The vampires weren't alone. Within moments, the Chosen appeared on the borrowed ride of another group. Nicholas crashed the party with a scowl as the leader let my father settle to the grass, still trapped in his bubble.

Dad lunged to the edge, his mouth calling for Mom, but no sound emerged. She turned and saw him. Reached for him. I felt their pain and longing even from where I stood. She sagged with the weight of her understanding, a slow and crippled motion bending her ...