---- 411, AN UNEXPECTED CLUE KATHERINE Kath, Vorath told me that Lavinia is like you, and very powerful.


    That''s why he dared to feed her," Elliot exined.


    "A powerful witch?" I looked at her, almost in fear.


    I had hoped she would be normal.


    Now, more than ever, I had to protect her.


    "We have to, baby.


    Youre not alone anymore, Kath.


    We have to protect each other," Elliot assured me.


    "I need your help reorganizing all the castle staff.


    We''re going to do a full cleansing of the duchy.


    Ill bring Aldo, Tomas, and their families to stay at the castle." I nodded in agreement.


    They were good, loyal people The castles grand structure came into view as we entered the gardens, and for the first time, I felt an undeniable sense of belonging.


    Iwas no longer the false Duchess.


    I would take my ce legitimately.


    I wouldnt allow any more snakes to conspire within my own home.


    seek NARRATOR In the Duchy of Thesio..


    Salvatore materialized in a hidden corner of the stables behind the ---- Blue Mountain Tavern.


    This was where he would wait for that woman, Zafiro.


    But first, he needed a snackusing his powers so frequently without drinking blood regrly was weakening him.


    He overheard a conversation and moved closer, stalking from the shadows.


    Immediately, the stench of alcohol and urine hit his nose, making him wrinkle it in disgust.


    A few meters away, he spotted two men pissing against the wooden stable wall.


    Disgusting creatures.


    And yet, these elementals had the audacity to hunt him like vermin, even ughtering his family when they were discovered.


    Only he survivedhe had been far away when it happened.


    "Lm telling you, idiot, the Duchess of Everhart has a crazy sister!" Those words caught his attention.


    The speaker waspletely drunk, but he swore up and down that he had overheard a conversation at the Sanatorium, where he worked as an assistant.


    ording to him, the Duchess of Everhart had a twin sister.


    "And I clearly heard the word magic, he added, slurring his words as he zipped up his pants.


    "Be careful with what you say! Youre talking about important ---- nobles, you idiot!" "You''re the idiot! I know what I heard.


    You could make a fortune off this, but suit yourself if you dont believe me," the drunkard shouted indignantly before stumbling back toward the tavern along the stone path.


    Salvatores eyes gleamed in the darkness as he observed his now- isted prey, dazed and slumped against the wall.


    He moved in stealthily, disgusted by the mans stench of sweat and filth.


    But this was his life now.


    To survive, he would sink his fangs into whatever he could.


    By the time the drunkard noticed the shadow stalking him, it was toote.


    He barely had time to gasp before he was brutally drained and killed.


    Salvatore dragged the body to the sewer drain, pried open the heavy iron grate, and dumped the corpse insidenot before disguising the bite wounds with animal-like tears.


    No one could know a vampire was hiding in Duke Thesiosnds.


    After covering his tracks, he moved on to his next target.


    What that man had saidtruth or lieneeded to be investigated.


    So, he headed for the inn.


    There was still time before the future Duchess arrived.


    As soon as he entered the noisy tavern, he spotted the drunkard causing a scene with the serving maid.


    Looked like his coins had run dry.