---- They sobbed andughed as they ripped her flesh, swallowing it into their starving stomachs, driven mad beyond reason.


    Come, I dont want you here any longer.


    They will be free.


    They ---- will all be free.


    The specters are opening all the doors, Ss said, wrapping his arms tightly around her from behind, checking to make sure the wound on her back was closed.


    Teed to feed youwith blood, with magic, whatever you need, but now, Sigrid.


    Lets go to the surface.


    Sigrid nodded, letting Ss take her hand in his, colder than ice, but to her, the warmest of all.


    The worst nightmare had been destroyed.


    As Ss guided her through the corridors, Sigrid watched his broad back and wondered how much time she had left by his side.


    She could feel it in her heart.


    The moment was approaching, and she still hadnt figured out how to take him with her.


    see Several floors above, Alessandre was locked in an embrace with Renata.


    He had summoned her to that room before being attacked by the assassin shadows that had emerged from the walls.


    Theyughed and cried, their forms appearing almost human.


    They manipted memories in some way, always trying to slither into their bodies and minds.


    Were these the invincible soldiers Lucrecia had spoken of to their vampire parents? The monstrosities she had created through her experiments meant to help her im the Selenias'' crown? ---- They were certainly hard to kill.


    Only Renatas magic had allowed them to defeat them, and only because there had been so few of them.


    Where were the rest? Most likely with Lucrecia.


    Both of them were drenched in sweat, wounded, but safe.


    Renata, its time...


    {...


    Renata hesitated.


    She didnt want to do it.


    It felt so unfair, Its necessary, love.


    It has to be done...


    She doesnt belong here Her familyour family must be waiting for her in the future, maybe desperately.


    We have to do this, he persuaded her again.


    In the end, they had revealed the n to her as well.


    Renata closed her eyes, resigned, then nodded.


    Lets go to the surface.


    We need to meet with your mother.


    Everything has to be ready when theye up...