Sidia spent the next few days in a hazy state of mind. She went through the motions of her daily life, but she refused to look at her home any differently. Part of her wanted to memorize every detail. She wanted to watch a little more closely as Rosa brought her breakfast, the old woman opening the door with the same greeting she had used for as long as Sidia could remember. Sidia wanted to find all the things she took for granted about her home and fully appreciate them. No matter how hard she tried to pull herself out of her fear and dark thoughts about the night to come, she just couldn't. On the morning of her birthday, her mother replaced Rosa, silently carrying the silver platter. She placed the tray down on the small table by the window and set out the coffee. She poured herself a small cup and sipped it quietly while standing, looking out at the ocean with a distant look in her golden eyes. "I have dreaded this day for so long, my love." Sophia put down her coffee and final

Mortal terror surged through Sidia's veins. She didn't scream, but she was unable to move. She knew there was a coven, but so many? There had to be at least a hundred just in this cavern! Her chest heaved with panic. She blinked, and suddenly the vampire on the throne was standing right in front of her, every perfect detail of his face blocking everything else out. How did he move so fast?"Do not worry, Sidia. My name is Severus, and I have waited centuries for you. None of us will harm you." He raised one of his impossibly perfect hands and took the liberty of brushing aside a tangled curl from her face. She froze at his touch, self-conscious once more as she realized how underdressed she was. Severus's sumptuous silk robes draped him perfectly, and his golden head had a crown of silver laurels. She was mesmerized by the way his lips formed the most glorious smile she had ever seen. His teeth practically glowed from their white perfection, the points of his fangs beautiful in a te

Sidia's eyes flew open, and she sat up straight in bed. Light still suffused the room, and Sidia could see everything clearly. She looked for Marcus but realized quickly that it was just a dream. Disappointment washed over, and she sank back into the pillows. However, another stab of emotion sent her sitting up again. How could she possibly be dreaming like that about someone she had just met? She had never had feelings for anyone before. Of course, there were boys her age around the family's estate growing up, but she had no mind for them. In fact, she had never really thought about romance in any context in the first place. All Sidia had ever cared about were the stories sprawling in the pages of her family's book collection. It's never going to happen anyway, Sidia thought to herself. Even if she took the time to get to know Marcus and figure out these confusing feelings, it wouldn't matter. He was centuries old, dashing, powerful, and probably more intelligent than she could ever

Sidia gulped. Nothing yet had frightened her the way Julia's eyes flared with outrage. "I'm sorry, Your Grace." Sidia wasn't at all sure the title was correct, but she refused to address her as anything less honorific. Julia shook her head and looked past Sidia. "As for you, Marcus, you should know better. For whatever reason, this human is the one who . . . fulfills the prophecy given to your brother." Her tone was too careful, and this piqued Sidia's interest. Why did everyone talk about the prophecy like this? Almost as if it was rehearsed? She thought once again of the way Marcus had openly mocked it when she first arrived."Forgive me, Mother." Marcus dropped his careless and arrogant demeanor. He was nothing but an obedient son in his mother's presence."There is always something to forgive with you." Julia turned her attention back to Sidia. "If you're quite finished, it is time to take you back to your quarters and dress you for the feast tonight. Since you refused Catari

Catarina escorted Sidia back to her room, humming the melodies of one of the songs the musicians played earlier that evening. She seemed to be in a much better mood after feeding, but she barely said a word to Sidia before pulling the door closed. Sidia didn't mind though. She craved some time alone, but even now, was she really alone?Since she arrived, she had learned vampires had superior speed, strength, hearing, and other magical abilities. Could they turn invisible too? What if there was a spy in her room right now?She shuddered, trying to shake the thought out of her mind. More importantly, she wanted to shake away the sorrow encroaching on her heart. Now that a vampire's voice wasn't lacing the air with magical music, the shame and heartache from what she did in the throne room intensified. She had no idea if Marcus left because he was disappointed in her or if he perhaps did have feelings for her, feelings shattered when she declared herself to Severus. Either way, she desp