“Not bad, considering.” Pretty crappy, actually. He stuck out his arm, twisting it side to side to look at the spot where the Castus had snagged him. “Just a little scratch now. Burned like a mother, though.” And still did, but not nearly like it had.

“You’re lucky it wasn’t deeper.” She scooted toward him and kissed his mouth. “I was so worried.”

“I know.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry. What happened after I left you at the church?”

“Preacher tried to kill me, but I went ghosty and ditched him, then I went looking for you but you were long gone. I figured since you said witch that you were either under some kind of spell or headed to Aliza’s or both.”

“Both.”

“It was that smoke we went through, wasn’t it?” She bit her lip.

“Probably. Not sure.”

“Well, I am.” She sighed. “You think Aliza’s really dead?”

He nodded. “Yeah, I know so. And so is her daughter Evie.”

Fi’s eyes rounded. “How do you know?”

He flopped back onto the pillows. “About Evie? She tried to kill me with a bolt of heavy-duty fire magic. I grabbed a tray and reflected the fire right back at her. Blew a hole in her chest I could’ve put my fist through.”

Fi’s face crinkled up. “Gross. Why’d she try to kill you?”

“She’s the one who had me under the spell. Forced me to bring the vampire baby to her. Then planned to kill me because she could.”

“So who gave you that scratch?”

“Castus. Apparently Evie and Aliza had the thing contained with some heavy black blood magic. Demon wasn’t exactly happy about it. When Evie died, the thing broke free, which is how I know Aliza’s dead, too. If she’d still been alive, I’m sure the spell would have held. Aliza’s not dumb. She’d know to put that kind of fail-safe in place with a monster like that.” He scrubbed a hand over his face, wishing he could erase the images in his head. “Worst part is, the demon got the kid. Scooped that thing up like a twelve-year-old girl with a brand-new kitten.”

“That sucks, but do you think it matters? I don’t mean to be insensitive, but it’s a vampire baby. Isn’t it kind of with its family now?”

“I can only imagine what a creature like that would do with another creature like that. Maybe Mal or Chrysabelle will know.” He sat up a little. “They back yet?”

“No. But I hope they hurry.” She bent her knees under her chin. “We had some excitement of our own last night, right after you disappeared.”

“Yeah?”

“A vampire showed up and nabbed Saraphina, the new comarré. According to Damian, she was happy to go with the vampire and never wanted to escape in the first place. Dumb comarré sliced Damian’s shoulder open.”

He sat up completely. “How did the vampire know where to find her? Did you see Tatiana?”

“Don’t know and no. But we’re sure she must have had her hands in it somehow.”

He swung his legs over the side of the bed. “I need to talk to Damian now. If a vampire can just walk onto this property, how are we going to protect ourselves against the Castus that’s now running loose?”

Worry crinkled her brow. “And tonight is Halloween.”

He grabbed a robe from a nearby chair. “Don’t remind me.”

Chrysabelle closed her mouth before it became obvious that she was staring. Mortalis had a sister. Now that Chrysabelle saw them together, the resemblance was uncanny. She bent her head to adjust the strap of one sacre, using the moment to slant her eyes at Mortalis. The barbs on his forearms were fully extended, a sure sign of his displeasure. Seeing his sister here had been a surprise for him, too, apparently.

“A word with you outside, Blu,” Mortalis said.

“Not while I’m on duty. I have nothing to say to you anyway.” She looked at her employer. “My apologies, Mr. Loudreux.”

He nodded and she moved to stand behind the chair he’d taken.

Mortalis’s mouth settled into a thin, hard line. Clearly, this wasn’t over.

“Please, sit.” Mr. Loudreux indicated the chairs and sofa across from him, then glanced toward the butler. “Fellows, give us some light, will you? And offer our guests some refreshment.”

The butler stiffened. “Right away, sir.” As he left, he flipped a switch that illuminated a beautiful crystal chandelier above them. It glowed half-heartedly, like the available electricity wasn’t quite up to the task. Still, it was electricity. Mr. Loudreux wanted them to know he had means, in case the house, butler, and private bodyguard didn’t do it. The overkill worked her nerves.

Mal took a seat on the sofa, leaving room for Chrysabelle beside him. She took it. Mortalis settled into the chair as though he might spring back up at any moment.

Fellows came in bearing a large silver tray with a china tea set and all the accoutrements. He took it to the side table and began fixing a cup of tea for Loudreux.

“Extra sugar, sir?” Fellows asked.

Loudreux nodded. “As usual. And for you, comarré?”

She’d had enough of the pretend hospitality. “I came for my ring, not tea. You’ve seen me. Now give me my ring.”

Loudreux laughed. “My, you’re a direct one, aren’t you?”

“Get her the ring,” Mal said.