But I can’t give it to him.
I almost ruined this place. Even after I learned the truth about our past, I almost destroyed this sanctuary out of some misplaced need for vengeance.
We’re no good for each other. Gideon is better off without me. And I’m better off alone.
So I say nothing.
With a nod of his head – as if he finally sees me for the cold creature he should have run from all those years ago – Gideon bows his head and walks away.
Anonymous Message on the Sepulchrr App
Friends, this is Gideon Blake. I’m forced to create an anonymous account to leave this message because the Conclave have revoked Sanctus’ access.
I wanted to let you all know that, effective immediately, I’m stepping down as director of Sanctus Estate.
The project will continue without me – with an exceptional new leader. I’ll let her introduce herself in her own time. We’ve built a wonderful community in the trees, with world-class amenities, a tranquil sculpture garden, and the latest in anti-sun technology. New houses are going up right now. I invite you to come and see our sanctuary for yourself.
All Upyr have the right to feel safe, and not everyone does when the courts do nothing about illegal siring and refuse to revisit ancient laws that no longer serve us. Upyr have always had the choice of whether they want to join a court. Over the centuries, the Conclave have manipulated us until there is no real choice. I wanted to give you an alternative. We only have one life, and it’s long and hard and filled with beauty. Choose what makes you happy.
I’m leaving not because I don’t believe in Sanctus, but because I don’t want my past to destroy your future. If we cannot forgive each other, or ourselves, for the sins of our past, then who among us is truly innocent? Are we not all monsters in our hearts?
18,152 Dig This 666 Resurrections
46
Arabella
Three weeks later
Emmanuel:If it isn’t my favourite dealer! I’d be absolutely chuffed to take a gander at your stash of Greek vases. If you’re selling, I’m buying. And to your other question, one of my staff members does recall purchasing a cache of coins from a gentleman just last month with a long scar across his face. Unfortunately, we don’t have any CCTV footage or a name, but I wish you well on your search.
“I’M CONCERNED ABOUT YOU,ARABELLA.” Beth frowns at me as she hands around a platter of mushroom cookies that no one eats. “You’re not practising good self-care.”
“What are you talking about? I’m a vampire. Iinventedself-care,” I huff. “I’ve been staying inside, avoiding sunlight, sleeping all day, and biting people who annoy me for decades, and all I’ve got to show for it is perfect skin and immortality.”
It’s been three weeks since Gideon handed me the paperwork to take over ownership of Sanctus and swore not to pursue me anymore. Three weeks of blissful peace without his terrible puns, insane grand gestures, or compliments about my derrière.
I have everything I wanted. I took Sanctus from Gideon. I had my revenge.
I’mmiserable.
I’m hiding my misery by throwing myself into my work as the new director of Sanctus – meeting the management, learning how everything works, and introducing myself to the members I haven’t met, while slowly whittling down the cache Gideon has amassed and attempting to find who stole from his vault. Three of my contacts in the antiquities trade have reported a man with a scar on his face selling off treasures that might’ve come from the Sanctus vaults, but of course, none can provide me with a photo.
There’s no one living at Sanctus who fits the description, so who is this guy and how is he getting in? Is he our killer? Could it be the same scarred man Gideon saw one hundred and fifty years ago?
That’s what we’re trying to figure out now. It’s the Wednesday night meeting of the Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven, but this week’s novel – the latest Ana Huang – sits unread and undissected while everyone gathers around the new murder board Mina and Maisie put together. (It includes labels in Braille and string connecting suspects and clues so Mina can read it.) Well, everyone except Beth, who seems more determined to give everyone food poisoning than to catch our killer.
Beth offers me a small vial containing a faintly pink liquid. “This is a healing elixir. I think it will make you feel better. And if you like it, tell all your vampire clients. And are you sure you won’t agree to run a pole dancing class? It could be in honour of Alyra—”
“Beth, could we concentrate on this murder investigation for one minute?” Mina snaps. “We now havethreemurders connected to Sanctus Estate, and our killer is going after vampires, too. I think that’s a little more important.”
“I’m trying to help,” Beth sulks. “Arabella’s not the only one who could do with a relaxing pilates class to work the tension out of their body.”
“You want me to do pilates? The thing that killed Jesus.” I shake my head. “Hard pass.”
“What if we’re looking at this all wrong?” Maisie frowns at the board. “What if the murders have nothing to do with Sanctus? There might be another connection we’re not seeing.”
“Like what?”
