )hen a )illo)% 'runette )alked through the glass doors. She )as )earing a loose peasant 'louse 'elted at the hips$ skinn% deni" shorts$ patterned tights$ and )edge heels. The e!!e&t )as quirk% and o!!'eat$ as i! she d thro)n the out!it together at the last "inute$ )hen in realit% it had pro'a'l% taken hours o! stud%ing run)a% shots and &are!ul &al&ulation o! ea&h ele"ent s relationship to the out!it as a )hole )eighing the options as "eti&ulousl% as a an artist "i3ing paints.

4-liss, S&hu%ler,4 she &alled. 4Chantal,4 S&hu%ler asked. 4.o$ ( " =eaton$ Chantal s assistant.4 4As in 5iane or -uster,4 S&hu%ler 1oked. =eaton ignored her. 4Chantal s late at an a&&essories "eeting$ 'ut she told "e to 'ring %ou in$4 she said &onde* s&endingl%. =eaton led the" through the )hite &arpeted hall)a%$ )here girls dressed in si"ilar !ashiona'le e&&entri&it% glided through the "aze o! &u'i&les in !our*in&h heels. Rolling ra&ks o! &lothing )ere parked against the )all$ )ith &ards and notations on hangers that read 4:A. 7R0.T 07 -00=$4 4RE:ECTS$4 4;0$4 4-RA..0. MT;$4 4RET<R.S$4 and 4(.5EK.4 Chantal s o!!i&e )as a "ess o! "odeling port!olios$ and one solid )all )as !illed )ith hundreds o! "odels gloss% eight*'%* tens and Polaroid pi&tures. There )ere 'lue pages o! ne3t "onth s &over$ "o&k*ups o! the 7e'ruar% issue$ and a little tea&up*size terrier %apping in the &orner. 42ait here$4 =eaton ordered. 45on t "ove.4 S&hu%ler and -liss did as told$ even though -liss reall% )anted a glass o! )ater and S&hu%ler )as d%ing to use the 'athroo". -ut the at"osphere at Chi& )as so inti"idating$ and =eaton so hu"orless$ neither o! the" )anted to risk it. An hour later$ Chantal !inall% arrived. -liss e3pe&ted another tall gla"azon$ 'ut Chantal )as a s"all$ short$ pin&hed*looking )o"an )ith a pi3ie hair&ut and &at s* e%e glasses. She )ore a loose APC s)eatshirt and 'agg% trousers$ as )ell as &o"!orta'le 8'ut li"ited edition and there!ore$ punishingl% e3pensive9 :apanese sneakers. 4Hi girls$4 she said 'riskl%$ then i""ediatel% &alled out$ 4=eaton> M% Polaroid> 5idn t ( tell %ou to 'ring it,4 She sat at her desk and !lipped through ea&h o! their port!olios qui&kl%. 4/es$ sa) that. .i&e. 0oh. .ot 'ad. 6ike that one$ not

so "u&h that$4 she "uttered. She sla""ed 'oth 'ooks &losed and instru&ted the" to pose against the one 'lank )all in her o!!i&e as she took several shots o! ea&h girl )ith her &a"era. -liss )ent !irst. (t )as all 'usiness as usual until -liss suddenl% !ainted as the !lash'ul' e3ploded in her !a&e. 40h "% ;od. She s not anore3i&$ is she, ( "ean$ it s !ine i! she is$ ;od kno)s all the girls are. -ut ( &an t have her doing that on the shoot$4 Chantal said$ "ore anno%ed than &on&erned$ as -liss &ru"pled to the !loor. 4.o$ that s not it$4 S&hu%ler said$ )orried. She knelt do)n and put a hand on -liss s !orehead. 4(t s a little hot in here.4 -liss )as "aking odd groaning sounds and dr%*heaving. 4.o...;o a)a%....o...4 4(t ll 'e hotter on lo&ation$4 Chantal said darkl%. 4;od help "e i! she vo"its on "% &arpet.4 S&hu%ler glared at her$ anno%ed that the 'ooking editor see"ed to &are "ore a'out her o!!i&e than -liss s health. 4-liss, -liss, Are %ou oka%,4 she asked$ helping her !riend to her !eet. -liss 'linked her e%es open. 4S&hu%ler,4 she said throatil%. 4/eah.4 4( need to get out o! here$4 -liss i"plored. 4=eaton )ill )alk %ou out. ( ll let 6inda kno)$4 Chantal said as she pi&ked up the ringing telephone. (t )as o'vious the 'ooking editor had "oved on to other &on&erns on&e the threat o! pro1e&tile regurgitation had su'sided. S&hu%ler helped -liss out o! the o!!i&e. 4Stead%. Eas%.4 She pressed the do)n elevator 'utton and glared at a Christie*-est girl$ )ho gave the" a &urious look. 4( 'la&ked out$4 -liss said. 4Again.4

4Again,4 4(t happens all the ti"e no)$4 -liss told S&hu%ler a'out the night"ares she )as having and the dizz%ing e3perien&es o! )aking up and !inding hersel! in pla&es )here she had no "e"or% o! going. 4( ll 1ust )ake up and ( ll 'e so"e)here else$ )ith no idea )here ( a". ( guess it s all part o! the trans!or"ation$4 -liss said. 4/eah$ it s happened to "e too. .ot as dra"ati& as )hat %ou ve des&ri'ed$ 'ut a &ouple o! )eeks ago ( 'la&ked out. More like a hi'ernation$ 5r. Pat said.4 S&hu%ler e3plained her &ondition as she led -liss inside the elevator. 4Mine are prett% short$ and it s part o! the "e"or% !lash* 'a&ks$ e3&ept ( don t see" to re"e"'er an%thing$4 -liss e3plained$ looking relieved that she )asn t the onl% one )ho su!!ered !ro" the episodes. 4( guess )e 1ust need to deal )ith it.4 4=ingsle% said there are tri&ks to &oping )ith it. He s going to sho) "e ho).4 The elevator arrived in the lo''%$ and as the doors opened$ :a&k 7or&e entered. He )as )earing a 'la&k Christie*-est 4guest4 sti&ker on his lapel )ith 1GTH 7600R )ritten on it. 40h$ he%$4 he said$ looking so"e)hat e"'arrassed. 45on t tell us...4 -liss said$ grinning. 4:a&k 7or&e$ super*"odel> Can %ou sho) us -lue Steel,4 she 1oked$ quoting !ro" Joolander. 4Shhhh$4 :a&k said$ s"iling sheepishl%. 4(t s not "% idea. -ut the% need gu%s !or so"e up&o"ing shoot. Chantal s a !riend o! "% "o" s$ and )ell$ here ( a".4 42e 1ust sa) Chantal$4 -liss said$ keeping the &onver* sation a!loat sin&e S&hu%ler )as too sh% to speak to hi" dire&tl%. 4So ( guess ( ll see %ou gu%s at the shoot.4 :a&k grinned.

4/eah right$4 -liss said. 4( don t think so. ( !ainted )hen she took "% pi&ture$ and S&hu%ler didn t even get a Polaroid. ( don t think there s an% &han&e o! either o! us getting pi&ked.4 (t )as di!!i&ult to deter"ine )ho looked "ore disappointed :a&k or S&hu%ler**as the elevator doors shut. CHAPTER ?B 40n the !irst !loor$ past the Te"ple o! 5endur$ a"ong the sar&ophagi in the Eg%ptian antiquities se&tion$ there is a gold and lapis snake 'ra&elet that on&e 'elonged to Hatshepsut. ( )ould like %ou to 'ring it 'a&k to "e$4 6a)ren&e said$ holding up a stop)at&h. S&hu%ler and her grand!ather )ere standing in his stud%$ one o! the "an% roo"s that 6a)ren&e s return had opened. Alread%$ her grand!ather had &o""issioned &ontra&tors and ar&hite&ts to restore the "ansion to its !or"er glor%$ and the sound o! &onstru&tion on the !a&ade**drilling$ pounding$ ha""ering )as a dail% distur'an&e. -ut the inside o! 6a)ren&e s stud% )as as soundproo! and quiet as a to"'. (t )as the third da% o! her training. A )eek ago$ 6a)ren&e had 'een appalled to dis&over that The Co""ittee had done al"ost nothing to tea&h the ne)est &rop o! va"pires ho) to &ontrol and use their po)ers. S&hu%ler told hi" that the "ost the% ever did )as read a 'un&h o! 'ooks and "editate. 4.o one has undertaken a +elo3 test,4 he had asked$ raising his e%e'ro) in &onsternation. S&hu%ler shook her head. 42hat s that,4 40r learned the !our !a&tors o! the glo",4 4.o.4 S&hu%ler shook her head. 4Then none o! %ou have an% idea ho) to &ounter a Silver -lood atta&k$4 6a)ren&e said testil%.

4<". .o.4 6a)ren&e )as greatl% distur'ed$ and )ith the &lo&k ti&king **Charles 7or&e s adoption petition )as )inding its )a% through the !a"il% &ourt 'ureau&ra&%**)ho kne) ho) "u&h ti"e the% )ould have together,**+a"pire lessons had !or"all% 'egun. 4(! %ou )ant to kno) ho) to de!eat the Silver -loods$ and !ind out )ho or )hat is responsi'le !or their return$ %ou )ill have to learn ho) to use %our -lue -lood kno)ledge and a'ilities !irst.4 Her grand!ather had de&ided to 'egin )ith the +elo3$ or speed test. 4-eing s)i!t is not enough$4 6a)ren&e le&tured. 4/ou "ust 'e so !ast that %ou are undete&ta'le. So !ast that %ou do not set o!! alar"s. So !ast that no one &an see %ou. Most Red -loods think o! this as 4invisi'ilit%.4 -ut this is not a real trait. (n !a&t$ there is no su&h thing as invisi'ilit%. (t is 1ust that )e are so !ast$ )e are undete&ta'le to the hu"an e%e. 0n&e %ou "aster the art o! +elo3$ %ou )ill 'e a'le to 'e an%)here %ou )ant in a 'link o! an e%e. The Silver -loods are s)i!t**that is one o! their greatest po)ers. So %ou "ust 'e !aster than the%$ i! %ou are to survive.4 He gave her the instru&tions on ho) to !ind the 'ra&elet in the Metropolitan Museu" o! Art. Snake 'ra&elet. ;old and lapis. 7irst !loor. Eg%ptian antiquities. A"ong the sar&ophagi. 4;o$4 6a)ren&e said$ holding up the stop)at&h. S&hu%ler disappeared. -e!ore it had even &li&ked to the ne3t se&ond$ S&hu%ler had reappeared. 4-etter$4 he said. Several da%s ago$ it had taken her t)o "inutes to &o"plete the task. S&hu%ler held up the 'ra&elet. She had pi&ked the lo&k on the &ase so e3peditiousl% that the alar" had not had ti"e to register a distur'an&e. 6a)ren&e allo)ed a s"all s"ile to pla% on his lips. 4.o) return it.4 The ne3t da%$ S&hu%ler )as e3hausted !ro" the e!!ort %esterda% s lesson had required$ %et she "anaged to hide it. There )as

little ti"e !or )eaknessL she )anted to !orge ahead )ithout 6a)ren&e )orr%ing a'out )hat it )as &osting her. She )as eager to learn the tenets o! ani"adverto$ or 4intelligent sight.4 4The va"pire trait o! ani"adverto is another one that is !ounded in "%th and "isunderstanding$4 6a)ren&e le&tured. 4Hu"ans think that )e have the &apa&it% o! in!inite kno)ledge$ )hen in !a&t all )e have is a per!e&t photographi& "e"or%. (! %ou e3er&ise this a'ilit%$ %ou )ill 'e like "e$ a'le to quote ver'ati" !ro" ever% 'ook %ou have ever read in %our entire li!eti"e. 4The li'rar% o! Ale3andria has 'een lost to hu"ankind !or &enturies$ 'ut thank!ull%$ ( )as a vora&ious reader even then$4 6a)ren&e said$ pointing to his head. 4(t is all in here.4 42h% )ould )e need to kno) all this, Ho) is this help!ul to de!eating the Silver -loods,4 S&hu%ler asked. 4The Silver -loods put no value on learning$ and those )ho do not learn histor% are &onde"ned to repeat it. (t is i"perative that )e !ind tra&es$ &lues$ to their operations '% i""ersing ourselves in the histor% o! the )orld. Perhaps then one o! us )ill su&&ess!ull% !igure out the "%ster% o! their &ontinued e3isten&e.4 He gestured to the entire thirt%*'ook En&%&lopaedia -ritanni&a. 4Take a "ental snapshot o! ea&h page. Catalog it in %our "e"or%. 2ith %our speed$ this should take %ou less than !ive "inutes. -ut ( )ill give %ou an hour.4 6a)ren&e le!t the stud% and &losed the door 'ehind hi". At the appointed hour$ 6a)ren&e &a"e 'a&k to !ind S&hu%ler spla%ed on the &ou&h$ napping. 47inished,4 47i!t%*!ive "inutes ago.4 S&hu%ler grinned. 47ine. ;ive "e their de!inition o! the Eg%ptian reani"ation rite.4 S&hu%ler &losed her e%es and spoke in a slo)$ "easured voi&e$ al"ost as i! she )ere reading !ro" the page. 4The rite to prepare the de&eased !or a!terli!e$ per!or"ed on statues o! the de&eased$ the "u""% itsel!$ or statues o! a god lo&ated in a te"ple. An i"portant ele"ent o! the &ere"on% )as the ritual opening o! the "outh so the "u""% "ight 'reathe and eat.

The rite$ )hi&h s%"'olized the death and regeneration &on&ept o! the 0siris "%th$ in )hi&h the dis"e"'ered...4 4E3&ellent$4 6a)ren&e praised. 4/ou are doing ver% )ell !or %our age. +er% )ell indeed. (t is i"pressive. ( had thought that )ith %our "i3ed 'lood$ the va"pire strength )ould 'e diluted$ 'ut instead it is even "ore tena&ious.4 4;rand!ather,4 S&hu%ler asked hesitantl% as she helped hi" put the en&%&lopedia volu"es 'a&k on their proper shel!. 4/es,4 4(! va"pires &an do this. 2h% do )e need to go to s&hool, ( "ean$ is it reall% ne&essar%,4 40! &ourse$4 6a)ren&e replied. 42hat )e are doing here is "erel% rote "e"or%. S&hool tea&hes a di!!erent skill set entirel%# so&ialization$ de'ate$ learning to "i3 )ith hu"ans. 0ne "ust not alienate onesel! !ro" the "ainstrea". -lue -loods "ust understand their pla&e in the )orld 'e!ore )e &an atte"pt to &hange it. /ou "a% 'e a'le to &all up the entire en&%&lopedia$ 'ut a 'rain )ith no heart and no reasoning... )ell$ nothing is "ore "eaningless.4 S&hu%ler 'egan to look !or)ard to the tests ever% a!ternoon. 6a)ren&e presented her )ith the hardest one %et at the end o! the )eek. 4/ou have heard o! the glo"$4 6a)ren&e said. 4The a'ilit% to &ontrol hu"an "inds.4 4/es.4 S&hu%ler said. 40ne o! the "ost dangerous arts$ Pris&illa 5uPont said. -est that )e do not atte"pt it until )e are o! age.4 4Ridi&ulous. /ou need to learn it no)$ to prote&t %oursel! !ro" its sedu&tive e!!e&ts. -e&ause the glo" also )orks on -lue -loods. (t is a perni&ious Silver -lood te&hnique.4 S&hu%ler shuddered. 4So %ou "ust learn ho) to &ontrol it$ and de!end %oursel! against it. 2e shall tr% the !irst one$ 'e!ore ( &an prepare %ou !or the

se&ond.4 6a)ren&e de&ided. 4There are !our !a&tors to the glo". The !irst one is "erel% telepath%. The a'ilit% to read "inds. To read another s thoughts$ one "ust &on&entrate on their energ%**and strive to understand its sour&e. A "ind is like a puzzleL %ou "ust unlo&k it to read its hidden se&rets.4 4Anderson$ &o"e in here$ please.4 The )hite*haired gentle"an entered the roo". 4/es,4 4Anderson has 'een trained to resist the glo". He "ust$ i! he is going to 'e a good Conduit. 0ne &annot have a va"* pire s assistant &orrupted.4 7or the ne3t three hours$ S&hu%ler sat on one end o! a ta'le$ Anderson sat at the other. 6a)ren&e )ould hold up a !lash &ard to sho) Anderson$ and S&hu%ler had to guess )hat )as on the !lash &ard. 2hat is he thinking, She !o&used on his signal$ 'ut all she got )as stati&$ a dense gra% !og. 4Mueen o! hearts,4 S&hu%ler asked. 6a)ren&e sho)ed her an a&e o! spades. 4Ten o! &lu's,4 Three o! dia"onds. And so it )ent. The gra% !og did not li!t. S&hu%ler !elt depressed. A!ter her su&&ess on the +elo3 and the a"inadverto$ she )as &ertain "astering the glo" )ould 'e 1ust as straight!or)ard. Anderson )as e3&used$ and S&hu%ler )as le!t alone )ith her grand!ather. 4(t is a hard one.4 6a)ren&e &onsoled$ shu!!ling the &ards and sta&king the" 'a&k in their &ase.

S&hu%ler nodded. 4-ut it see"s so eas%$4 she said$ "en* tioning ho) she &ould read 0liver s thoughts )ith no trou'le. 4He is unprote&ted. Re"ind "e$ )e )ill have to train hi" as )ell i! he is going to 'e an e!!e&tive Conduit.4 S&hu%ler nodded. The e!!ort to "aster the glo" had taken a lot o! her energ%$ and she !elt dizz% and tired all o! a sudden. 4Are %ou all right,4 6a)ren&e asked$ &on&erned. She )aved her hand a)a%. S&hu%ler never ad"itted it to her grand!ather$ 'ut so"eti"es a!ter &o"pleting the tests$ she )as so )eak she &ould 'arel% stand. CHAPTER ?C

&heir meeting in the Repository had "een purely accidental. Schuyler was there to read as many "ooks as possi"le on 9awrence)s instructions and had "een pleasantly surprised to find Jack studying at one of the desks. */h, hey.* %e grinned, raking a hand through his hair and motioning for her to take the seat across from him. *0hat are you reading7 &he &rial7* he asked, showing her his copy. She nodded. &hey had "een assigned the Bafka tome in their +4 -nglish class. It was one of the several "ooks she had in her stack. *Silly love story, don)t you think7* he asked, paging through the yellowed leaves in his "ook, which Schuyler noticed was well worn and dog#eared. *9ove story7* She made a face. *Isn)t the "ook a"out the tyranny of 2ustice7 &he a"surd nature of "ureaucracy7 0e never know what he)s on trial for, after all.* *I disagree. +nd since Bafka never wanted the "ook to "e pu"lished, who)s to say what it)s really a"out7* Jack asked in a slightly teasing tone. *I read that it)s a"out his failed courtship and engagement to Felice !auer. 0hich means it)s not a"out the law at all, "ut a"out a man who)s frustrated in love....*

*/h, Jack...* Schuyler sighed. She wasn)t sure if he was pulling her leg or not, "ut she was en2oying their "anter. It hadn)t "een clear until then whether they would ever "e a"le to mend the "udding friendship, or whatever it was that had started "etween them and then ended so a"ruptly last semester. !ut it looked as if Jack might not "e too put off from trying again. 'ot that it meant anything. %e was still Mimi Force)s "rother. *May"e my "ook has something yours doesn)t,* Jack said, pushing his copy over. *%ere, let me take yours.* %e said. *(ours has a "etter cover anyway.* Schuyler picked up his "ook, inhaling its mildewy scent. She found the page where she had left off and "egan to read. !oring old place, Mimi thought, as she followed Bingsley down the stairs into the Repository of %istory, &he ommittee)s head5uarters and the coven)s main li"rary located underneath !lock >CC, the supere,clusive nightclu" open to !lue !loods and their guests only. Bingsley had "ecome a friend, someone who shared Mimi)s sense of wickedness. &he incident with the "oy on the "alcony had "een the start of their alliance. Bingsley represented everything Mimi admired in a vampire##the desire to use power. 4rivately, she agreed with Bingsley$ &he ommittee was much too cautious, and she chafed against its stringent rules. 0hy not use their strength to dominate humans7 0hat good was reading someone)s mind if you couldn)t use it for material or emotional gain7 0hy not feed on more than one familiar at a time7 0hy not flaunt their superior status instead of trying to "lend in with the mortal world7 %e had asked her to come with him to the Repository so he could show her something cool, and he had disappeared into the stacks to find it. She looked around the cavernous old room. Several pathetic humans, former onduits no longer attached to vampire families, were working diligently in their carrels. Mimi took a seat at one of the large reading ta"les in the middle of the room, drumming her fingers impatiently. &he soft sound of conversation drifted to her ears from "ehind a row of "ooks. *&here)s nothing a"out love in here, Jack,* a girl was say# ing. *May"e you)re the one "eing a"surd.*

*+re you sure7 (ou should look harder, may"e you)re not reading it closely enough,* he countered. Mimi gritted her teeth. &hat was the 3an +len mouse again, talking to her "rother. She stood up and cleared her throat, peering over the low shelves at the two of them. Jack and Schuyler immediately moved away from each other. *I)ll, uh, see you later,* Schuyler said, taking her "ooks and walking over to a different desk, not reali6ing she still had his copy. */h, hi,* Jack said, turning in his seat to smile at his sister. *I didn)t even know you knew the way to this place.* *Don)t you underestimate me, !en2amin Force. For your information, I)m a huge reader,* Mimi sniffed. Jack grinned. 9iar, he sent. (ou)re the liar, she sent "ack. %e made a conciliatory gesture. Forgive me. +lways. Mimi)s face softened. I)m off. I)ll see you at home. !ye. Mimi watched him leave, "ut even with his gentle thoughts imprinted on her mind, she couldn)t help "ut feel trou"led. 0hy was Schuyler still a factor7 &here was something a"out that girl that was keeping her "rother off "alance, she could feel it. She could sense his desire to commit himself to their "ond, "ut it was almost as if he were convincing himself to fall in love with her against his will. 0hy7 It had never "een like this "efore. In every cycle, the two of them had reaffirmed their "ond without any complications.

For a moment, the supreme, smug self#confidence left Mimi)s face, and she looked like a lost and scared little girl. 0hat if he leaves me7 0hat if he doesn)t renew our "ond when the time comes7 0hat will happen to us7 Mimi shuddered as she thought of +llegra 3an +len, lying in her hospital "ed, practically dead to the world. She could not let that happen, to either of them. *(ou look like you)ve seen a ghost,* Bingsley said, setting a thick "ook in front of Mimi. Mimi flashed him her most disarming smile. *I wish.* She looked down at the leather#"ound tome. *0hat is that7* *It)s something we shouldn)t "e looking at. It)s an old reference "ook of for"idden spells. (ou)ve heard a"out this roatan thing, right##the Silver !loods7* Bingsley asked. *(eah,* Mimi said warily. *!ut they)re not supposed to e,ist.* *Right,* Bingsley smirked. */nly "ecause they)re not so o"edient anymore.* *0hat do you mean7* *Silver !loods used to "e the !lue !loods) slaves. 0hen we were doomed to spend our immortal lives on earth, those who still followed 9ucifer were su"dued "y Michael and <a"rielle, for a time. 0e controlled them, "ut they rose up against us and stopped doing our "idding. &hey hunted us, we hunted them, the war raged on for centuries. 'ow supposedly they)re gone. !ut there is a way to "ring them "ack.* *0hat do you mean7* Mimi asked, thinking Bingsley was "eing way too cavalier a"out this sort of thing. &he Silver !loods weren)t some kind of 2oke, after all. Most !lue !loods couldn)t even talk a"out it. * all one from the Dark. (ou know. Make it do whatever you want,* Bingsley said.

*I don)t know if I like the sound of that,* Mimi said, shuddering. *&oo serious for me.* * )mon, I think it would "e fun,* Bingsley said. Bingsley used *fun* to descri"e all manner of mischief It was apparent that to him, a dark and dangerous old spell was e5ual to driving a Ferrari at two hundred and fifty miles an hour$ pro"a"ly not a great idea, "ut one that had to "e undertaken 2ust to say you had done it. *'ah.* Mimi shook her head. !ut even if she wasn)t interested in that, there might "e something else she could find in the "ook that might prove useful. Materia acer"us. Dark matter. She turned to the first page and "egan to read.
CHAPTER ?E

+llegra 3an +len was awake. She was sitting up in "ed, her fine "lond hair cascading over her shoulders and hospital gown. %er green eyes open, wide and "right. In a low, haunted voice she spoke. *!eware, Schuyler. !eware.* Schuyler woke with a start. She found herself in her mother)s hospital room at olum"ia 4res"yterian, "ut she had no recollection of how she had gotten there. It was past midnight, and the last thing she remem"ered was falling asleep while reading a "ook. She had no memory of leaving her "edroom, taking the "us up to >J?th Street, and arriving at the hospital. She must have "een sleepwalking, or had "lacked out 2ust as !liss had descri"ed. She looked down at her mother. +llegra was sleeping underneath the covers, silent and peaceful as ever. 0as it 2ust a dream7 !ut it seemed so real. %er mother was awake, was speaking to her. She had told her to "eware. !eware of what7 *Mother,* Schuyler said, stroking +llegra)s cold cheek. &he pain of missing her never 5uite went away. Schuyler kissed her mother)s forehead and left the room, turning out the lights.

+t dinner the ne,t evening, 9awrence invited Schuyler to dine with him at his old clu". &he +dventurers lu" was an elite organi6ation founded "y the !lue !loods in the early part of the eighteenth century as a meeting place of like#minded glo"e#trotters who were eager to document and share their research and theories on natural and geographic phenomenon. It was located in a well# appointed town house on Fifth +venue, across from the Bnicker"ocker lu" and minutes from the Metropolitan Museum##two !lue !lood associations that had to effect a more inclusive policy in recent years and accommodate Red !loods into their ranks. !ut the +dventurers lu" was still a vampire stronghold, if only "ecause humans didn)t seem to "e as interested in environmental issues as social ones, and there was no cachet to "e had "y 2oining the stodgy old +dventurers circle. &he dining room was filled with mem"ers of the old families$ the arondolets were there, as well as the 9orillards and the Seligmans, whom, like the 3an +lens, had more illustrious histories rather than present#day fortunes. 9awrence was welcomed "y the maitre d) and walked around the room, shaking hands and chatting "efore he and Schuyler were finally a"le to sit down. &he menu at the +dventurers hadn)t changed since the nineteenth century. Sole meuni7re. Steak Diane. Roasted ra""it. Schuyler ordered the sole, 9awrence opted for the steak. &heir food arrived underneath silver covers. *3oil7,* the waiter said, uncovering "oth at the same time. *!on app7tit. * +s she cut into her fish, Schuyler told 9awrence what had happened the night "efore. *I had a "lackout...I woke up and I was at the hospital, in Mom)s room,* she confessed. *!lackouts7 %ow do you mean7* 9awrence asked, chewing on his steak. *(ou know, when you slip out of time and then you wake up and you don)t know how you got there.* 9awrence put down his fork. *I know memory flash# "acks. !ut vampires are always in control when they relive their memories.* *Really7* Schuyler asked. 9awrence nodded. *0hat you)re descri"ing is highly unusual.*

*.nusual7* Schuyler paused. !ut it happened to !liss all the time, so it couldn)t "e that uncommon. She relayed to her grandfather what !liss had told her. 9awrence digested the information. *4erhaps this crop of vampires has something new in their genetic makeup that causes it. I don)t think it)s anything to worry a"out, "ut let me know if it ever happens again.* &hen he sighed and put down his fork. *'ow, I must tell you something.* Schuyler steeled herself for the news she had "een dreading since the day her grandfather had returned. *&he 2udge has agreed to hear harles)s petition to adopt you. &he hearing is in a month.* 4+&I-'& R- /RD St. Dymphna %ome for the Insane 'ame$ Margaret Stanford +ge$ >J +dmitted$ +pril E, >?JF +.S-S$ Showing the pro"a"le causes of insanity in the patient admitted. M/R+9$ Religious e,citement 9ove affairs 4%(SI +9$ Self#a"use

+ccident or in2ury -pilepsy Suicidal. 4atient found with wrists slashed a week prior to admittance "y family mem"er. Delusional ravings F+MI9( %IS&/R($ 'o sign of dementia or hysteria in any family mem"er. /nly child of "oth parents still living. 4R-3I/.S %IS&/R($ -pileptic fits. 4atient complains of headaches, nightmares. !lackouts. 4atient has no memory of certain actions. 9ove affair with inappropriate young man cited in hysteria. 4atient was not pregnant upon admission, however. 4R-S-'& /'DI&I/'$ -,cerpt from admission interview with patient$*It seems so real. I cannot escape it. I wake up and I can feel it in my "ones. It)s coming, it says in my dreams. It knows my name. It says it is part of me. &hat)s all I can remem"er. %elp me doctor, help me. I need to get away. I need to get away from it.*
CHAPTER ?D

&he inspiration for the photo shoot was *&alitha <etty in Marrakesh.* 9ots of gau6y, linen d2e"allas, 2eweled caftans, and the occasional tur"an oh, and the tiniest string "ikinis possi"le. !ut somehow the fashion assistant in charge of travel had misunderstood and "ooked them to Montserrat instead, so the ari""ean island would have to stand in for the 'orth +frican enclave. 'ot that anyone seemed to mind##everyone loved a "each. !liss had gotten the call from Farnsworth Models on &hursday, she was on a plane on Friday, and had arrived at the "each at

sundown. Schuyler had "een chosen as well, after hic)s first choice of models two Russian "eauties##had discovered that their visas had e,pired and they wouldn)t "e a"le to return to their country. &he fashion director of hic, 4atrice 0ilco,, was a stern, no#nonsense woman dressed in head#to#toe "lack, even in the tropical heat. She welcomed the models and crew with a smile as thin as her figure. *&his isn)t a vacation, people. &his is work. I e,pect everyone to "e on set at eight o)clock tomorrow morning.* %owever, even with 4atrice)s dire warnings, there was no denying it##the photo shoot was a vacation. 0hile she was giving her lecture on punctuality, Jonas Jones, the famously incorrigi"le !lue !lood photographer, winked "ehind her "ack. *Margaritas at the "ar in five minutes,* he mouthed. !y midnight the entire crew, aside from the fashion direc# tor, including Jonas)s two assistants##cute guys from the Rhode Island School of Design##a gaggle of models none of whom were over eighteen and Schuyler and !liss were at the "eachfront "ar, knocking "ack shots. !liss and Schuyler impressed the Red !loods among the gang with their a"ility to drink everyone under the ta"le. 3ampire genes, natch. Schuyler looked out at the dark "each, the full moon shining over the long shoreline, and the gentle rum"ling of the surf. It was gorgeous. She had arrived early, half e,pecting to "e greeted "y Jack Force. !ut he was not among the male models, and she felt a pit of disappointment at his a"sence. !ut as she wished him there, she felt a soft nudge on her el"ow, and there was Jack standing at the stool ne,t to hers. *0hat are you drinking7* he asked. *'othing too a"surd, I hope,* he said, as if it had "een 2ust yesterday that they had spoken in the Repository. *It)s a pretty awful concoction. Some kind of coconut rum and pineapple 2uice, "ut it isn)t a pi7a colada. &aste7* she offered, handing him her glass. Jack took a sip and made a face. *It)s awful.* *&old you.*

*I)ll have one,* he told the "artender. *!rave man,* she said, saluting him with her glass. Jack stirred his drink. *%ow)s 9awrence7* *%e)s well.* Schuyler wondered if Jack knew a"out his father wanting to adopt her. She didn)t want to "ring up such an awkward su"2ect. *Do you still "elieve they)ve returned7* Jack asked, meaning the Silver !loods. *I have to,* Schuyler said simply. *It)s the only e,planation for Dylan##for what happened to ordelia.* Jack looked down at his glass and shook it so the ice cu"es clattered. *&he ommittee doesn)t "elieve it. &he crisis in Rome was a"ated, 9ucifer was destroyed "y Michael himself. &here)s no way they could come "ack.* *I know.* She looked down at the dregs of her drink. *!ut I think &he ommittee is wrong.* Jack looked as if he was a"out to reply, "ut a hoarse voice called from the other side of the "ar, where a raucous drinking game was underway. *Schuyler8 Jack8 0e need two more oars for 3iking Master, c)mon8* &he ne,t day, the whole team trekked to a hidden nature reserve on an isolated side of the island. &he crew had set up makeup tents to shield the models from the heat. !liss emerged from her ca"ana wearing a 6e"ra#striped "ikini with cowrie shells on its string ties, a transparent silk caftan, and 2eweled thong sandals. *0here)re the parrots7* Jonas asked "ehind the camera. &he shot called for !liss to hold two large, "rilliantly plumed Scarlet Macaws on each arm, in homage to the ones &alitha had owned.

&he animal trainer released the "irds, "ut neither coop# erated with any of his commands. /ne perched on !liss)s head while the other flew around her, s5uawking loudly. &he trainer was finally a"le to free !liss from the "ird)s clutches, and Jonas compromised "y staging the shot with !liss underneath a tree, ne,t to the "irds. *&hank <od that)s over with,* !liss groused as she walked carefully in the tall grass "ack to the haven of the makeup tent. Schuyler was called ne,t. She was wearing a "lack <ucci maillot, a one#piece that could only "e descri"ed as two strips of fa"ric down the front, culminating in a tiny 3 at the "ottom. &he stylist had taped the fa"ric to her chest, "ut she still couldn)t help "ut feel way too naked. *I)m going for a !lue 9agoon type of thing here,* Jonas e,plained. *I want hot. Smoldering. Se,y. !ut innocent.* Schuyler eased into the cold pool underneath the waterfall. *Ready7* Jack Force asked from the other side of the pond. She nodded. She had known they were going to "e part# nered for the photo, "ut the sight of Jack)s toned, athletic "ody, in his low# waisted 3il"re5uin "oard shorts, was making her "lush. -specially when Jonas admonished them to stand closer together. *Didn)t you hear me7 It)s !lue 9agoon8 (ou)re o"sessed with each other8 &ry to show it8 Jack, put your hand on her thigh. Schuyler, arch your "ack, move so that your "ody is ne,t to his. &here. &hat)s more like it.* *Sorry,* Jack said, as he drew Schuyler closer. *+ll part of a hard day)s work, I guess,* Schuyler said, trying not to let him know how much his presence affected her. &he camera snapped. *'e,t8* Jonas yelled.

&hat night, when Jonas took out the entire crew for dinner at an outdoor restaurant, !liss found herself seated ne,t to Morgan, the seriously cute photo assistant. Morgan had "een paying her a lot of attention all weekend. %e was a sophomore at RISD, nineteen, and had an arsenal of "ad 2okes that kept !liss giggling despite herself. %e poured her drink after drink, not reali6ing that !liss was immune to alcohol)s effects. !liss leaned "ack on her wicker chair and draped her feet over his lap. +fter months of winter in 'ew (ork, she felt free here, with the cool ocean "ree6e "lowing through her hair, no parents to nag her, and even "etter##no nightmares since she)d arrived on the island. *0anna take a walk7* he suggested. !liss nodded. + *walk on the "each* sounded pretty suspicious. 0asn)t that 2ust a nice way to say *0anna hook up7* &hey walked hand in hand on the "each, !liss dipping her feet into the rolling waves and feeling the cold water over her skin. &he lights of the hotel grew fainter and fainter. *Morgan)s a girl)s name,* she teased. */h yeah7* he asked, hugging her and pulling her to the ground. !liss pretended to struggle as he pinned her arms down. *(ou)re not getting away from me,* he said. *'o7* &he "oy "egan to kiss her, and !liss kissed him "ack. &his was different from kissing Dylan, or from kissing Bingsley, she thought. &his was a human. + Red !lood. She could feel his heart thumping in his chest, smell his ripe human scent. +nd suddenly, she knew what she was a"out to do. %e lifted up his shirt and tossed it to the side. !liss helped him un"utton her "louse. %er whole "ody tingled as he slipped a hand underneath her "ikini top and untied the strings. %e was moving so fast..."ut then, so was she. She rolled him over so that she was straddling him, her knees pressed on the sand on either side of his hips.

*'ice,* he said, ever the frat "oy, admiring !liss sitting astride, topless in the moonlight. *(ou think7* she asked coyly. &hen she "ent her head down, kissing upward from the dark line of his torso, up to his chest, then to his neck, to the warm spot underneath his chin. She kissed him slowly with her tongue. %e sighed and held her head with his hands, pressing her closer to him. +nd that)s when she "it him with her fangs and "egan to feed...
CHAPTER ?F

&he ommittee maintained that all one needed to learn a"out one)s past lives was to sit in a chair, close your eyes, and meditate, letting the mind wander down the endless hallways of memory, perusing a catalog of a thousand lifetimes. In the dark privacy of her "edroom, Mimi snuggled on her princess pan, put a fur mask over her eyes, and "egan to concentrate. &he visions couldn)t "e clearer. -very iteration of her past showed her the same story$ she and Jack together, happy, "onded, in love. She analy6ed the history of their recent past$ 4lymouth, 'ewport, "ut neither time nor place offered a hint of a clue. &ry as she might, she couldn)t find a reason for his withdrawal, for his dou"t, for his hesitation. /r could she7 0ith a shock she remem"ered the look on his face at the Four %undred !all. &hat look of total and complete adoration. +t the time she had tried to dismiss it as mere infatuation. 'othing more than mere curiosity, even. &hat was stupid of her. She had allowed herself to "e "linded "y her pride. She had "een too long in denial. &he answer had "een in front of her all along. Schuyler 3an +len. &he little half#"lood. /r more correctly, a !lue !lood without a past. + new spirit. &his was the anomaly in their universe. &his was the unknown factor that was keeping Jack off "alance.

%ow could she have not seen it "efore7 Schuyler had never e,isted in their world until now. /nly now...in this cycle. +nd only now, in this cycle, was Jack and Mimi)s "ond under 5uestion. %e was drawn to Schuyler##as he had once "een drawn to <a"rielle. Mimi tore off her eye mask in a snit and threw it across the room, almost hitting her chow, 4ookie, who whimpered in annoyance. <a"rielle. It was always <a"rielle. -ven "efore the Fall, it had "een so. <a"rielle, the 3irtuous, the Messenger, an archangel of the 0hite, the one who would "rings news of salvation. Mimi and Jack were +ngels of the .nderworld, their destiny one of darkness and 2ustice, to remind man of their mortality. +nd yet Jack, +""adon, had always "een drawn to the 9ight. %ad always "een drawn to the power of the 0hite. +nd every"ody said she was the social clim"er7 Mimi thought. &hrough the centuries, Mimi knew Jack had "een unsat# isfied with his lot, had "een uncomforta"le with his title and position##the +ngel of Destruction. Jack would never shy from his responsi"ilities, Mimi understood her twin too well. She 2ust wished he would accept the world as it was made instead of aspiring for something greater. &hat was what got them into trou"le in the first place. &hey had followed 9ucifer upward during his ascent, Jack thinking that if he could shine like the sun <a"rielle loved so well, he would win her hand. !ut <a"rielle had spurned him then, and even when she had a"andoned Michael on -arth she had turned to a human rather than to +""adon of the Dark. &here were no secrets "etween the Force twins. Mimi had learned to live with the fact that <a"rielle)s face had haunted Jack)s dreams for over a millennia. !ut now the power of attraction had transferred from mother to daughter, and that she could not accept. Mimi knew now what she had to do. &o save their "ond, to save themselves. She had to destroy Schuyler 3an +len.
CHAPTER @G

The 'anging on the door )as insistent$ shaking the thin rattan )alls o! the 'ea&hside hotel. The sound 'roke the silen&e o! the da)n. (t )as al"ost !ive in the "orning. 4S&hu%ler> S&hu%ler> 2ake up>4 S&hu%ler stu"'led out o! 'ed and opened the door a &ra&k. She sa) -liss standing in the outdoor hall)a% looking pani&ked$ still )earing her out!it !ro" the night 'e!ore$ her hair in disarra%. S&hu%ler unlo&ked the door &hain and opened the door !ull%. 42hat,4 40h "% ;od$ S&hu%ler$ %ou have to help "e$ ( " in huge trou'le$ oh shit$ it s 'ad$ ( think he s dead$4 -liss said$ shaking un&ontrolla'l%. S&hu%ler i""ediatel% )oke up. 45ead, 2ho s dead,4 4Morgan**the assistant**(...&o"e qui&k.4 As S&hu%ler ran do)n the 'ea&h )ith her$ -liss told her the stor%. 4( did it. ( did the Caeri"onia 0s&ulor. The Sa&red =iss. ( don t kno)$ ( 1ust !elt like it. ( )anted to get it over )ith$ %ou kno), ( )as hating 'eing the onl% one in our %ear )ho hadn t done it. And it )as great$ it )as !ine$ he see"ed to reall% get into it**'ut then$ ( don t kno)$ ( think ( )ent too !ar. 0h shit$ S&hu%ler$ i! The Co""ittee !inds out$ ( " in huge$ huge$ huge trou'le.4 -liss led S&hu%ler to the spot )here she and Morgan had "ade out$ in a se&luded area underneath pal" trees$ 'ehind a sand dune. The 'o% )as l%ing !a&e up in the sand$ 'lood still dripping !ro" the t)o s"all pun&tures on his ne&k. 4He s not 'reathing$4 -liss said nervousl%. 4( think ( )ent too !ar.4

S&hu%ler knelt do)n and took his pulse. 4There s no pulse.4 40h "% ;od$ the% are going to kill "e> .o hu"an has ever 'een killed in a Caeri"onia> Ever>4 4Shhh...6et "e think....:a&k. 2e need to get :a&k$4 S&hu%ler de&ided. 4:a&k, 2h%,4 4-e&ause he s done this 'e!ore. Morgan "ight not 'e dead. Ma%'e this is )hat happens to Red -loods a!ter the ritual. Ma%'e :a&k )ill kno) so"ething )e don t.4 :a&k )as at the door$ !ull% dressed and )ide a)ake 'e!ore -liss had even !inished kno&king. S&hu%ler "arveled at his speed. She 'et he )ould 'e a natural !or the +elo3 test. She hadn t thought to use the va"pire speed in su&h a !ashion**she )as still )earing her pa1a"as. :a&k listened to -liss s stor% and )as at the 'o% s side in se&onds. He knelt on the sand and took Morgan s pulse '% pressing t)o !ingers against his ne&k. 4(t s there.../ou &an sense it$ ver% !aint$ 'ut it s there.4 40h thank ;od$4 -liss said$ sinking to the ground in relie!. 4So he ll 'e oka%,4 S&hu%ler asked. 4He ll 'e oka%.4 :a&k said. 4He "ight not re"e"'er )hat happened$ 'ut )hen he a)akes$ he ll 'e looking !or %ou. He ll 'e dra)n to the one )ho "arked hi" as her o)n.4 42h%,4 4The Sa&red =iss &reates a 'ond. (t "eans he s %ours. .o other va"pire &an take hi". 2hen %ou took hi"$ %our 'lood "i3ed )ith his$ and it )ill 'e poison to an% other -lue -lood.4

-liss and S&hu%ler a'sor'ed this ne) in!or"ation. 4So he s like "% 'o%!riend,4 -liss asked$ not sure i! she reall% )anted that. 4(! %ou )ant$4 :a&k allo)ed. 4(t s not a &asual thing$ %ou kno). (t "eans so"ething. 7or 'oth parties.4 -liss 'lushed. 4(...4 4(t s oka%$4 :a&k said. He li!ted the 'o% up. 46et s 1ust take hi" 'a&k to his roo". He ll pro'a'l% 1ust think he has a reall% 'ad hangover in the "orning.4 4Thanks$ :a&k$4 S&hu%ler said$ )hen 'oth Morgan and -liss )ere sa!el% sto)ed in their roo"s. She put a light hand on his !orear" to sho) ho) "u&h his a&tions that evening had "eant to her. :a&k s"iled$ his green e%es shining in the di" light. S&hu%ler thought she had never seen an%one so &al" under pressure. He had 'een su&h a sta'ilizing in!luen&e$ a natural leader$ assuaging -liss s an3iet% and taking su&h respe&t!ul &are o! Morgan. He put his le!t hand on top o! S&hu%ler s. 4An% ti"e. And tell -liss not to )orr%. 2e all "ake "istakes.4 His skin !elt )ar" and s"ooth to her tou&h$ and S&hu%ler thought the% &ould stand like that !orever$ !ra"ed in the door)a% to her roo". -ut :a&k released his hand !irst$ and she relu&tantl% took hers 'a&k as )ell. 42ell...good night$4 :a&k "u"'led$ nodding to the sunrise that )as slo)l% 'reaking through the &louds. He 'egan to )alk a)a%$ his !ootsteps so!t on the )ood !loor. 4 .ight$4 S&hu%ler )hispered. 4S)eet drea"s,4 4/ou 'et$4 :a&k replied. S&hu%ler laughed so!tl% to hersel! as she unlo&ked the door to her roo". She hadn t "eant !or :a&k to hear her last )ords$ 'ut there )ere no se&rets !ro" a va"pire )ith e3trasensitive hearing. 6ater that "orning$ S&hu%ler and -liss shared a ta3i to the airport. Their !light )as s&heduled at eight$ and 'oth o! the" had

had onl% t)o hours sleep a!ter all the ru&kus. 4/ou oka%,4 S&hu%ler asked. 4;od$ ( need a &igarette$4 -liss said$ !u"'ling !or her purse. She 'rought one out and lit it$ )hile rolling do)n the )indo) at the sa"e ti"e. 42ant one,4 S&hu%ler shook her head. 4( " not sure$4 -liss ad"itted. 4( kind o! )ish ( had )aited. ( don t kno)$ ( 1ust !elt like doing it. /ou kno), -e&ause Mi"i talks a'out it all the ti"e**and all those other girls$ the% al)a%s 'rag a'out their !a"iliars. And ( !elt like su&h a stupid$ ( don t kno)$ virgin or so"ething.4 4So )hat )as it like,4 S&hu%ler asked. 4Honestl%,4 4/eah.4 4(t )as a)eso"e. (t s like %ou devour their soul$ S&hu%ler. ( &ould taste his...'eing. And then ( !elt great$ %ou kno). (t s a high. A rush. ( kno) )h% people do it no)$4 -liss &on!essed. The ta3i )hizzed along$ and the girls looked out at a vie) o! the !lat$ untrou'led )aters o! the Cari''ean. (t )as a spe&ta&ular sight$ 'ut 'oth o! the" )ere glad to 'e going 'a&k to the dirt%$ gra% streets o! .e) /ork. 4( haven t done it %et$4 S&hu%ler &on!essed$ taking a deep 'reath. 4/ou )ill$4 -liss said$ !li&king her ashes out the )indo). 4-ut take it !ro" "e )hen %ou do take a !a"iliar$ "ake sure he "atters so"ething to %ou. ( !eel a pull to)ard Morgan$ and ( don t )ant to. ( hardl% even kno) the gu%.4

PAT(E.T REC0R5 St. 5%"phna Ho"e !or the (nsane .a"e# Margaret Stan!ord Age# 1C Ad"itted# April B$ 1DCF PRE+(0<S H(ST0R/# Re&o""ended isolation therap%$ April @G$ 1DCF Patient unresponsive. (solation therap% no longer re&o""ended$ Ma% ?@$ 1DCF. Patient &ontinues to have deliriu"$ delusion$ night"ares. Sui&idal tenden&ies "ore pronoun&ed. Patient is violent$ danger to sel! and to others. Re&o""end trans!er to !ull*se&urit% !a&ilit%. PRESE.T C0.5(T(0.# A )eek 'e!ore patient )as to 'e trans!erred$ patient started responding to treat"ent. Patient sta%ed and )as allo)ed to re"ain in our !a&ilit% !or several )eeks$ in )hi&h no signs o! delusion$ h%steria$ or de"entia )ere o'served. Patient responds )ell to questions and appears to have !ull% re&overed. Re&o""end release to !a"il% in three "onths i! progress &ontinues. CHAPTER @1 Ever% +alentine s 5a%$ the student &oun&il sponsored a holida% !undraiser '% selling roses that )ould 'e delivered in &lass. The roses &a"e in !our &olors# )hite$ %ello)$ red$ and pink$ and the su'tleties o! their "eaning )ere parsed and anal%zed '%

the !e"ale population to no end. Mi"i had al)a%s understood it thus# )hite !or love$ %ello) !or !riendship$ red !or passion$ and pink !or a se&ret &rush. Ever% %ear on +alentine s 5a%$ Mi"i )as the re&ipient o! the 'iggest and "ost ela'orate 'ouquets. 0ne o! her hu"an !a"iliars had on&e 'ought !ive dozen red roses to de&lare his und%ing devotion. Mi"i per&hed on her stool in Che" la'$ her !irst &lass that "orning$ and )aited !or the !loral tidal )ave. The student &oun&il !lunkies arrived )ith their 'u&kets o! !lo)ers. 4Happ% +alentine s 5a%>4 the% &hirped to a harried Mr. =organ. 4;o ahead$ get it over )ith$4 he &o"plained. Man% o! the girls re&eived several s"all 'ouquets**"ost )ere %ello) roses$ )hi&h "eant the girls had spent their "one% on ea&h other$ in the )a% girls do to "ake the"selves !eel 'etter a'out not having a +alentine on that holiest o! holida%s. S&hu%ler$ sitting at her usual ta'le**the% had rotated around so that she )as 'a&k )ith 0liver again**a&&epted a prett% %ello) 'ouquet. 0liver had sent her one last %ear as )ell$ and sure enough$ the a&&o"pan%ing &ard had his pre&ise hand)riting on it. 4Thanks$ 0llie$4 she s"iled$ inhaling the !resh 'loo"s. 4And here s one !or %ou$ Mr. Hazard*Perr%$4 the !resh"an deliver% girl said$ handing hi" a 'ouquet o! pink roses. 0liver &olored. 4Pink,4 4A se&ret &rush>4 S&hu%ler teased. She had de&ided to send hi" the pink !lo)ers sin&e the% al)a%s traded %ello) roses$ and it )as getting too predi&ta'le. 2h% not spi&e it up a little. 4Ha. Right. ( kno) the% re 1ust !ro" %ou$ Sk%$4 0liver said$ plu&king the &ard !ro" the top. He read it aloud# 40liver$ )ill %ou 'e "% se&ret valentine, 6ove$ Sk%.4 He pla&ed it 'a&k in the envelope and &ouldn t look at S&hu%ler !or a "o"ent. S&hu%ler )anted to peer inside his "ind. She had 'een su&&ess!ul in a&&o"plishing the !irst !a&tor o! the glo"*telepath%** 'ut 0liver had 'een taking lessons as )ell$ and as soon as he had "astered the antidote to telepath%**o&&ludo$ )hi&h "eant &losing %our "ind to e3ternal in!luen&e**S&hu%ler &ouldn t get a read on hi" an%"ore.

-liss$ )ho )as sitting )ith =ingsle%$ re&eived t)o red 'ouquets o! si"ilar size. 4Ah$ ( have a rival ( see$4 =ingsle% dra)led. 4(t s nothing. (t s 1ust !ro" so"e gu% ( don t even kno) that )ell$4 -liss "u"'led. Sure enough$ the se&ond 'ouquet )as !ro" Morgan$ )ho had ordered the !lo)ers all the )a% !ro" his dor" roo" in Rhode (sland. 4/ou are al)a%s on "% "ind. 6ove$ M.4 his &ard read. =ingsle% handed his 'ouquet to her personall%. 4( )ish these )ere green$ the% )ould suit %ou 'etter. The &olor &lashes )ith %our hair.4 4(t s !ine$4 -liss "uttered. She still didn t kno) ho) she !elt a'out =ingsle%. -eing )ith hi" see"ed like a 'etra%al to 5%lan s "e"or%. Having handed out all the "iddle*size 'ouquets$ the !loral "essengers )ere no) 'ringing out the 'ig guns. The three or !our dozen "ega*arrange"ents$ roses o! the deepest s&arlet$ all o! )hi&h see"ed to have Mi"i 7or&e s na"e on their &ards. Soon$ the area around her desk looked like a !uneral parlor. 46ooks like that s it$4 Mr. =organ gru"'led. 42ait )e have one le!t$4 the runner said$ 'ringing out )hat )as surel% the "ost e3pensive 'ouquet o! all# a three* !oot*tall arrange"ent o! t)o hundred )hite roses$ in the palest ivor% &olor. All the girls s)ooned. Al"ost no 'o%s 'ought )hite roses ever. (t )as too 'ig a sign o! &o""it"ent. -ut this one pra&ti&all% tru"peted a &aptured heart. The runner set the 'ouquet in !ront o! S&hu%ler. Mi"i raised an e%e'ro). She had al)a%s )on the roses lotter%. 2hat )as this all a'out, 47or "e,4 S&hu%ler asked$ a)estru&k '% the size o! the thing. She took the &ard !ro" the tallest ste".

47or S&hu%ler$ )ho doesn t like love stories.4 (t )as not signed. Mi"i glared at her red 'ouquetsL the !lo)ers see"ed to )ilt a little at her stare. She didn t have to guess )ho had sent the dazzling )hite !lo)ers to the little 'east. 2hite !or light. 2hite !or love. 2hite !or !orever. The ti"e !or her plan )as at hand. 2hen she )alked '% S&hu%ler s desk$ she pretended to trip$ and &aught a strand o! S&hu%ler s dark hair under her !ingertips as she steadied hersel! on S&hu%ler s &hair. 40u&h>4 S&hu%ler %elped. 42at&h it$4 Mi"i sni!!ed$ the strand o! hair se&urel% in hand. (t )ouldn t 'e long no). CHAPTER @?

+fter mastering the first principle of the glom, Schuyler had moved on to the second principle$ suggestion. &he second tenet was the a"ility to plant a seed of an idea in another mind. *It is how we push the Red !loods to strive for e,cellence, art, and "eauty,* her grandfather revealed. *0e use the suggestion. It is a useful tool. Most people don)t like to think their ideas are not theirs, so we suggest them instead. If we did not, the humans would have never had the 'ew Deal, Social Security, or even 9incoln enter.* Suggestion was even more complicated than telepathy. 9awrence e,plained that one had to do it su"tly, so the human would not feel as if they were "eing manipulated. *Su"liminal advertising was invented "y one of our kind, of course, "ut when the Red !loods discovered it, they immediately for"ade its use. + pity.*

&he night "efore, 9awrence had asked her to suggest something to +nderson. +fter several hours of Schuyler attempting to not only find the target signal, "ut to send something to it, +nderson suddenly stood up and said that he felt like a cup of tea, and did anyone else want one7 0hen he left, 9awrence looked over at his granddaughter. *&hat was you, wasn)t it7* Schuyler nodded. It had taken almost all of her strength to send one simple re5uest. *<ood. &omorrow we will move from afternoon delicacies to more important matters.* &he ne,t day at school, the effort it had taken to perform the suggestion took its toll on Schuyler. +s she walked down the "ack hallways after third period, she suddenly "egan to feel woo6y. She swooned and would have tum"led down the "ack stairs, had Jack Force not "een there to catch her. *%old on,* he said. *+re you okay7* Schuyler opened her eyes. Jack was looking at her, con# cerned. *I 2ust lost my footing...I fainted.* &he girls on the stairway "ehind her e,changed knowing smiles. Fainting was a regular occurrence at the school, and a telltale sign of anore,ia. /f course Schuyler 3an +len was suffering from an eating disorder. -veryone could tell the "itch was too skinny. *9et me take you home,* Jack said, lifting her to her feet. *'o##/liver##my onduit##he can...and really, it)s nothing, 2ust I)ve "een working too hard on the glom,* she said, half delirious. *I "elieve /liver is currently giving a presentation in -nglish class,* Jack said. *!ut I can call for him if you)d like.* Schuyler shook her head. 'o, it wasn)t fair to ask /llie to take a "ad grade 2ust "ecause she felt ill.

* )mon, let me put you in a ca" and get you home safe.* 9awrence was writing in his study when %attie knocked on the door. *Miss Schuyler is "ack, sir. It seems she had an episode at school.* %e walked down the stairs to find Jack Force holding Schuyler in his arms. Jack e,plained that Schuyler had fallen asleep in the ca" on the way home. *I)m Jack Force, "y the way,* he said as an introduction. *(es, yes. I know who you are. Just put her down on the couch, there)s a good lad,* 9awrence instructed, leading Jack into the living room. Jack placed Schuyler gently on a velvet# upholstered pan, and 9awrence covered her with an afghan "lanket. Schuyler)s skin was so pale it was transparent, and her dark lashes were wet against her cheek. She was "reathing in irregular, tortured gasps. 9awrence put a cool hand on her hot forehead and asked %attie to "ring a thermometer. *She)s "urning up,* he said in a tense voice. *She fainted at school,* Jack e,plained. *She seemed all right in the ca", and then she said she felt sleepy, and...well...you can see.* 9awrence)s frown deepened. *She)s "een working on the glom, she said.* Jack looked sharply at 9awrence out of the corner of his eye. *(es, we were practicing.* 9awrence nodded. %e sat ne,t to his granddaughter and gently inserted a thermometer "etween her parched lips. *&hat)s against ommittee rules,* Jack noted. *I don)t recall you ever caring very much for rules, +""adon,* 9awrence said. 'either of them had acknowledged their former friendship until then. *(ou, who stood with us at 4lymouth at great cost to your own reputation.* *&imes change,* Jack muttered. *If what you say is true, then she has "een weakened "y your own hand.*

9awrence pulled the thermometer out of Schuyler)s mouth. */ne hundred and twelve,* he said matter#of#factly. + temperature that would certainly spell imminent death or permanent damage to a mortal. !ut Schuyler was a vampire, and it was still within an accepta"le range for her kind. *+ tad high, perhaps,* 9awrence pronounced. *!ut nothing a good rest won)t cure.* + few minutes later, Schuyler woke up to find Jack and her grandfather looking at her keenly. She shivered underneath the wool "lanket and pulled it around her shoulders tightly. *My dear, has this happened "efore7* *Sometimes,* Schuyler acknowledged softly. *+fter lessons7* Schuyler nodded. She hadn)t admitted it, "ecause she wanted the lessons to continue. *I should have seen this. &he first time this happened## when you went into hi"ernation that was several days after you chased me in 3enice, was it not7* Schuyler nodded. She remem"ered what Dr. 4at had said$ Sometimes it)s a delayed reaction. *I have figured out why you are so weak,* 9awrence said. *I chastise myself for not reali6ing the pro"lem earlier. It)s simple. !y e,ercising your vampire powers, your "lue#"lood cells are working overtime, and since your red#"lood cells aren)t high to "egin with "ecause of the mi,ed nature of your "lood composition ##your energy flags. &here is only one solution to keep your "lood counts in the normal range. (ou must take a human familiar.* *!ut I)m not even eighteen,* Schuyler protested, citing the age of consent for the Sacred Biss. *I was kind of planning on waiting.* *&his is serious, Schuyler. I)ve already lost your mother to a coma, I don)t want to lose you as well. 0hile you possess certain special powers that vampires your age wouldn)t even dream of having, in many ways, you are also much weaker than the average !lue !lood. (ou cannot escape from the progress of the transformation, "ut you can control some of its more adverse effects. (ou must take a familiar sooner than eighteen. + human "oy. For your own sake.*

Jack cleared his throat, and Schuyler was surprised to see him there. %e had "een so 5uiet during her grandfather)s lecture. *I think I)ll take your leave, 9awrence. Schuyler.* &he door to the room opened 2ust as Jack was a"out to e,it. /liver %a6ard#4erry stood in the doorway, looking flus# tered at seeing Jack. *I heard Schuyler had to go home from school. I was worried, I came as soon as I could.* &he three vampires looked at him, all with the same thought on their minds. /liver was a human "oy. + Red !lood. +nd Schuyler needed a familiar.... *0hat7* /liver asked, when no one replied. *Do I smell or something7*
CHAPTER @@

It was time to try her plan. &he roses had "een the last straw. It was not only that##her "rother was "ecoming "older and "older in his pursuit of the half#"lood. %e hardly ever tried to disguise the fact that he lingered in hall# ways outside Schuyler)s classroom, or had taken to hanging out in the li"rary at school or the Repository to catch a glimpse of her. Mimi had even caught the two of them shamelessly flirting in pu"lic8 &he other day a friend told her she had seen Jack actually walk out of the school with Schuyler in his arms8 'ot that Mimi even "elieved that one. Mimi drew the pentagram as the "ook had instructed, with a small white chalk on the pale "lond hardwood floor. &hen she placed the necessary ingredients together in a small steel "owl on her dressing#room ta"le$ ver"ena leaves, "ay leaves, a cluster of tiger lilies, mar2oram, a toad heart, and a "at wing. &he array looked out of place among the many crystal "ottles of perfume and e,pensive French lotions. She lit a candle and drew a flame from it with a stick of rosemary. She "lew out the candle as directed and threw the "urning her" into the "owl. + tall, violet flame erupted.

Mimi glanced at herself in the mirror and was surprised to find that the room, which only moments "efore had "een filled with afternoon sunlight, was now pitch "lack, save for the light shooting up from the "owl. %er hands trem"led slightly as she opened a small, glassine envelope that contained Schuyler 3an +len)s hair. She shook out the contents and held it in her hand. &he "ook instructed her to throw the hair into the flame, while saying the words that would van5uish her enemy. Mimi closed her eyes and tossed it into the fire. *I, +6rael, command the spirits. +nnul the power of my rival. *I, +6rael, command the spirits. +nnul the power of my rival. *I, +6rael, command the spirits. +nnul the power of my rival.* *MIMI8* &he door flew open. harles Force stood at the entryway. 0ith a wave of his hand, he e,tinguished the "right violet flame. Mimi opened her eyes and gasped. She tried vainly to wipe off the traces of the pentagram with her foot. *I was 2ust curious,* she e,plained. *&he ommittee never lets us do anything....* %e walked over to her side and poked a finger into the "urning em"ers. *It is understanda"le. 0e are made from dark magic##we who are condemned to walk the earth for# ever. !ut these incantations are very strong. If you do not know how to control them, they can control you. &hat is why it is for"idden to the young until you are ready.* harles picked up the "ook on her desk. *0here did you get this7 I know, &he Repository. !ut this is kept under lock and key. It is a dangerous "ook for those who are not yet of age.* %e tucked the "ook under his arm. *Darling, why don)t you find something else to do with your time7* 0hen her father left, Mimi picked up her white princess phone and dialed a familiar num"er. *Bingsley,* Mimi asked. * an I talk to you for a minute7*

*Sure, "a"y, what)s on your mind7* *(ou know that thing you said7 +"out calling up a Silver !lood from the Dark7* *(eah.* *Do you think it would work7*
CHAPTER @A

*&here)s something different a"out you,* Bingsley said, one afternoon while they were supposedly doing homework in !liss)s "edroom. *Supposedly* "ecause that)s what !liss liked to think was going to happen, "ut Bingsley always had other ideas. !o"i+nne insisted that !liss leave the door open to her room whenever she had a "oy over##that was one of her rules. !ut !o"i+nne wasn)t there that afternoon. It was her weekly spa appointment, and she would "e gone for hours. Jordan was at "allet rehearsal, which ran until midnight. !liss was alone in the apartment, save for the staff, who were on the first floor, far away in the servants) wing. *I got a haircut,* !liss offered, looking up from her <erman essay. She knew that wasn)t what Bingsley was after. -ver since the dou"le#"ou5uet delivery, Bingsley had "een harassing her to find out the identity of !liss)s so#called *mystery man.* *'o, that)s not it.* Bingsley smiled. %e was stretched out on her "ed like a la6y cat, his "lack hair so long that it curled onto his shirt collar. %is note"ooks and "inders were scattered around him, including that dark leather#"ound "ook he was always reading. !ut in the past hour, he had done a"solutely no homework and instead had "een needling her all evening. *I don)t know what you)re talking a"out,* !liss said stu"# "ornly. *I think you do,* Bingsley drawled. *It)s written all over you.* *0hat7* *(ou did it. (ou took a human during your little vacation or photo shoot, whatever you call it. 3ou drank "ees "laad,* Bingsley said,

affecting a &ransylvanian accent. *0hoever gave them the idea that we were some provincial hicks from -astern -urope was "rilliant.* *So what if I did7* !liss asked. */h, goody. 'ow we)re getting somewhere. Did you like it7* *(ou)re not 2ealous7* !liss asked. *Jealous7 0hy would I "e 2ealous7* Bingsley looked shocked. *I don)t think you understand##it)s like "eing 2ealous of your hairdresser. Familiars perform a service, that)s all. 0e don)t get emotionally attached to them.* *0e7* *(ou know what I mean.* Bingsley walked over to !liss)s side and "egan massaging her "ack. * )mon, rela,....+re you still having those flash"acks7 &hose "lackouts7* !liss nodded. *Did you try doing what I suggested7* he asked. She shook her head. She was too scared to do what he had proposed. *0ell, you should, it works. 0orked for me.* Bingsley)s fingers kneaded her sore muscles e,pertly, and !liss was soon swooning under his touch. It was like "eing hypnoti6ed.... Red eyes with silver pupils, and a voice that whispered in a hiss... Soon...

Soon... Soon... &he "east had come again, chasing her down ma6elike corridors. She felt its hot, foul "reath on her cheek. She was trapped against a corner, and she could not wake up. She looked it in the eye. Do it, do it, she thought. Do what Bingsley said. &alk to it. 0hat do you want7 !liss asked. I demand a palaver. &he crimson eyes "linked. 0hen !liss woke up, she found she had scratched herself in fear. &here were ugly red "ruises all over her arms. !ut Bingsley had "een right. It had worked. &he "east had gone. Schi67o7phre7ni7a :n.; <reek for *Shattered mind.* Mental disorder characteri6ed "y impairments in the perception of reality. 4ersons having schi6ophrenia suffer from auditory delusions, visual hallucinations, disorgani6ed speech :incoherence;, disorgani6ed "ehavior :crying fre5uently;. ontinuous sign of distur"ance must occur for more than si, months in order for the patient to "e diagnosed as such. ##Dictionary of Mental Disorders, +merican +cademy of Mental %ealth 4rofessionals

CHAPTER @B

&he Mercer had "een /liver)s idea. %e)d ni,ed Schuyler)s room or his, thinking it would "e too weird to do *it* in the same place where they had spent so many innocent hours reading maga6ines and watching television. So he)d "ooked a suite at the downtown

hotel. %e had convinced her to have a few drinks with him in the li"rary "ar "efore they went up to the room. *(ou might not need a drink, "ut I definitely do,* he)d said. Schuyler watched patiently as /liver downed one Manhattan after another. 'either of them said much. &he li"rary "ar was off#limits to non#hotel guests, and the two of them sat in a private corner. &he only other patron was a movie star giving a maga6ine interview across the room. &he movie star had her feet on the couch and she was laughing too loudly, while the reporter looked nervous and starstruck. + small silver recorder sat on the cocktail ta"le "etween them. *+ll right, let)s do it,* /liver said, pushing away his half# finished third drink. *<od, you look like I)ve asked you to go to war,* Schuyler said, as they walked toward the elevator. &he one#"edroom suite had a stunning view of downtown, and was decorated with a hip modern edge$ dark Makassar e"ony furniture, lam")s wool throw pillows, "lack epo,y floors polished to a high gloss, an ony, "ar that glowed from within, a flat#screen television, and stainless steel walls that looked cold to the touch "ut actually felt smooth and warm, like "utter. * ool,* Schuyler said as she sat on one edge of the king# si6e "ed, while /liver sat on the other. *+re you sure you want to do this7* /liver asked, sitting forward and putting his face on his hand. */llie, if I don)t, I)ll pass out in a coma and I won)t ever wake up. &his morning I couldn)t even get out of "ed.* %e gulped. *I hate to ask you this##"ut it)s 2ust, I don)t know, I don)t want my first time to "e with someone I don)t even know, you know7* She)d told him a"out what had happened to !liss in Montserrat. *+nd you)re my "est friend.* *Sky, you know I)d do anything for you. !ut this is against the ode. onduits aren)t allowed to "e familiars to their vampires. 0e are supposed to "e o"2ective. It)s not part of the relationship. &hings like the aerimonia, it complicates things, you know,* /liver e,plained. 0hen Schuyler had first asked /liver a week ago if he would consider "ecoming her human familiar, he had told her he would think a"out it. &he ne,t day, he hadn)t "rought it up, and Schuyler assumed he was too polite to tell her no, so he was 2ust going to act like she)d never asked him at all. Several days went "y, and neither of them mentioned it. Schuyler was "eginning to

think she would have to find an alternate solution. !ut that morning, she had found an envelope stuffed into her locker. It was from the Mercer %otel, and held a plastic door key for their suite. *See you there tonight,* /liver had written. * homp8 homp8* It wasn)t as if Schuyler didn)t have mi,ed feelings of her own she hated putting /liver in this position##"ut she felt she had no choice. If she had to take a familiar, at least she would take one who was, forgive the pun, already familiar to her. +nd she)d felt drawn to /liver since 3enice. May"e that was a sign it was going to "e all right. &hat this was something that was supposed to happen. *Just say the word, /llie, and we won)t do it, okay7* she offered, her hands gripping the edge of the "ed, pulling out the sheets from their corners. */kay. 9et)s not do it,* he said promptly. %e sighed and lay down on the "ed, waving his arms over the downy comforter. %is long legs dangled from the edge "ut his torso was totally hori6ontal. %e closed his eyes, as if the prospect was simply too much to "ear, and put his hands on his face again, as if to shield himself from something. *Do you mean it7* Schuyler asked a little fearfully. *I don)t know,* /liver groaned "ehind his hands, which were now folded over his mouth. *It)s 2ust, you know, I)ll "e really careful, if you)re scared, I mean. (ou have to trust me.* She was still sitting upright so that her words were spoken to the wall of windows, while /liver seemed to "e talking to the ceiling. *I trust you,* /liver said in a strained, sad voice. *I trust you with my life.* *I know it)ll change our relationship, "ut we)re "est friends. It can)t change that much, can it7 I mean, I already love you,* Schuyler said. -very word she said was true, she was very fond of /liver. She couldn)t imagine life without him. She turned around to look at him. /liver had removed his hands from his face and opened his eyes. She noticed how his chestnut hair framed his handsome face, and how his neck looked inviting under his stiff /,ford collar. *Don)t you love me7* She knew she was "eing manipulative, "ut she couldn)t help it. She needed /liver to say yes. /therwise...who would she do it with7 /liver tried not to "lush and couldn)t 5uite meet Schuyler)s eyes. %e lifted himself to a sitting position once again. *+ll right,* he

said, almost more to himself than to her. Schuyler moved closer to him and leaned against his "ody, and with a few small movements, she was sitting on his lap. */kay7* *(ou)re heavy,* he teased, "ut he was smiling. *+m not.* *+ll right, you)re not.* *(ou)re cute, you know7 I mean, really cute. 0hy do you spend all your time with me7 (ou should date,* she said matter#of# factly as she "rushed the hair out of his ha6el eyes. &hey were the kindest eyes she had ever seen, she thought. She would always feel safe with /liver. *(eah, me, date.* /liver laughed. %e put his arms around her waist. *0hy not7 It)s not unheard of.* *(eah7* /liver asked. *.h##* !ut Schuyler didn)t finish, "ecause /liver was putting a warm hand on her chin and drawing her toward him, and soon they were kissing. Soft, tentative kisses that turned more vigorous as they opened their mouths to each other. *Mmm...* she sighed. So this was what it was like. Bissing /liver. It wasn)t anything like she)d imagined. It was "etter. It was as if they were made for each other. Schuyler pressed herself against him, and /liver put his hand through her hair. &his was new. &his was a turning point. &hen she started kissing his chin and his neck. *Sky...* *Mmmm7* Suddenly, /liver pushed her away, took her hands from "ehind his "ack, and a"ruptly shoved her off his lap.

*'o,* he said, panting heavily. %is cheeks were aflame with em"arrassment. *'o7* Schuyler asked, not understanding. It seemed like it was going well##this was what was meant to happen, wasn)t it7 *'o.* /liver stood up and started pacing. *&he Sacred Biss means something. It did to your mom. +nd you know what7 (ou)ll have to find another guinea pig. I)m not going to do it out of o"ligation.* */llie.* *Don)t, Schuyler.* %e never called her Schuyler unless he was really mad. Schuyler shut up. *I)m going. I can)t "e with you...(ou)re not yourself.* /liver said, putting his coat on and slamming the door of the hotel room as he stormed out into the night.
CHAPTER @C (n a hidden al&ove deep )ithin the underground sta&ks underneath the Repositor% o! Histor%$ Mi"i 7or&e )as leaning over an old leather*'ound 'ook. The sa"e 'ook her !ather had &on!is&ated several )eeks ago. The Repositor% "ight keep it under lo&k and ke%$ 'ut it )as onl% a "atter o! !iguring out )hi&h ke% )as used to li'erate it$ and that had taken "ini"al e!!ort**the hu"an li'rarians 'eing no "at&h !or the rage o! an angr% va"pire. The 'ook )as open to the !inal page$ a 'la&k page$ )hose )ords )ere et&hed in a lu"inous 'lue**the sa"e &olor as the 'lood that ran in Mi"i s veins. =ingsle% Martin stood ne3t to her$ and the t)o o! the" read !ro" the page '% the light o! a lone tapered &andle. Around the"$ the sta&ks ro)s and ro)s o! si3*!oot*tall 'ook&ases that see"ingl% stret&hed to in!init%**)ere silent and shrouded in darkness. The Repositor% held appro3i"atel% ten "illion 'ooks. (t )as the largest li'rar% in the )orld$ and the sta&ks )ent !ar under

Manhattan$ several stories 'elo) the side)alk. .o one )as even sure ho) !ar do)n the old$ ri&ket% &aged elevator )ent. The% had de&ided to per!or" the in&antation on the su'* 'ase"ent level. The spell had "andated a 4lo&ation o! pri"al po)er$4 and =ingsle% had suggested the -lue -lood headquarters. 4(t sa%s onl% one )ho is o! like "ind &an &all it$4 Mi"i said$ reading !ro" the te3t. 4That "eans it has to )ant )hat %ou )ant$ 'e&ause onl% then &an it ans)er %our &all$4 he e3plained. 40ka%.4 47irst %ou have to dra) %our vi&ti"$4 =ingsle% said. Mi"i dre) a pentagra" around the t)o o! the"$ "aking sure the% )ere )ithin the &halk lines. 45ark Prin&e o! the Silver -loods$ heed "% &allL ( Azrael$ &o""and %ou to 'ring "% ene"% !or)ard$4 Mi"i ordered in a loud$ &lear voi&e. 0n the top level o! the Repositor%$ S&hu%ler +an Alen arrived in the "ain reading roo"$ looking !or 0liver. A!ter sitting in the hotel suite !or an hour$ she de&ided she &ouldn t 1ust hang around and do nothing$ or )ait !or hi" to &al" do)n. She had to !ind 0liver and apologize. 2hat she had asked !or )as )rong. She kne) it no). She had asked !or too "u&h$ and she )anted to ask !or his !orgiveness. He usuall% spent his )eekend nights holed up in his &u'i&le at the Repositor%$ )hi&h )as the !irst pla&e she de&ided to look a!ter he didn t pi&k up his &ell phone or ans)er his -la&k-err% te3t "essages. -liss 6le)ell%n )as sitting on one o! the sha''% &ou&hes in the "ain re&eption area. 4He%$4 S&hu%ler said. 4Have %ou seen 0liver,4 -liss nodded. 4( think he s 'a&k there. He 1ust arrived a !e) "inutes ago.4 4Cool.4

A!ter )hat happened in Montserrat$ -liss had 'een a little e"'arrassed around S&hu%ler. 4( "$ uh$ )aiting !or =ingsle%$4 -liss said. 4He asked "e to "eet hi" here.4 S&hu%ler nodded$ even though she hadn t asked -liss to e3plain her presen&e. She le!t -liss '% the entran&e and )alked qui&kl% through the quiet roo" to !ind her !riend. The Repositor% )as &ro)ded !or a )eekend night. Al"ost all the &arrels )ere !illed. 6i'rarians )ere &ataloging 'ooks on the shelves$ and several senior "e"'ers o! The Co""ittee )ere )alking in !or their )eekl% "eeting. S&hu%ler sa) Pris&illa 5uPont s elegant )hite head a"ong the"$ the Chie! 2arden )as talking ani"atedl% to a !ello) Con&lave "e"'er. The Elders disappeared into a private &on!eren&e roo"$ and S&hu%ler noti&ed :a&k 7or&e )as sitting in his usual &hair '% the !ire$ reading a 'ook. (nside the pentagra"$ the !la"e on the &andle !lashed$ and sho)ed Mi"i a vision o! the Repositor% upstairs. /es. :ust as the spell had pro"ised. There )as S&hu%ler +an Alen$ standing in the "iddle o! the roo". Her vi&ti" had 'een dra)n to the site. Mi"i !elt a gladdening o! the heart. This )as it. This )as reall% going to happen. She )as going to 'e rid o! that little &o&kroa&h on&e and !or all. S&hu%ler had o! &ourse "ade a 'eeline !or :a&k as soon as she had entered. -ut no "atter**it )ouldn t 'e long no). =ingsle% handed Mi"i a silver kni!e. (t )as the onl% )a% the spell )ould )ork# 'lood !or 'lood. Mi"i held out her right )ristL the 'lade !elt &old on her skin. Her heart )as thu"ping and she !elt the !irst quivers o! !ear. Even though she )as i""ortal$ and the 'lood sa&ri!i&e )ould not hurt her$ she still !elt queas% thinking a'out )hat she had to do. -ut the sight o! S&hu%ler +an Alen re"inded her )hat )as at stake. The 'ond. :a&k. A''adon. She had to stop this 'e!ore it )as too late. 4( give thee "% 'lood !or %our 'lood. G$ Prin&e o! 5arkness. Hear "e$ hear "% &all. 5estro% "% ene"%$ on&e and !or all$4 Mi"i &hanted. 4.02>4 =ingsle% &alled.

Mi"i took a deep 'reath and slashed her )rist )ith the kni!e$ opening up a vein and spilling her 'lood upon the &andle$ &ausing a 'la&k !la"e to shoot up)ard. The last thing -liss re"e"'ered )as a "assive e3plosion that ripped through the !loor o! the li'rar%$ splitting it in t)o$ a &ra&k in the earth itsel!$ and her night"are &a"e to li!e. Right in !ront o! her )as a dark "ass )ith &ri"son e%es and silver pupils$ roaring$ struggling$ leaping into li!e$ &overing the entire spa&e )ith the 'uzzing o! a thousand hornets$ the agonies o! a thousand tortured souls$ and the ugl% laughter o! a deranged lunati&. -liss s&rea"ed and s&rea"ed and s&rea"ed. Then ever%thing )ent 'la&k. CHAPTER @E

&he smoke was suffocating. It was a dark, violet smoke, and smelled faintly of sulfur and acid. Schuyler opened her eyes to find them "urning. &ears were falling from her cheeks although she was not crying. Something had happened##an e,plosion##it sounded like a rip in the uni# verse. She looked around$ the Repository was in disarray, whole shelves of "ooks were toppled, and papers were strewn all a"out, as if a "om" had destroyed the place. &here was de"ris from the ceiling, plaster and dust everywhere, shattered glass and "roken pieces of wood. *Jack8 Jack, where are you7* Schuyler asked, panicking. She had "een standing right there, ne,t to his chair, "ut his chair was nowhere to "e seen. She felt "lood dripping into her eyes and put a tentative hand on the crown of her head. Something had cut her, "ut it wasn)t a deep wound. &he palms of her hands were scratched and "loody, and there was a tear in her 2eans, "ut thankfully that was the e,tent of her in2uries. &here was a cough, and Schuyler crawled over to the sound. Jack was lying underneath the reading ta"le, momen# tarily stunned. *I)m all right,* he said, struggling to sit up and wiping the smoke from his eyes. *0hat the hell happened7* *I don)t know,* Schuyler said, coughing and covering her mouth and nose with her hands.

*Jack8 +re you all right7 an you hear me7 Jack8* Mimi)s frantic voice could "e heard from the hidden alcove that led to the underground stacks. She emerged from the corner, looking da6ed "ut unhurt. *I)m here.* */h thank <od8 Jack8 I was so worried8* Mimi cried, throwing herself into her "rother)s arms. She "egan to so" uncontrolla"ly. *I thought...I thought...* *It)s all right, I)m all right,* Jack soothed, gently stroking her. Schuyler took a step "ack to let them have their privacy, feeling a tangled weave of 2ealousy and pity and em"arrassment at witnessing their intimacy. &here was a groan "eneath a toppled "ookshelf. *%elp,* a strangled voice called. *%elp8* Jack, Mimi, and Schuyler ran to the sound, and helped lift the heavy weight from the "oy. Bingsley thanked them. *Fucking#+. 0hat was that7* +ll around them, li"rarians and ommittee mem"ers were picking themselves up from the ru""le, counting heads, and making sure friends had survived. &he smoke enveloped everything, and it was hard to see through the ha6e. */ver here8* + familiar voice called. Schuyler left the Force twins and Bingsley to find /liver kneeling ne,t to an in2ured li"rarian. &here was a cut on his chin and a "ruise on his forehead, and he was covered in a thick layer of plaster dust. *(ou)re all right,* Schuyler said. *&hank <od.* *Schuyler, what are you doing here7* /liver asked. *9ooking for you.* %e nodded "riskly. * )mon, give me a hand.*

Renfield, one of the crotchety human historians, was dou"led up against one of the overturned copy machines, groaning. %e had "een thrown against the wall "y the e,plo# sion, and the force had "roken his ri"s. &hey helped him lie down "y a stack of "ooks, promised to send help as soon as possi"le, and walked around to see if there were any other trapped or in2ured parties. So far, everyone they came across had survived. &here were minor scratches and a few concussions, "ut people were surprised to find themselves more or less intact. /liver stopped to administer first aid to a !lue !lood girl with a "roken arm "y ripping his shirt sleeve and creating an impromptu sling. Schuyler picked through the mess and came across the prone "ody of a girl, facedown and covered with dust and plaster. She turned the girl over and gasped. *!liss, oh <od, !liss...* &here were two punctures underneath her chin, and her "lood, sticky and "lue, was running down her neck. *S&+( 0%-R- (/. +R-8* a loud voice comman#ded from the entry. &he group fro6e. Schuyler kept a shaky hand on !liss)s neck to staunch the "lood. /h, !liss... &he violet smoke cleared, and harles Force and Forsyth 9lewellyn were soon standing "y her side, holding gleaming swords aloft. harles knelt down ne,t to !liss and put a hand on her head. *&his one is still alive.* &his one7 Schuyler wondered. &here was a scream from the other side of the room, and Schuyler soon understood what he had meant. &here, "y the entrance to the oven head5uarters, splayed on the archway steps, was 4riscilla Du4ont, the hief 0arden. 9ying in a pool of "lood.
CHAPTER @D

/liver took Schuyler home, "oth of them still feeling shaken up. &he awkwardness of what went on "etween them earlier at the Mercer had completely disappeared in the face of this new calamity. &hey were "ack to their normal selves, and Schuyler was glad to have her friend "y her side. %attie made a fuss over the two of them when they arrived, placing "andages on Schuyler)s head and the cut on /liver)s chin. &he loyal maid prepared steaming cups of hot chocolate and wrapped them snugly in cashmere "lankets "y the fire. *0here)s 9awrence7* Schuyler asked, taking a cookie from a tray that %attie was holding out to them. *%e ran out of here 2ust a few minutes ago= said he had an emergency meeting of some kind,* %attie said. *%e told me to take good care of you when you got here. &o get the first#aid kit out. I think he knew something happened.* /nce %attie had left the room, /liver asked, *Do you think it was a Silver !lood7* Schuyler shrugged. *It has to "e. It)s the only e,planation. !ut it doesn)t make sense. 9awrence told me that Silver !loods hunt "y themselves. &hey take their victims when they are alone, without their canine protectors. &he attack happened in a pu"lic space, where there were many witnesses.* *Do you think she)s dead7* /liver asked again. *0ho7 !liss7 'o. harles Force said she was alive,* Schuyler replied. Still, it was hard to "elieve. &he &e,an girl had two deep puncture wounds on her neck, and the floor around her had "een swimming with her "lood. *'o, I mean...Mrs. Du4ont,* /liver clarified. *I don)t know.* Schuyler shuddered. It had certainly looked that way from where she was standing, and she had overheard mem"ers of the onclave discussing the situation from across the room as they gathered around the "ody. Full consumption...Impossi"le...!ut the "lood has "een drained...0hich means...She is gone...She has "een taken...'ot 4riscilla8 (es...&his is dire indeed. Dr. 4at)s am"ulance team had taken !liss away on a stretcher, with an o,ygen mask on her face and her father "y her side. !ut the second

stretcher, the one that carried 4riscilla Du4ont, had "een covered with a white sheet over the "ody. 0hich only meant one thing... Schuyler scooted up ne,t to /liver so that the two of them were leaning against the couch legs. She put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, and he put an arm around her to draw her closer. &hey took comfort in each other)s company. 9awrence returned close to dawn. %e saw Schuyler and /liver sitting side "y side on the rug against the couch. *(ou should "oth "e in "ed. -specially you, granddaughter. Surviving a Silver !lood attack is not to "e taken lightly,* he said, waking them gently. Schuyler waved the sleep from her eyes, and /liver yawned. *'o. 'ot yet. 0e want to know what happened,* Schuyler insisted. *0e were there.* 9awrence sagged onto the opposite leather chair and put his feet up on the ottoman. *(es, and I)m only glad that nothing worse happened to either of you.* *It wasn)t after us,* Schuyler said. *&hank heaven for that,* 9awrence replied. %e took out his customary cigar and cigar cutter. Schuyler knew this was a sign that her grandfather would e,plain everything, or at least as much as he himself knew. She leaned in closely. *0hat did ordelia tell you a"out the roatan7* %e asked, puffing on his cigar. *&hat they were an ancient danger that "ecame a myth to the !lue !loods. !ecause the last known attack was four hundred years ago,* Schuyler said. *During 4lymouth.* *(es. Roanoke was their most violent and crushing victory. &hey took out an entire settlement. !ut she did not tell you a"out 3enice, or !arcelona, or ologne.* Schuyler raised an eye"row 5uestioningly.

*0hat is not known, or at least, what has "een suppressed, is that ever since their so#called defeat in Rome, Silver !loods have returned to feed on the !lue !lood young at the turn of each new century. 0e had tried to convince the onclave of this pattern, this ever present danger. !ut the years after Roanoke were peaceful, and there was only one other instance of an attack in the 'ew 0orld.* *%ere7 In +merica7* Schuyler asked. ordelia had never mentioned this. *(es.* 9awrence set a thick file folder, "urned at the edges, on the coffee ta"le and pushed it toward Schuyler. *&his is the file 4riscilla Du4ont was working on. She was going to present some evidence to &he ommittee, testify to what ordelia and I had warned them a"out, so long ago.* She opened it, and several newspaper clippings fell out. She and /liver looked through them. *0ho)s Maggie Stanford7* *She was a !lue !lood who disappeared. 0e had no idea that she had "een committed to an asylum. Red !lood doctors had thought it was a mental disease, "ut it was actually evidence of Silver !lood corruption. She was a victim.* 9awrence tapped on the papers with his cigar. *0hen Maggie was never found, ordelia and I knew the Silver !loods were "ehind it, "ut that we would never "e a"le to prove it. &hat was when we decided to separate, so that I could continue the investigation without &he ommittee "eing the wiser. 4riscilla had told me she had found some# thing in the archives that would shed some light on their actions, "ut I have looked through this file. &here is nothing I haven)t seen "efore.* *0hat happened after Maggie7* Schuyler asked, noting how pretty the young de"utante had looked in her picture. *'othing. &he Silver !loods retreated "ack into the shadows again. .ntil last year, when +ggie arondolet was killed. +nd since +ggie, there have "een four !lue !loods slain at the "eginning of their &ransformation. Four. &hat is the most since Roanoke. &hat means they are getting stronger, more confident. *4riscilla)s death, however, is the most trou"ling. &o know that they have overcome a vampire at the height of her powers this means their strength has grown. &hey are "ecoming more aggressive. *&he ommittee must wake up to this danger. 0e can no longer sit "ack and wait while the 4rince of the Silver !loods marshals his forces against us and takes us one "y one.*

*(ou really think 9ucifer has returned7* Schuyler asked. 9awrence said nothing for a long moment, his cigar "urning steadily, the ashes at the tip growing longer and longer until they fell, si66ling into the +u"usson rug and leaving a small hole. */h, rats,* he cursed. * ordelia will never forgive me for that. She never let me smoke in the house.* *<randfather, you haven)t answered my 5uestion.* Schuyler said sharply. *May"e it doesn)t need to "e answered,* /liver said nervously. +ll this talk of 9ucifer and Silver !loods was making him feel 5ueasy. May"e he shouldn)t have drank so much hot chocolate or eaten that fifth cookie. */nly the most powerful of Silver !loods would "e a"le to cause a massive destruction in such a protected place,* 9awrence finally said. *4rotected7* *&he Repository of %istory is one of the safest of our strongholds. It has wards all over it, spells to keep out such an invasion, to keep out +"omination. It is an ominous sign for all of us that the wards did not hold.* *0hat are you going to do7* Schuyler asked. *&he only thing I can do. all for the 0hite 3ote. It is time Michael is challenged as Regis.*

CHAPTER @F

&hey were arguing a"out her. &hrough the morphine ha6e, !liss could hear her father and harles Force arguing a"out her "ehind the closed hospital door. 0hat had happened7 She dimly remem"ered the "lack, purplish fire that covered the entire li"rary in a thick, impenetra"le fog, and she knew something "ad had happened to her. &here was the gau6e around her neck. %ad she "een "itten7 !y a Silver !lood7 &he thought made her forehead perspire. If she had "een attacked "y +"omination, why was she still alive7

!liss tried to lift her hands up to her neck so she could check on the wound, "ut she was paraly6ed. She panicked, until she reali6ed her hands were tied down to the "edposts. 0hy7 &he room was as lavish as a hotel suite, with the modern white plastic furniture she knew so well. She was in Dr. 4at)s clinic, the !lue !lood hospital. 0ith her e,trasensitive hearing, she concentrated on what her father and harles Force were arguing a"out in whispered tones in the hallway. *She has not "een corrupted, harles##you know the signs as well as I do you)ve seen her neck8 &here wasn)t enough time,* her father was saying. *I understand, Forsyth, I do, "ut you know how it looks. I can)t get 9awrence off my "ack a"out this. She)s going to have to "e tested, 2ust like every"ody who was there that night.* *She)s a victim8 &his is an outrage8 I won)t let you8* *(ou don)t have a choice,* harles said, and his tone "rokered no further argument. *I know how worried you are, "ut as you said, she appears to "e safe.* &here was a long silence, and then the two men returned to !liss)s room. !liss immediately closed her eyes and pretended to "e asleep. She felt her father)s hand on her forehead as he whis# pered a short prayer in a language she didn)t understand. *%ey,* she said, opening her eyes. %er stepmother and Jordan walked into the room and crowded "y the foot of the "ed. !o"i+nne was wearing another haute#hideous outfit a cashmere sweater with 3-RS+ - em"la6oned on its chest##and carried a small handkerchief, which she kept pressing to the side of each eye, although no tears were visi"le. */h, honey, we were so worried8 &hank <od you)re okay8* *%ow are you feeling7* her father asked, his hands clasped "ehind his "ack.

*&ired,* !liss replied. *0hat happened7* *&here was an e,plosion at the Repository,* Forsyth e,plained, *"ut don)t worry, it was so deep underground the Red !loods didn)t even notice it on the sidewalk. &hey think it was 2ust a small earth5uake.* !liss hadn)t even thought to worry a"out humans discov# ering the !lue !loods) most secret place. *0hat happened to me7* she asked. *0ell, that)s what we)re going to find out,* he said. *0hat do you remem"er7* She sighed and glanced out at the window, which looked into an empty office in the "uilding ne,t door. Rows of computers were switched on, "linking, even though it was past office hours. *'ot much. Just a lot of "lack smoke...and...* -yes, crimson eyes with silver pupils. &he "east, come to life. It had spoken to her...It had said... She shook her head and closed her eyes tightly as if to ward off the evil presence. *'othing, nothing...I don)t remem"er anything.* Forsyth sighed and !o"i+nne sniffed again. */h, you poor, poor child.* Jordan, her sister, remained silent, watching !liss from the corner of her eye. *<o"i, can you and Jordan leave us alone for a minute7* her father asked. 0hen they were gone, Forsyth turned to !liss. *!liss, what I)m a"out to tell you is very important. (ou were attacked "y a Silver !lood, one of the roatan,* her father said. *'AAAA,* !liss whispered. *!ut &he ommittee says they)re 2ust a myth....* she said weakly. *&he ommittee was wrong. 0e reali6e that now. In fact, 4riscilla Du4ont had gathered enough evidence to..."ut I won)t talk a"out that now. &he fact is, somehow the Silver !loods have survived, and we must face up to that reality.* *!ut how7*

*Sadly, it means one of us is culpa"le. &he Silver !loods would not "e a"le to thrive unless someone from our circle was hiding them. %elping them. It would have to "e one of the very old families, powerful enough to cover up such "lack evil that Michael could not notice a change in the "alance.* *!ut what does it mean for me7* !liss asked, her voice 5uavering. *&here are very few who have lived after a Silver !lood attack, and there is always the danger of corruption.* * orruption7* *Sometimes, the Silver !lood will not take his victim to full consumption= instead it will instill a hunger...drawing enough "lood so that the vampire is left weakened. !ut Red !lood "ecomes poison to the victim, and he will hunt his own kind for survival.* &hat)s what happened to Dylan, !liss thought. %e had "een turned. orrupted. &ransformed into a monster, and then killed "efore he could reveal its secrets. *&he crisis in Roanoke, we "elieve, happened "ecause several of our people in that settlement had already "een corrupted when they left the /ld 0orld.* *%ow do you know if you)ve "een corrupted7* !liss asked nervously. In answer, Forsyth "egan lifting the gau6e from !liss)s neck. %e unwrapped the "andage. !liss looked at her father an,iously. 0hat was he going to show her7 %ad she "een turned into a monster7 %er father handed her a small hand mirror from the nurse)s ta"le. She "rought it up to her neck, dreading what she would see. !ut her neck was smooth, as clear and un"lemished as "efore.

*0hat does it mean7* *&here are no marks, which means the poison was not strong enough to hold. (our !lue !lood, the sangre a6ul, was a"le to reha"ilitate your chemistry on its own. %eal itself, and protect you from corruption. &he roatan did not make you one of its own.* She nodded, grateful and relieved. She had survived.... She wasn)t sure how, "ut she had lived. *&here will "e other tests,* Forsyth warned. */ne of the -lders will administer them to you. &hey will ask you to share your memories, to commune with them. &o show them what you saw. !ut I am confident you will pass their 2udgment.* %er father was a"out to leave the room, "ut !liss called out another 5uestion. *!ut, Dad, if one had "een corrupted...how could you tell7* *It)s hard to say, "ut we have noticed that those who have "efallen corruption tend to "e drawn to the Dark Matter, and to start e,hi"iting curiosity concerning the !lack Spells.* 9ater that evening, 'an utler, one of the high# ranking 0ardens, arrived to visit !liss. 'an was one of the "ird#thin, elegant society women in 4riscilla Du4ont)s circle= she had a shock of white hair with a raven stripe in the middle. &he city knew her as an indefatiga"le fund#raiser and shopper of high#end couture. !ut when she came into !liss)s hospital room that evening, all traces of the pu"lic facade were gone. %ere was a formida"le, centuries#old vampire. !liss could see the faint "lue "lood lines on her face. She introduced herself to !liss, then took a seat at her "edside. !y evening, sensation had returned to !liss)s lim"s, and she was feeling much "etter already. *&ake my hands, child,* 'an said softly. !liss placed "oth of her hands in the old lady)s soft ones. 'an)s hands were smooth and unwrinkled. *'ow close your eyes and take me "ack to yesterday evening. Show me everything you saw.* &he glom. 'an would use the glom to read her mind, !liss knew. She had to open her mind and let the old woman see.

!liss nodded. She closed her eyes. &ogether, they saw what had happened. !liss, waiting in the reception area for Bingsley. &hey saw Renfield "ring a list of files to 4riscilla Du4ont. &hey saw Schuyler walk in and ask if she had seen /liver. &hey saw several girls from Duchesne check out "ooks for the ne,t ommittee meeting. &hen all went "lack. + dark, no,ious smoke engulfed the entire area.... !liss waited for the "east to appear, "ut all they saw was the thick, "lack smoke. 0hen she opened her eyes, 'an was scri""ling in her note"ook. *<ood,* 'an said. *'ow, if you please, lift your hair and show me the "ack of your neck.* &he "ack of my neck7 !liss did as told. 'an nodded. *(ou may put your hair down.* +fter the 0arden left, her father walked in and hugged her tight. 0hatever test it was, it looked as though she had passed. &he "ack of her neck... 4art of the test... She thought of how Bingsley)s hair was so long, it always covered the "ack of his neck. + fashion statement7 /r was he hiding something7 Bingsley...who carried that "ook around with him all the time, the materia acer"us. Bingsley, who had taught her to palaver with the "east of her nightmares.

Bingsley Martin, who was part of an old, old, !lue !lood family. /ne of the most powerful, and the most prestigious... !liss closed her eyes. She saw the "east again, the "east had spoken to her. It had said one word... 'ow.

CHAPTER AG S&hu%ler )as 'rushing her teeth )hen her &ell phone rang. She rinsed$ gargled$ and spit$ qui&kl% )iped her !a&e$ and ran to pi&k it up. (t )as earl% in the "orning$ and she )as getting read% !or s&hool. 4/eah,4 4(s that an% )a% to ans)er the phone,4 40h$ -liss. He%. Sorr%. ( thought it )as 0liver. He al)a%s &alls in the "orning.4 4Sorr% to disappoint.4 4.o$ not at all. Ho) are %ou,4 S&hu%ler asked. She had 'een "eaning to visit -liss in the &lini&$ 'ut the past several da%s had 'een he&ti&$ )hat )ith tr%ing to keep up )ith a !ull &lass s&hedule$ va"pire lessons$ and deal )ith the !a&t that her grand!ather )as getting read% !or the 'attle ro%al o! his li!e. The 2hite +ote had 'een &alled$ and the ele&tion )as i""inent. 4-etter$4 -liss said. 4/ou$ uh$ kno) )hat happened to "e$ right,4 4/eah$4 S&hu%ler said. 4M% grand!ather said it )as a Croatan$ 'ut that %ou )ere sa!e.4 -liss told S&hu%ler a'out the test$ opening her "ind up to .an Cutler$ and ho) the "arks on her ne&k disappeared. 4The sa"e thing happened to "e$4 S&hu%ler said. 4Re"e"'er, The night )e "odeled !or that shoot,4

4/eah.4 4( )as atta&ked$ 'ut the "arks disappeared. And ( &ouldn t re"e"'er an%thing.4 4She also )anted to see the 'a&k o! "% ne&k. (sn t that odd,4 S&hu%ler nodded$ even though -liss )asn t a'le to see her. 4A&tuall%$ that s another kind o! test$ "% grand!ather said. .an &a"e over here$ too. To &he&k "e out.4 4Reall%, ( " not the onl% one,4 4.o$ o! &ourse not. Ever%one there that night has to 'e tested.4 4Cool.4 4So$ )hat s up,4 46isten$ ( !ound out so"ething !ro" "% dad. /ou kno) ho) The Co""ittee al)a%s said there )as no su&h thing as the Silver -loods,4 4<h*huh.4 42ell$ ( guess the% re &o"ing around.4 4/eah$ ( heard that too$4 S&hu%ler said. 6a)ren&e had !illed her in on the politi&s o! the Con&lave. .o) that a !ull*gro)n va"pire had 'een taken$ the Con&lave )as up in ar"s and pri"ed !or revolt. The Silver -loods )ere a gri" realit% the% )ould have to !a&e. 4An%)a%$ "% dad said that it has to 'e one o! us so"eone high up$ an old !a"il%$4 -liss said.

4That s )hat Cordelia al)a%s said too.4 4/ou "ight think this is &raz%$4 -liss said$ 4'ut ( think ( kno) )ho did it.4 42ho did )hat,4 4( "ean$ ( think ( kno) )ho s har'oring the Silver -lood$ or Silver -loods$4 -liss said. 4( think =ingsle% has so"ething to do )ith it.4 -liss told S&hu%ler her suspi&ions$ and ho) the% "at&hed up )ith )hat her !ather had told her a'out &orruption his intense &uriosit% a'out the 5ark Matter$ the odd 'ook she al)a%s sa) =ingsle% reading$ the )a% he )as so !a"iliar )ith Silver -lood histor% and "%tholog%. S&hu%ler )histled. 4( don t kno)...it sounds suspi&ious... 'ut don t %ou think %ou re 1u"ping to &on&lusions,4 4Ma%'e$ 'ut ( " stu&k in here !or another )eek$4 -liss said. 45o %ou think %ou and 0liver &ould look into it,4 6ater that )eek$ S&hu%ler and 0liver dug up a !e) interest* ing !a&ts a'out the ne) 'o%. The Repositor% had 'een restored to so"e)hat usa'le &ondition 8the +elo3 !a&tor &a"e in hand%9. All the dust and plaster had 'een &leared$ and nothing re"ained o! the e3plosion e3&ept !or a s"all$ hairline &ra&k in the "iddle o! the "ar'le !loor. (t )as a"azing )hat va"pires &ould do )hen the% set their "inds to it. Tra&king =ingsle% s )herea'outs )as eas% )ith 0liver s net)ork o! &onne&tions in the private*s&hool &ir&uit$ as )ell as so"e &lever &o"puter sleuthing. S&hu%ler &alled -liss at the &lini& to let her kno) )hat the% had !ound. 4The Martins "oved to .e) /ork the sa"e night that %ou said 5%lan )as "urdered$4 she said. 4And )e !ound out =ingsle% spent su""er s&hool at Hot&hkiss$ )here that girl )as killed$ and he d spent a )eek at Choate visiting a !riend$ )here a sopho"ore had 'een !ound dead right 'e!ore s&hool started. He )as here in .e) /ork the night o! Aggie s death at -lo&k 1??$ and he )as also at the part% )here 6andon S&hlessinger died.4

4( kne) it>4 -liss said. 4There s other stu!!# =ingsle% )as the last person to visit Su""er A"or%. 0liver said the gossip )as that he )as dating her. So that pla&es hi" at the s&ene o! all the &ri"es. -ut ( " not sure$ it &ould 1ust 'e &oin&iden&e. 6ots o! other -lue -lood kids spent su""er s&hool at Hot&hkiss$ go to Choate$ )ere at -lo&k 1?? that night$ and kne) 6andon S&hlessinger. And Su""er Ar"or% )as dating a 'un&h o! people. ( " sure i! )e )anted to$ )e &ould !ind several other people )ho !it the 'ill.4 4.o$ it has to 'e hi". ( kno) it is$4 -liss said e"phati&all%. 4Are %ou going to tell %our dad a'out this,4 4( " not sure. He s kind o! an adviser to =ingsle% s !a"il%. ( "ean...4 4( ll tell 6a)ren&e.4 S&hu%ler o!!ered. 4He ll kno) )hat to do.4 2hen S&hu%ler presented their &ase to 6a)ren&e at dinner$ )ith all o! -liss s suspi&ions and the in&ri"inating eviden&e$ her grand!ather hardl% looked up !ro" his ri'*e%e steak. 4(nteresting$4 he said a'sent"indedl%. 4(nteresting$ that s it,4 S&hu%ler asked. 4-ut don t %ou think )e "ight have so"ething here,4 6a)ren&e took a sip !ro" his )ineglass. 4Perhaps.4 That )as all he )ould sa% on the "atter$ and S&hu%ler &ould not get an%thing out o! hi" !or the rest o! the evening. CHAPTER A1 The Co""ittee s investigation on the in&ident at the Repositor% &alled !or a pu'li& hearing$ )herein all the )itnesses to the atta&k )ere &alled to testi!% 'e!ore The Co""ittee. The hearing took pla&e inside one o! the "assive &ourtroo"s underneath the Repositor%. The "e"'ers o! the Con&lave sat in a ro) on a high plat!or"$ !a&ing the &ro)d$ Charles 7or&e in the "iddle. 6a)ren&e +an Alen )as seated to the !ar right$ and )as alread% pu!!ing on his &usto"ar% &igar. The ne) Chie! 2arden$

Ed"und 0elri&h$ a !a"ous art historian and galler% o)ner in his pu'li& li!e$ ran the pro&eedings !ro" his seat up on the plat!or". There )as a s"all podiu" to the side )here )itnesses )ere &alled$ and the inquisitor$ The Co""ittee s o!!i&ial prose&utor$ stood a&ross !ro" it. The seats in the &ourtroo" )ere !illed )ith al"ost all the -lue -lood !a"ilies$ and tension ran high as S&hu%ler$ :a&k$ -liss$ and 0liver des&ri'ed their version o! the events one '% one. The% )ere seated ne3t to ea&h other in the !ront ro). Mi"i )as seated ne3t to :a&k$ and )as still )aiting !or her turn. She )as nervous a'out the investigation$ 'ut !igured there had to 'e so"e )a% to 'lu!! her )a% through it. A!ter all$ it )asn t like she had )anted -liss to 'e hurt or Pris&illa 5uPont dead not in the least> She &ouldn t have &ared less a'out the old 'ag. (t )as 1ust an un!ortunate a&&ident. The% had to understand that$ right, (! there )as no "otive$ the% &ouldn t !ind her guilt%$ &ould the%, She rea&hed over to gra' her 'rother s hand$ and :a&k gave it a )ar" squeeze. The inquisitor &alled =ingsle% Martin to the stand. 4State %our na"e !or the re&ords.4 4=insgle% 5re3el Martin.4 4And %our position.4 Position, Mi"i raised an e%e'ro). 2hat )as this all a'out, 4( a" a Truth Seeker. A +eritas +enator. ( )as &o""issioned '% The Co""ittee to investigate the deaths o! several -lue -loods# Aggie Carondolet$ 5%lan 2ard$ Su""er Ar"or%$ .atalie ;ett%$ 6andon S&hlessinger$ and ;ra%son St. :a"es.4 A "ur"ur ran through the &ro)d. 0lder -lue -loods kne) +enators as the highest order o! The Co""ittee s se&ret poli&e$ !earless )arriors in the !ight to keep the -lue -loods sa!e !ro" har" and dis&over%. 4And %our "ission,4 The inquisitor pro"pted. 4( )as sent to the 5u&hesne S&hool to a&&u"ulate an% eviden&e that "ight lead to the dete&tion o! the ene"%$4 =ingsle% said evenl%.

Another "ur"ur$ this ti"e "ore agitated. A +enator had 'een sent to one o! their sa!est san&tuaries 5u&hesne> 2hat )as The Co""ittee thinking$ sending one o! their po)er!ul assassins to sp% upon s&hool &hildren, 42ho )ere the suspe&ts,4 4Madeleine 7or&e. -liss 6le)ell%n. S&hu%ler +an Alen.4 This ti"e there )as an audi'le gasp !ro" the &ro)d. =ingsle% )as an under&over agent> A latter da% :ohnn% 5epp on ?1 :u"p Street$ an under&over va"pire )orking the teen 'eat. S&hu%ler gaped$ -liss &ouldn t help 'ut laugh$ and Mi"i onl% gnashed her teeth. That little pri&k. 4And )hat did %our !indings sho),4 4( i""ediatel% &rossed o!! S&hu%ler +an Alen. She )as a vi&ti" o! t)o Silver -lood atta&ks and did not sho) an% indi&ation o! 'eing dra)n to the 5ark Matter$4 =ingsle% said$ taking out a s"all note'ook !ro" his 1a&ket po&ket and !lipping through his notes. 4-liss 6le)ell%n )as a "ore pro"ising su'1e&t. She has &o"plained o! night"ares and delusions$ si"ilar to those su!!ered '% Maggie Stan!ord 'e!ore her de"ise. -ut due to these delusions$ ( had to &on&lude that -liss )as a possi'le vi&ti" and not a perpetrator.4 4And Madeleine,4 4( have &on&luded that Madeleine 7or&e har'ors the Silver -lood that has 'een atta&king our &o""unit%$4 =ingsle% said$ his tone o! voi&e al"ost &asual. 4Muiet> Muiet in the &ourt>4 The Chie! 2arden ad"onished$ as the &ro)d 'e&a"e even "ore angr% and agitated. Several va"pires stood !ro" their seats$ and there )as hissing and 'ooing at =ingsle% s testi"on%. Mi"i 7or&e **the Regis s

daughter**Silver -lood a&&o"pli&e, 2as this so"e kind o! 1oke, 4And the 'asis !or %our eviden&e,4 The Chie! 2arden grunted !ro" the high plat!or". 4She e3pressed a desire to learn "ore a'out the 5ark Matter. Spe&i!i&all%$ she )anted to kno) ho) to per!or" the (n&antation 5e"onata. The &all !or the Silver -lood.4 4And )h% did she sa% she )anted to do this,4 4She said she )anted to !inish o!! an ene"%$4 =ingsle% said$ looking straight at Mi"i. Mi"i quavered in her seat. 6ies$ lies. All lies> Stop talking> Shut up> Shut up> /ou )ere "% !riend> Traitor> 4And that )as -liss 6le)ell%n.4 4.o.4 4.o,4 The inquisitor looked "ildl% surprised. 4.o.4 42ho )as the intended target,4 4S&hu%ler +an Alen.4 There )as another angr% 'uzz a"ong the audien&e. S&hu%ler !elt hersel! !reeze. So she )asn t 1ust paranoid**Mi"i did )ant to destro% her. She re"e"'ered her drea" in )hi&h her "other )as a)ake and speaking to her. 2hat had Allegra said, -e)are.

42h% did %ou allo) her to per!or" the in&antation,4 The Chie! 2arden asked. 4( needed the eviden&e. ( thought ( &ould &ontrol it$ stop her 'e!ore it happened. -ut ( &ould not. (t )as o'vious she had done this 'e!ore. Man% ti"es.4 4Thank %ou$ +enator.4 =ingsle% stepped do)n. .o) that his identit% )as kno)n$ he looked "u&h older$ the &o&k% adoles&ent 'o% had 'een a !a&ade$ "erel% a pose. He )alked gravel% to his seat in the !ront ro) ne3t to the 5u&hesne kids$ and the% gave hi" a respe&t!ul 'erth. 4The investigation no) &alls Charles 7or&e to the stand$4 the Chie! 2arden announ&ed. The head o! the &oven staggered do)n to the podiu" !ro" his seat on the high plat!or". His o)n daughter$ har* 'oring a Silver -lood> The sha"e o! it )as )ritten all over his !a&e. His silver hair looked )hite under the light$ and there )ere heav% 'ags under his e%es. He looked like a 'ro* ken "an$ not the inde!atiga'le leader o! the va"pires. 4State %our !ull na"e !or the re&ord$4 The inquisitor ordered. 4Charles +an Alen 7or&e.4 4Have %ou )itnessed %our daughter "eddle )ith the -la&k Spells,4 4/es$ 'ut...4 Charles ans)ered$ )iping his 'ro) )ith a silk handker&hie!. 4(n&antations. 7or'idden spells.4 4/es$ 'ut... 4That )ill 'e all. Thank %ou$4 the inquisitor said$ &utting o!! his testi"on%.

Charles looked as though he )anted to sa% so"ething "ore$ 'ut his )ords died on his tongue. He looked ashen and disheartened. He stepped do)n and )alked 'a&k to his seat )ith the Con&lave. .one o! the "e"'ers o! the Con&lave )ould look at hi"$ and several in the &ro)d 'egan to 'oo and hiss. 4As !inal eviden&e against Madeleine 7or&e$ )e present the Mark. ( 'elieve %ou )ill !ind it on the 'a&k o! her ne&k$4 the inquisitor de&lared. 4That s a'solutel% ludi&rous. ( don t 'ear the Mark o! 6u&i!er an% "ore than the rest o! %ou$4 Mi"i said. She )anted to s&rea". This )as a travest%. She )as 'eing set up> 46i!t %our hair$ please$4 the Chie! 2arden dire&ted. Mi"i gathered her hair and li!ted it. She had done this !or .an Cutler the night 'e!ore$ )hen she had &o"e to per* !or" the test. .othing had happened$ and she )as &ertain she had 'een &leared. There )as an agitated "ur"ur !ro" the Con&lave. 42hat,4 /our ne&k$ Mi"i$ there s so"ething on %our ne&k. :a&k$ %ou re s&aring "e. She !elt the 'a&k o! her ne&k )ith the tips o! her !in* gers. Raised !lesh. A tattoo. More like a 'urn$ like a &attle 'rand. :udg"ent )as s)i!t and resolute. Mi"i )as the perpetrator. She )as !ound guilt% o! &onspiring )ith a Silver -lood. She )ould 'e taken to their an&ient prison in +eni&e$ )here her 'lood )ould 'e 'urned$ her "e"ories destro%ed$ )ith no hope o! rein&arnation. -ail )as set !or one "illion dollars$ )hi&h her !ather pro"ptl% paid$ so that Mi"i &ould 'e released to his

&ustod%. Mi"i looked at :a&k. This &an t 'e happening...( didn t do it. /ou kno) ( didn t. ( kno). ( kno). :a&k put an ar" around his sister$ 'ut his !a&e )as lined )ith an3iet%. This )as serious. Senten&ed to 'urn> Mi"i> The 7or&e t)ins )aited !or Charles to )alk do)n the plat!or" to their side. He still had the sa"e shell*sho&ked look on his !a&e. 47ather$ )hat &an )e do no),4 Mi"i said. 4Surel%...4 Charles 7or&e )as aghast. 4There is nothing...4 4.othing,4 4There is onl% one )a% to re!ute the Mark o! 6u&i!er. /ou "ust su'"it to an even "ore an&ient &usto". The 'lood trial. -ut onl% ;a'rielle**Allegra +an Alen**is a'le to per!or" this.4 4;a'rielle,4 Mi"i asked$ )ith a sinking !eeling. 4/es.4 A )hole lot o! good that )as going to do her. Allegra )as in a &o"a and )ould never )ake up. 4So there is nothing ( &an do to prove "% inno&en&e,4 Mi"i asked. 4.othing.4 CHAPTER A?

&he audience from the hearing dispersed to the Repository upstairs, and Schuyler waited for her grandfather "y the entrance. /liver had already gone ahead, citing an afternoon &rig 5ui6 he couldn)t miss. &hey had "een given special dispensation to attend the hearing that morning. Schuyler knew she should have gone "ack with him, "ut she wanted to hear her grandfather)s take on the whole situation. %e was leaving the onclave head5uarters, with -dmund /elrich and 'an utler at his side. *0e)ll take your leave, 9awrence,* -dmund said, "owing. *It is a travesty what has happened to this community.* *0e assure you, you will have our votes when the time comes,* 'an added, patting 9awrence on the arm. *0e should have listened to you four hundred years ago. &o think that the +"omination has reached the royal family8* *&hank you.* 9awrence nodded. %e turned to Schuyler. *So. 0hat do you think of Bingsley Martin now7* &hey "egan walking up the stairs, toward the side doors of the vampire#only clu", !lock >CC, and out onto the sidewalk. *It was Mimi all along,* Schuyler marveled. *Mimi...* It was still hard to "elieve, especially with all their lingering suspicions a"out Bingsley. *Did you know a"out Bingsley "eing a 3enator7* 9awrence nodded. *(es.* Schuyler remem"ered what Bingsley had said to Jack that one morning. (ou would "e nothing without us, without the sacrifices we have made. *!ut you were right, granddaughter. Bingsley is a Silver !lood,* 9awrence said, waving Julius over in the town car. *%ow do you mean7* Schuyler asked as she stepped inside, 9awrence holding the door open. *%is family is an old one. /ne of the ancient warriors. &hey were corrupted "y 9ucifer himself. !ut they came "ack into the !lue !lood fold, repenting their actions, and they have learned how to control the +"omination, the hunger, the voices in their heads,* 9awrence said, closing the door. *Duchesne, please, Julius. 0e shall drop off Schuyler first and then home for me,* he said, tapping on the glass that separated the driver from the passengers.

&hey drove through the streets of helsea to the 0est Side %ighway. It was another gray 'ew (ork day. *!ut how can we trust them7* *0e have trusted them for thousands of years. Bingsley Martin is a Silver !lood only "y default. %is "lood is as "lue as yours and mine. &hey have sworn off their allegiance to 9ucifer, and have "een very helpful in our search for the conspirator.* 9awrence sighed. *+nd yet...* *+nd yet7* *+nd yet...something a"out this case "others me. Do you "elieve Mimi Force is guilty7* *(es,* Schuyler said une5uivocally. *She)s an awful person, grandfather.* *+nd to know that you were her target is e,tremely trou"ling, yes. !ut...* *!ut what7* *!ut if you were the target, why was 4riscilla taken7 +nd the 9lewellyn girl7 Something doesn)t add up.* Schuyler shrugged. May"e she shouldn)t rush to 2udgment, "ut wasn)t that what &he ommittee had done7 +nd she couldn)t find it in her heart to pity Mimi. &he girl had sent a Silver !lood to kill her, after all. *(ou heard what Bingsley said. +nd he)s a 3enator. Doesn)t that mean he has to tell the truth7 +t all times7* 9awrence nodded. *(es. harles has always trusted them. %e was the one who recruited them "ack to our cause. !ut I do not know. I have always har"ored my dou"ts a"out the Martins.* &he car pulled up to the gates of the Duchesne School. Schuyler hopped out of the car, "ut not "efore giving her grandfather a kiss on the cheek.

*(our grandmother always said never to trust shiny surfaces. &hey hide a multitude of flaws.* +s she walked into the school, Schuyler "umped into Jack Force, who was coming in from the side door. Jack was still wearing his dark gray suit from the hearing, and his eyes were red#rimmed, as if from crying. Schuyler felt a sta" of pity. 0hile she had no love for Mimi, Jack was a reminder that not everyone felt the same way. *She didn)t do it, you know,* he said preemptively. Schuyler flushed, thinking, She wanted to destroy me8 She admitted it herself8 !ut to Jack she said coolly, *&hat)s not what the court found.* *Mimi)s selfish..."ut she)s not evil,* Jack implored. &he afternoon "ell rang, signaling the end of the lunch period and the start of classes. Students "egan streaming out of the cafeteria, up the stairs, and crowding the mar"le foyer, where Jack and Schuyler were standing. Several whispered to each other as they noticed Jack and Schuyler huddled in conversation. Some !lue !loods who had attended the hearing looked sympathetic when they saw Jack, while others glared, and one went so far as to hiss at his presence. + special ommittee meeting had "een scheduled that afternoon to alert 2unior mem"ers on the latest discoveries. *She would never truly hurt another person.* Jack continued to press his sister)s case. *She doesn)t hate you. 'ot really.* %e wished he could e,plain. It not you she hates, Schuyler. It)s me. She 2ust turned her anger outward "ecause she couldn)t "ring herself to hate whom she loves. +nd she does hate me for what I have done##for loving you. Schuyler looked at him skeptically, "ut remained silent. Mimi Force. +6rael. &he +ngel of Death7 0asn)t that Mimi)s 2o"7 &o "ring a"out the end of life7 &o her surprise, Jack seemed to "e a"le to read her mind. *(ou don)t understand##it is part of the "alance. 0e are who we are. Death is as much a part of life. It is the gift of the Red !loods. Mimi is part of the grand plan,* Jack said. Schuyler shrugged. *I)m not so sure,* she said. *<ood"ye, Jack.*

CHAPTER A@

6a)ren&e )as poring over ar&hives !ro" the Repositor%$ and noti&ed that one &lipping had 'een &o"pletel% 'urned e3&ept !or the date on the top. .ove"'er ?@$ 1DE?. He )as still puzzling over it )hen S&hu%ler returned !ro" s&hool. She told her grand!ather a'out :a&k 7or&e 'eing a'le to read her "ind that a!ternoon. 4( thought ( )as sa!e !ro" telepath%$ and %et he )as still a'le to read "% thoughts. 2h%,4 she asked. 4A''adon has al)a%s 'een one o! our "ost gi!ted seers$4 6a)ren&e said. 4(t )ill take "ore than a si"ple o&&ludo e3er&ise to &lose one s "ind !ro" hi". -ut it so"eti"es happens that those )ho are dra)n to ea&h other &an share a kinship o! so"e kind.4 45ra)n to ea&h other,4 S&hu%ler asked. 4/ou "ust have noti&ed he is dra)n to %ou$4 6a)ren&e said. S&hu%ler 'lushed. She had hoped 'ut she had never thought o! it as a realit%. And %et$ even )ith his 'ond )ith Mi"i$ he had sought her !riendship and hinted that "a%'e he )ould 'e interested in so"ething "ore....He had kissed her on&e$ so long ago. And the 'o% 'ehind the "ask...Could it have 'een hi", 4-ut he is 'onded$4 S&hu%ler said. 4(t &annot 'e.4 4.o. .ot a"ong our kind. A''adon has al)a%s 'een this )a%. /ou )ere not the !irst to te"pt his !idelit%$4 6a)ren&e said. 4-ut it )ill pass. Thank goodness %ou are not dra)n to hi". 0ther)ise it )ill spell disaster !or 'oth o! %ou.4 She looked do)n at the &arpet$ )ondering i! her grand* !ather )as testing her$ or i! he "erel% assu"ed that S&hu%ler )ould &hoose the right path si"pl% 'e&ause she )as his granddaughter. 4/es$4 she said. 4Thank ;od !or that.4 She !elt a sudden light*headedness$ and her vision 'e&a"e pi3ilated and 'lurr%L her knees 'u&kled$ 'ut 'e!ore she &ould &ollapse$ 6a)ren&e leaped to his !eet and steadied her. 4/ou have not done as %ou )ere told$4 he said gri"l%. 4/ou have not taken a hu"an !a"iliar. /ou are )eakening.4

She shook her head. 4This is not a trivial "atter$ S&hu%ler. (! %ou do not take a !a"iliar$ there is a ver% real danger %ou )ill su&&u"' to a &o"a like %our "other.4 4-ut (...4 6a)ren&e &ut her o!! )ith a &urt dire&tive. 4/ou "ust hunt$ then**use the sedu&tion. The &all. That is the onl% )a% no).4 The Caeri"onia 0s&ulor )as a ritual 'et)een va"pire and hu"an that )as usuall% a develop"ent )ithin an e3isting relationship. That )as )h% hu"an !a"iliars )ere traditionall% lovers and !riends o! -lue -loods. -ut the Code also allo)ed !or the use o! the po)ers o! Sedu&tion i! the va"pire )as desperate. The va"pire )ould use The Call to dra) the hu"an to hi"$ h%pnotizing the hu"an and dra)ing its 'lood. 4( have taught %ou the )ords !ro" the sa&red language that )ould indu&e it$4 6a)ren&e said. 4( )ill 'e going to the &lu' tonight. 2hen ( return$ ( )ill trust that %ou have per!or"ed )hat is ne&essar%.4 Her grand!ather departed soon a!ter that$ leaving S&hu%ler upstairs in her roo". ( don t )ant to$ she thought stu''ornl%. ( don t )ant to do it )ith a stranger. ( don t )ant to do it )ith so"eone ( don t kno). ( " not desperate> 0r a" (, Then$ al"ost as i! dra)n '% the &all$ so"eone kno&ked on S&hu%ler s 'edroo" door. 42hat is it$ Hattie,4 S&hu%ler asked. The door opened. 4(t s not Hattie$ it s "e$4 0liver said$ slou&hing in the door)a%. 4( didn t hear the !ront door open. 2hat are %ou doing here,4 S&hu%ler asked de!ensivel%. 4/our grand!ather told "e %ou )anted "e to &o"e over$4 0liver e3plained.

Ah. So 6a)ren&e had per!or"ed a &all o! his o)n. 0nl%$ this one "erel% involved the use o! a telephone. +er% &lever$ grand!ather$ S&hu%ler thought. 0liver )alked over to sit on the !ootlo&ker a&ross !ro" S&hu%ler s 'ed. He looked at her pensivel%. 4( )as thinking...i! %ou still )ant to do it$ )e &an.4 4/ou "ean,4 4/eah.4 4Here,4 S&hu%ler asked$ looking around at her roo"$ at her Evanes&en&e posters$ the pink -ar'ie drea" house$ the ro) o! Pla%'ill &overs**Rent$ Avenue M$ The -o% !ro" 0z**taped on her )all during the ti"e )hen Cordelia regularl% took her to -road)a% "usi&als. (t )as still a &hildish 'edroo" and painted Mountain 5e) %ello). (t didn t look like the lair o! a va"pire. 4As good a pla&e as an%$4 0liver shrugged. 4-esides$ it ll save "e the &ost o! a hotel roo".4 4/ou re sure a'out this,4 S&hu%ler asked$ rea&hing !or his hand. 4/es.4 0liver e3haled. 4( kno) )hat s going to happen to %ou i! %ou don t$ and 'et)een %ou and "e$ ( d pre!er it i! %ou )eren t a vegeta'le. ( hate vegeta'les$4 he 1oked. 4Espe&iall% 'ro&&oli...So ho) do )e...4 0liver said. 4Should ( stand, 0r...4 He stood up and looked around. He )as so "u&h taller than she )as. 4.o$ sit do)n$4 S&hu%ler said$ pushing hi" gentl% '% the shoulders onto her 'ed. 4This )a% ( &an rea&h do)n.4 She stood 'et)een his legs. He looked up at her. She thought he had never looked so handso"e$ or so vulnera'le. 0liver &losed his e%es. 4-e gentle.4 S&hu%ler leaned do)n$ kissed the hollo) at the 'ase o! his ne&k$ and then$ ever so gentl%$ she elongated her !angs and stu&k the" in.

0liver )histled 'et)een his teeth$ as i! in pain. 4Should ( stop,4 4.o...go on...4 he said$ )aving a hand. 4( " not hurting %ou$ a" (,4 4.o...(t !eels...good$ a&tuall%$4 he )hispered. He put a hand on her head and guided her to his ne&k again. S&hu%ler &losed her e%es and sank her !angs 'a&k into his ne&k. As she did so$ her senses heightened$ and his "ind 'e&a"e open to her. The 'lood "e"or% &a"e !lashing out. (t )as 1ust as -liss had said# she )as devouring his soul$ his ver% 'eing...and$ )hat )as this, His "ind )as an open 'ook to her no)$ his 'lood "i3ing )ith hers$ reviving hers...and she &ould read ever% thought he d ever had in his li!e...&ould a&&ess ever% "e"or%. 0liver )as in love )ith her. He had 'een in love )ith her all along. Ever sin&e the% d "et. 7or %ears and %ears and %ears. She had long suspe&ted this 'ut had repressed it. -ut no) it )as &on!ir"ed. She &ouldn t den% it. 0h$ 0llie. ( shouldn t have done this. S&hu%ler despaired. The Sa&red =iss )ould onl% in&rease his love$ not dispel it. .o) the% )ere 'ound to ea&h other in a ne) and "ore &o"pli&ated )a%. This )as "ore than she d 'argained !or. Their !riendship )ould 'e 1eopardized$ she kne) that no). There )as no going 'a&k !ro" here. The% )ould onl% 'e a'le to go !or)ard. As va"pire and !a"iliar. Ent)ined '% an an&ient ritual o! 'lood. She !inished. She )as satiated. She )ithdre) her !angs and !elt the li!e*giving energ% !lo) through her 'od%. (t )as as i! she had ingested t)ent%*!our gallons o! high*o&tane &o!!ee. Her &heeks !lushed )ith &olor$ and her e%es sparkled.

0liver s head !lopped do)n. He )as alread% asleep. S&hu%ler gentl% laid hi" on her 'ed$ )here he )ould have to rest !or the ne3t several hours$ and &overed hi" )ith her 'lanket. 2hat have ( done, she )ondered$ even as she !elt her vision &lear and her senses heighten. 2ould the% 'e a'le to keep this a se&ret !ro" The Co""ittee, 2hat i! 0liver )ere 'anished 'e&ause the% !ound out a Conduit had 'e&o"e a hu"an !a"iliar, She re"e"'ered Cordelia telling her that Allegra had "arried S&hu%ler s !ather$ her hu"an !a"iliar$ against the Code o! the +a"pires. Her "other had e3&hanged one 'ond !or another. And )hat a'out :a&k, 2hen 0liver )oke$ S&hu%ler )as sitting at her desk$ )at&hing hi". 42ell$4 he said$ s&rat&hing his ne&k )here the 'ite "arks )ere still ra)$ 4( guess that s )hat %ou &all !riends )ith 'ene!its.4 The% 'oth &ra&ked up. S&hu%ler thre) a pillo) at hi". She )alked 0liver to the door and thanked hi" again. He kissed her on the lips as he le!t. A qui&k kiss$ 'ut still$ a kiss on the lips. She &losed the door 'ehind hi"$ her heart an3ious and trou'led. This )as a "istake. CHAPTER AA

+llegra 3an +len)s hospital suite was on the top floor of olum"ia 4res"yterian, in a private wing where the rich and famous convalesced. &he room was decorated in a style suited to the city)s "est hotels, with white Italian linens on the "ed, sumptuous carpeting, and crystal vases filled with fresh flowers. -very day, a team of nurses massaged and manipulated +llegra)s lim"s to keep her muscles from the dangers of atrophy. 'ot that +llegra would ever notice. /nce the city)s most cele"rated "eauty, she slum"ered, o"livious to the world around her$ a

woman with a glorious and tragic past, "ut no future. &he heart monitor ne,t to the "ed showed a steady pulse, and for a long time, there was no sound in the room "ut the steady "eeping from the machine. 9awrence 3an +len sat in a chair opposite +llegra)s "ed. %e had come to visit his daughter for the first time since he had returned. It was a visit he had "een postponing due to the emotional weight of seeing his child reduced to such diminished capacity. */h, <a"rielle,* he said finally. *%ow did it come to this7* *She can)t hear you,* harles Force said as he entered the room, "earing another vase of flowers. %e placed it on the side"oard ne,t to her "ed. %e didn)t seem surprised to find 9awrence there. *She chooses not to hear,* 9awrence said. *(ou have done this.* *I have done nothing. &his is her own doing.* *!e that as it may, it was still your fault. If you had not##* *If I had not saved her, you mean, in Florence7 If I had let the "east have her7 &hen she would not "e in a coma7 !ut what was the alternative7 &o let her die7 0hat was I to do7 &ell me, Father.* *0hat you did was against the laws of the universe. It was her time, Michael. It was her time to go.* *Do not speak to me of time. (ou have no idea what happened. (ou were not there,* harles said "itterly. %e put a hand on +llegra)s cheek and stroked it gently. */ne day she will awake. She will awake out of love for me.* *It is sad that you still do not understand, Michael. She will never love you the way she did "efore. She herself did not understand the choice you made. (ou should have let her die. She will never forgive you.* harles Force)s shoulders shook. *0hy do you talk to me as if I were still a "oy7 She only left %eaven out of love for you and ordelia when you were "anished.*

*(es. 0e had "een doomed, we who were loyal to 9ucifer. !ut your sister "rought us hope. It was her choice to "ecome one of the undead.* *Just as it was my choice to follow her.* 9awrence ruminated on their ancient history. %ow long ago it seemed now$ 9ucifer)s ascent to the throne, the 4rince of %eaven in all his glory, his "right shining star rising as "eautiful as the sun, as powerful as <od, or so they had thought, to their own detriment. %ow they had suffered. &he cruel e,ile from 4aradise, and <a"rielle, the 3irtuous, who had volunteered to 2oin the ranks of 9ucifer)s minions to "ring hope and salvation to her kind. She had turned her "ack on %eaven for love of them, and Michael had followed her out of 4aradise "ecause he could not "ear to "e separated from her. &he two of them were called the .ncorrupted "ecause they did not "ear the sin of "anishment. &hey had left on their own accord. /ut of love and duty. *So you have won, 9awrence. +fter all these years, you finally have what you want. &he coven.* &he 0hite 3ote had "een called that morning, and 9awrence had "een installed as Regis in an almost unanimous election. harles had "een stripped of his title and responsi"ilities immediately. %is reputation had "een "adly tainted "y Mimi)s conviction. %e had tendered his resignation from the onclave as soon as the news had "een announced. *I never wanted to displace you, harles. I only wanted us to "e safe.* *Safe7 'o one is safe. +ll you will do is sow fear and weakness. (ou will have us retreat once again. !ack to the shadows. !ack to the darkness, where we will hide like animals.* *'ot a retreat, a tactical e,ercise in which we will "e a"le to prepare. !ecause war is coming, and there is nothing you can do to stop it this time. &he Silver !loods are ascendant and the future of this world will "e decided once and for all.* harles Force remained silent. %e walked toward the window and looked out at the %udson river. + slow "arge moved across the surface, and a seagull honked its lonely cry. *!ut I have hope. It is said that +llegra)s daughter will defeat the Silver !loods. I "elieve Schuyler will "ring us the salvation we seek,* 9awrence said. *She is almost as powerful as her mother.* %e told harles of Schuyler)s astonishing a"ilities. *+nd one day she will "e even more powerful.*

*Schuyler 3an +len...the half#"lood7* harles mused. *+re you certain that she is the one7* 9awrence nodded. *!ecause +llegra had two daughters,* harles said in a light, almost playful tone. *Surely, even you have not forgotten that.*
CHAPTER AB

Mimi)s condemnation, the formal process for her e,ecution, was coincidentally scheduled during Duchesne)s Ski 0eek in March, so she allowed herself to pretend the family was 2ust going on vacation to 3enice. &he whole prospect of what was to come her "lood "urned, her imminent destruction seemed a"solutely ludicrous. She "elieved her father would find some way to rescue her from her fate, and she spent the flight from 'ew (ork paging through fashion maga6ines, marking off the clothes she would "uy when she returned to the city. !ut once they arrived in 3enice, Mimi)s "ravado cracked a little. -specially when mem"ers of the onclave escorted them to their hotel. &hey had traveled to the ancient prison as well, to witness the final rites. It was hard to "elieve in death and "urning in her comforta"le "edroom, where she could still watch &i3o)d My Super Sweet Si,teen and &iara <irls. !ut stepping foot on the waterlogged sidewalks of 3enice seemed to "ring the past to life, and her memories screeched with images of the hunt$ "ringing death to !lue !lood foes, the "lack ro"es of the condemnation worn "y the corrupted traitors, the screams of the guilty. Mimi shuddered. &radition called for the accused to voluntarily surrender to the 2ailor, and on the evening of their arrival, Mimi left their hotel and made the historical walk across the !ridge of Sighs, where thousands of !lue !lood prisoners had walked "efore. &he "ridge was so named "ecause it was the last vantage point from which the condemned could view the city. She walked on it lightly. Jack was at her side, silent and grim. + few paces "ehind them, -lders and 0ardens from the onclave followed in a procession. Mimi could hear the heavy footsteps from the mens) "oots, and the softer stiletto clack from the ladies) shoes. *Don)t,* she said to her "rother. *0hat7*

Don)t act like I)m dead already. I, for one, am not giving up. She stuck out her chin, defiant and un"owed. *I)m not worried8 &hey)ll see I)ve "een set up8* *'othing gets you down, huh7* Jack asked with a ghost of a smile. %e was amused to find his sister as "ratty and confident as ever. %er "ravery was admira"le. *I laugh in the face of death. !ut then again, I am Death.* &hey stood in the middle of the "ridge, the two of them remem"ering another walk, another time, in their shared past. + happier memory. +n idea occurred to Mimi. She turned toward her "rother. &hey stood in front of each other, forehead to forehead, as they had all those centuries ago. *I give myself to you,* she whispered, linking her fingers into his. &hose were the sacred words that "egan the ceremony. &hat was all the "ond entailed. +ll he would have to do was repeat them "ack to her, and the "ond would "e resealed in a new lifetime. In this lifetime. Jack held her delicate hands in his. %e "rought them up to his lips and kissed them passionately, deeply. %e closed his eyes and held her trem"ling fingers, feeling with his mind her love, her desire, her whole soul, waiting on a precipice for his response. *'o. 'ot yet,* he sighed, keeping their hands linked tightly and opening his eyes so he could look deep into her eyes. *If not now, when7* she asked, the threat of tears in her voice. She loved him so much. %e was hers. She was his. It was the way of their kind. &his was their immortal story. *&ime might "e running out for me. For us.* *'o,* Jack promised. *I would never let that happen.* %e looked away and released his hands from her. Mimi crossed her arms, furious, and glanced to see what had distracted him.

Schuyler 3an +len was walking with her grandfather a few steps "ehind them. Seriously8 ouldn)t the wretched girl leave her in peace7 She had won, hadn)t she7 *0ait,* Jack said. *It)s not what you think. I need to talk to Schuyler.* Mimi watched as Jack walked over to her rival. /n the night of her condemnation, couldn)t she even catch a "reak7 Schuyler was startled when Jack Force appeared "y her side. She had traveled to 3enice with 9awrence at her grandfather)s re5uest. &he thought of "eing witness to Mimi Force)s demise wasn)t an e,perience she was looking forward to, although, like Mimi, she couldn)t 5uite "elieve it was truly happening. *(ou know a"out the "lood trial,* Jack said. She nodded. *(es. My grandfather told me it)s the only way to prove what really happened that night. &he only way to overturn a ruling "y the onclave in session.* 0hat Schuyler didn)t say was that 9awrence had told her something else a"out the "lood trial. %er grandfather had "riefed her on her mother)s history during their vampire lessons and confided that <a"rielle was the only vampire who was a"le to do it$ as one of the highest#ranking 3enators, she could tell "lood memory from false. *+s +llegra)s daughter, you may have inherited this a"ility,* 9awrence had said. *(ou may "e a"le to clear Mimi Force.* *<randfather,* Schuyler pleaded, *I)m not...I can)t...* *9isten to me closely, the "lood trial will mean you will have to drink Mimi)s "lood to discover the truth of what happened that night. /nly the .ncorrupted have the power to ascertain real memory from false in the "lood memory. !ut it is a great risk$ drinking the "lood of another vampire means there is a chance you may give in to the temptation that afflicts the Silver !lood, kill Mimi, and "ecome doomed in the process "y "ecoming +"omination yourself. It is a risk only you can decide to take.* *+nd if I choose not to7* Schuyler asked. *&hen punishment will "e rendered.*

&he thought that she held Mimi)s life in her hands oppressed Schuyler. &o risk her own life to save her enemy)s8 %ow could she volunteer for such a task7 She had visited her mother in the hospital for guidance. +llegra slum"ered peacefully in her "ed. *I don)t know what to do. If I don)t do it, Mimi will die. !ut If I do, then I could "ecome a monster....&ell me what to do, Mother. %elp me.* (et, as usual, there had "een no sign from +llegra. +nd now Jack was studying Schuyler carefully. 0hat did Jack mean "y "ringing this up now7 Shouldn)t he stay "y Mimi)s side and help her to accept the inevita"le7 Jack looked over at 9awrence, who was watching the two of them keenly. %e returned his ga6e to Schuyler. *(ou are your mother)s daughter. /nly you can perform the "lood trial.* She took a step "ack. 9awrence cleared his throat, "ut held his tongue. *9awrence, you said so yourself, that Schuyler has powers none of us have. Schuyler, please. I)m "egging you.* Jack said, with tears in his eyes. *(ou)re her only chance. &hey will destroy her.* Suddenly, Schuyler understood what was at stake. &his wasn)t a game the onclave was playing. &his wasn)t make#"elieve or a play put on for their amusement. &hey had conducted an investigation and pronounced 2udgment. 4unishment had "een recorded in the !ook of 9aws. &hey had traveled across the ocean to 3enice, to the ancient prison, to fulfill the sentence. Mimi was going to "urn. Schuyler looked askance at Jack. (our sister tried to destroy me8 She wanted me dead taken "y a Silver !lood8 %ow can I... !ut she knew what she had to do. &his was the sign she had "een seeking all along. She looked deep into Jack)s an,ious green eyes. */kay,* she said, taking a deep "reath. *I)ll do it.*

CHAPTER AC

&he condemnation was held in one of the ancient rooms deep inside the Ducal 4alace and "egan with a formal pronouncement of the sentence. Mimi Force was led to the front of the room in shackles. + "lack ro"e had "een placed on her shoulders, and her "lond hair was covered "y its hood. &he onclave of -lders stood in a semicircle around her. &he hief 0arden had finished descri"ing the process when 9awrence halted the proceedings. *+s Regis, I have cause to call for a "lood trial to refute or confirm the findings in the onclave session.* *!lood trial7* -dmund /elrich, the hief 0arden, asked. *!ut surely, there is no way. +llegra is still asleep, is she not7* harles Force, who was seated in the front ne,t to his son, leaped up. *I second the motion for the "lood trial.* *9awrence, is this wise7 0hat are you talking a"out7* 'an utler asked. *+llegra)s daughter, Schuyler 3an +len, has volunteered to perform the ritual.* 9awrence called for Schuyler to come forward. *&he half#"lood7* Forsyth 9lewellyn e,claimed. *I oppose this. %ow do we know she is worthy7* *+llegra)s daughter7* another -lder asked. *She is gifted with powers far "eyond the norm, and I am confident she will "e a"le to carry out this task.* &he onclave murmured, and a stay of e,ecution was granted while they convened on this new development in another room. + few hours later, the onclave returned. Finally, the hief 0arden spoke. *&he "lood trial will "e "orne out.* Mimi and Schuyler were led to a small cell ne,t to the courtroom. 9awrence patted Schuyler on the "ack. *!e safe, and remem"er what I told

you.* 0hen they were alone, Mimi pulled the hood off her head and looked at Schuyler with distaste. *(ou.* *Me.* *I don)t need you. I)d rather die.* *0ould you7 !ecause that)s certainly the other option,* Schuyler snapped. Mimi flushed. *My "rother put you up to this, didn)t he7* *(es. It)s him you)ll have to thank for your life, if indeed you are proved innocent,* Schuyler replied. Mimi crossed her arms and studied her cuticles. She rolled her eyes. *Fine. 9et)s 2ust get this over with.* Mimi lifted her chin and closed her eyes. Schuyler stood on her tiptoes and put her mouth on Mimi)s neck. She sank her fangs in...and 2ust as with /liver, she was transported into the past...seeing what was inside Mimi)s memories...flying "ack to the night of the attack. &he dark underground of the Repository. Mimi and Bingsley laughing over the "ook. Standing inside the pentagram, the candle flickering and casting their shadows against the stone walls. Mimi slicing her wrist, sending the "lood over the flame and calling the words. !ut then...nothing happened. Mimi had fainted, "ut the spell had not worked. She had "een una"le to summon the hatred needed to "ring out the Silver !lood. !ut Mimi had not "een rendered unconscious, 2ust dis# oriented. She had witnessed the events that unfolded ne,t, "ut the memory of it remained in her su"conscious, which is why she had not "een a"le to recall it to prove her innocence. 'ow, through the "lood trial, Schuyler was a"le to

see what had really happened. Bingsley cursed and picked up the knife. %e sliced his wrist and called out the summons in a strong, deep voice. &here was a rip in the ground$ the earth5uake, the flame that shot out. Smoke filled the air, and suddenly there was a hulking dark mass going straight for !liss 9lewellyn and then killing 4riscilla Du4ont. In the resulting confusion, Bingsley helped Mimi stand, and put a hand on her shoulder. Schuyler felt a cold pressing on the "ack of her neck 2ust as Mimi had e,perienced. &hen Bingsley pushed Mimi out of the alcove and ran to the Repository, pretending to "e pinned "y a "ookcase. It was Bingsley all along. Schuyler gurgled, feeding on Mimi)s "lood. She knew she should stop, "ut she couldn)t. She wanted to see, wanted to devour all of Mimi)s memories. She saw something else$the night of the Four %undred !all. &he after#party at the +ngel /rensan6 Foundation. Jack Force, putting on the "lack mask worn "y the "oy who had kissed her that evening. So it had "een Jack who kissed her after all. &he reali6ation made her lose her hold on Mimi, and she stepped away, disengaging her fangs. &he call of the "lood had "een strong she had "een tempted to take Mimi to full consumption, to "ecome Mimi, to a"sor" all her memories and her "eing. !ut the shock of seeing Jack in the mask had saved her from "ecoming +"omination. Schuyler staggered against the wall, feeling faint and delirious, while Mimi swooned and fell onto the nearest chair. 0hen she found her "earings, Schuyler returned to address the onclave. *Mimi is innocent,* she said, and 2ust as 9awrence had shown her, she held their minds in her own and showed them what she had seen in the "lood memory, pro2ecting the vision of Bingsley Martin calling up the Silver !lood to everyone in the room.

CHAPTER AE Mi"i )as released to her !a"il%$ and S&hu%ler )aited )ith her grand!ather at the entran&e o! the 5u&al Pala&e !or their speed'oat to arrive. 4Are the% going to arrest the Martins,4 S&hu%ler asked. 6a)ren&e looked up to the sk%. 4/es$ a tea" o! +enators )as alread% sent to their to)n house. -ut the% )on t !ind the" there.4 42h% not,4 4-e&ause the% )ill alread% have disappeared$4 6a)ren&e said. 4(t )ill not 'e eas% to &at&h the".4 45id %ou kno),4 4.ot until %ou read the truth in the 'lood "e"or%. ( suspe&ted$ 'ut ( did not kno). (t is not the sa"e thing.4 4So )h% did %ou do nothing,4 4.othing,4 6a)ren&e asked )ith a s"ile. 4( saved an inno&ent girl !ro" death. ( )ouldn t &all that nothing.4 4-ut %ou should have sent so"eone to =ingsle% s...4 4.ot )ithout proo!.4 4-ut %ou )aited**and the% are gone.4

6a)ren&e nodded. 4/es$ the% are gone. -ut at least )e kno) )e )ere on the right tra&k. Pris&illa 5uPont )as killed not 1ust as a sho) o! their gro)ing po)er$ 'ut 'e&ause she had &o"e &lose to dis&overing )ho )as har'oring the Silver -lood on the Con&lave. (n !a&t$ she )as a'out to &on!ront the perpetrator )hen the e3plosion happened.4 4She )as going to na"e the Martins,4 4( 'elieve so.4 4So )hat does that prove,4 4(t proves Cordelia and ( )ere right all along.4 4-ut )ith the Martins gone...4 4The Martins )ere not the onl% suspe&ts$4 6a)ren&e said. 4The% )ere "erel% !oot soldiers$ pa)ns$ "ade to do the 'idding o! their "asters. (! )hat she told "e is true$ there is another !a"il%$ still in the dark$ )ho har'ors the Silver -lood$ )ho has 'een instru"ental in 'ringing a'out 6u&i!er s return.4 42ho,4 4That$ S&hu%ler$ is )hat )e have to !ind out.4 S&hu%ler pro&essed this in!or"ation. The Martins had sho)n their hand$ 'ut there )as still a puppet "aster o!!stage "anipulating the strings. She thought o! the !iles Pris&illa 5uPont had &olle&ted 'e!ore she had died. 4;rand!ather$ )hatever happened to Maggie Stan!ord, 5oes an%one kno),4 6a)ren&e shook his head. 4.o.4 The 7or&es**Charles$ :a&k$ and Mi"i**)alked out o! the &ourtroo" together. Relie! )as evident in all o! their !a&es. :a&k approa&hed S&hu%ler. 4Thank %ou$4 he said si"pl%.

/ou kissed "e$ S&hu%ler thought. She re"e"'ered )hat else he had said that night...Ho) do %ou kno) he s not interested, /ou "ight 'e surprised. 5id he kno) she kne), She )anted to tou&h his &heek$ to kiss his so!t skin again$ 'ut she sa) Mi"i s&o)ling. Even i! Mi"i 7or&e o)ed her her li!e$ it didn t "ean she )as going to 'e ni&e to S&hu%ler an% ti"e soon. 4/ou re )el&o"e$4 she told :a&k. Charles 1oined the". 42hen )e return to .e) /ork$ ( ll have "% driver &o"e '% and pi&k up %our 'elongings. 2e ve alread% &leared the guest 'edroo" !or %ou. ( think %ou ll !ind it to %our liking.4 42hat are %ou talking a'out,4 S&hu%ler asked. 4/eah$ 5ad$ )hat the hell,4 Mi"i interrupted. 4/our grand!ather has !ailed to "ention it$ ( see.4 Charles s"iled gri"l%. 46a)ren&e$ %ou "ight have )on the leadership o! the Coven$ 'ut ( have )on the adoption 'attle. S&hu%ler$ the Red -lood &ourts have de&ided$ in their in!inite )isdo"$ to put %ou in "% &ustod%.4 4;rand!ather...4 4(t s true. The appeals have 'een re1e&ted$4 6a)ren&e said$ his head 'o)ed lo). 4Charles$ ( did not realize %ou )ould insist on this. ( " sorr%$ S&hu%ler. ( ll &ontinue to !ight it$ 'ut !or no)$ %ou re going to have to live )ith the 7or&es. Charles$ there is no need to send !or S&hu%ler. ( )ill drop her o!! "%sel!.4 Mi"i glared at S&hu%ler$ )hile :a&k onl% looked sho&ked. 6ive )ith the",

2ere the% &raz%, S&hu%ler looked !ro" one t)in to the other$ and realized she had 1ust survived the 'lood trial onl% to !ind hersel! !a&ing a ne) and "ore &o"pli&ated &hallenge. CHAPTER AD

oming "ack home to her stepmother)s 4enthouse des R7ves was a "it of a letdown after the pampering at Dr. 4at)s clinic. !liss had finally "een discharged after several weeks, after "eing kept in o"servation to make sure she had sta"ili6ed and displayed no signs of corruption. She wondered what they were waiting for her to do attack them7 Slash her wrists7 &he nurses at the clinic acted as if they were afraid to come too near, lest something happen. It was the first day of ski week, and usually the family would "e on a plane to <staad "y now, "ut onclave matters had called her father to 3enice. !o"i+nne had gone with him, "ut only so she could hit the shops on 3ia ondotti in Rome. Jordan had accompanied their parents as well, since it was decided she was too young to "e left "ehind. 0hile !liss was still recovering, she was left in the care of the household staff. !liss had "een at home during Mimi)s trial and sentencing, "ut she was certain Mimi would come to no harm. It was 2ust too easy to imagine a life without Mimi Force)s dictatorial ways, and there was no way the universe would "e so kind as to get rid of her. !liss was "ored and alone in the apartment and decided to clean out her closet for want of something "etter to do. May"e perform that spring#cleaning ritual women)s maga6ines always advised$ throw out clothes you hadn)t worn in two years, or those that were too sha""y or didn)t fit any more##that sort of thing. She was pulling out an old ca"le#knit sweater when a long velvet "o, tum"led to the floor and a necklace fell out of it. It was the emerald. She had forgotten to return it to her father for safekeeping in the vault after the Four %undred !all. !liss picked it up, still feeling wary at the story "ehind the 2ewel. 9ucifer)s !ane indeed. +s she tucked it "ack into the "o,, a picture slipped out from underneath the velvet pillow. !liss reached down to pick it up, studying it. It was a picture of her father, looking young and slim in a hunting 2acket and "oots, with a woman at his side whom !liss had always assumed was her mother. %er father kept a faded copy of the picture in his wallet. &his one was more well preserved. !liss noted her mother)s long "lond hair and large, doelike eyes. !liss)s eyes, her father always said. (ou have your mother)s eyes. %er mother)s eyes were green, like hers, as green as the emerald she held in her hand. !liss

turned over the picture. Forsyth 9lewellyn and +llegra 3an +len, >F?C. +llegra 3an +len7 0asn)t that Schuyler)s mother7 It must "e a mistake. %er mother)s name was harlotte 4otter. 0hat was that all a"out7 !liss was still pu66ling over the strange inscription when there was a crash at the window. <lass shattered at her feet and !liss ran over to see what had happened. &he "oy was shivering in the corner, his feet "leeding from the cut glass. %e was wearing the same &#shirt and 2eans she had last seen him in. %is dark hair was wet and matted, "ut he looked at her with the same sad, hangdog eyes. Dylan8 It was truly him. %e was alive. %e glanced up, his "reathing shallow and ragged. She ran toward him, still holding the emerald in her hand. Dylan looked at !liss, then flinched when he saw what she held aloft, almost as if it had hurt him. *(ou)re alive8* !liss said 2oyfully. *!ut you)re hurt## let me help you.* Dylan shook his head. *&here)s no time for that now. I know who the Silver !lood is.* 'ew (ork %erald +rchives

'/3-M!-R CI, >?@C MISSI'< %-IR-SS F/.'D D-+D I' &%- RI3-R 'ew (ork police discover the "ody of Maggie Stanford two years after she was first reported missing. + suspicion of foul play. orpse found then missing again. &%- !/D( /F + 0-99#DR-SS-D and pretty woman was found this morning floating in the %udson River. 4oliceman harles 9angford discovered the "ody at si, o)clock this morning and reported the matter to the &enth 4recinct. &he "ody was taken from the water and carried to the station house. &here were marks on her head and "ody, which led the police to "elieve that the woman was foully dealt with. She had red hair, green eyes, and was dressed in a white silk "all gown trimmed with pink ri""ons. In their efforts to esta"lish the identity of the woman, the police found a white linen handkerchief which "ore the initials *M.S.* in the pocket of the dress. &he "ody was su"se5uently identified as that of Maggie Stanford, the daughter of deceased oil "aron &i"erius Stanford and Dorothea Stanford, who passed away two months ago from dementia resulting from her daughter)s disappearance. &he clothes Maggie Stanford had reportedly worn to the 4atrician !all the night she went missing match the description of the "all gown worn "y the dead woman. &he "ody was inordinately well preserved, with almost no sign of decomposition. &he "ody was sent to the hospital for further e,amination, "ut the ne,t day it was reported missing from the morgue. &he police continue to "e "affled "y this strange case. +cknowledgments &his "ook would not "e possi"le without the constant encouragement and support from my readers. &hank you to everyone who e# mailed, "logged, reviewed, and posted on the !lue !loods message "oards. : heck it out at$ Khttp$LL6>I.invisionfree.comL!lueM!loods;. (ou guys rock8 Many heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team at %yperion for their patience, support, and enthusiasm$ Jennifer !esser, %elen 4erelman, !renda !owen, 'ellie Burt6man, Jennifer 1atorski, olin %osten, -li6a"eth lark, +ngus Billick, and De"orah !ass. I am deeply grateful to Richard +"ate and Josie Freedman at I M. 9ove and thanks to my family and friends, most of whom I have not seen in so long "ecause I have "een writing this "ook :and many others;. I hope to have a social life at some point. &hanks especially to my favorite nephews and nieces, who are a 2oy and an

inspiration$ 'icholas and Joseph <reen, +le,ander, 3alerie, and 9ily Johnston. +s always, I would "e nothing without my hus"and, Mike Johnston, who lives and dreams these "ooks with me, "ut who hates sentimental speeches so I will spare him one. +nd finally, much love to our little vampire "a"y to come, who has "een with me every step of the way. M-9ISS+ D- 9+ R.1 is the author of many "ooks for teens, including !lue !loods, &he +u 4airs series, +ngels on Sunset !oulevard, and the upcoming &he +shleys. %er "ooks for adults include the novel at)s Meow and an anthology she coedited with &om Dol"y called <irls 0ho 9ike !oys 0ho 9ike !oys. She "egan her career as a maga6ine and newspaper 2ournalist, covering the 'ew (ork ity style and social scene, and now writes novels full time. Melissa pides her time "etween 'ew (ork and 9os +ngeles, where she lives with her hus"and. She is currently working on many se5uels :and pre5uels8; to the !lue !loods series. 0hile Melissa is not a !lue !lood, she knows many people who are. <o to www.melissa#delacru6.com for more information. &%- -'D