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She studies me. "Did the sensation feel summoned?" "No."

"Did you search for it?"

I frown. "No."

"Did you want it?"

"No."

That answer is stronger than the others. Professor Neris notices. "Good."

I almost laugh. "Good?"

"You did not force the contact."

"That does not make it good."

"No." She folds her hands. "It makes it safer."

The distinction fails to reassure me. "What is it?" Professor Neris looks toward the empty table. "A probable manifestation." Her voice is quieter.

"What kind?"

She hesitates. "Blood Echo."

The words settle uneasily. I repeat them. "Blood Echo." My voice is almost silent.

"Some vampires perceive physical information through blood." Professor Neris starts.

"I already do." I answer.

"Some manipulate blood's movement."

"I don't."

"Some influence healing, binding or lineage recognition." She meets my eyes. "And, rarely, some perceive emotional residue." The words settle.

"Memories?" I ask.

"Not necessarily."

"What is the difference?"

"Memory has sequence." She gestures toward the vial. "An echo has intensity." That feels accurate.

I had not seen a complete event. Only fear powerful enough to remain after everything else faded.

"Can I control it?" I ask.

"Eventually." She nods softly.

"Can I stop it?"

"Possibly." Professor Neris' voice remains even. "Do not confuse control with refusal, Miss Vaelith."

The lesson again. Instinct denied becomes instinct disguised.

"What happens if I touch fresh blood?" I ask.