“It’s a message.” I watched as Finn reached down to inspect the blood-stained cloth wrapped around something small. “Looks like a vampire left the message for him.” I watched as he analyzed the area, putting a picture together.

I stared at the cloth. That was Alfred’s blood, and it was clearly a message for me. Did he spill his own blood, or did something happen? I watched as Finn carefully unwrapped the cloth to reveal a small wooden box. Carefully, he undid the latch, flipping ...