It was later that evening when Verchiel rounded everyone up for Des' funeral. They'd built a pyre of broken furniture and bric-a-brac in an empty area of the compound. Des' body lay on top, wrapped in blankets. The petroleum scent of kerosene bit Katelina's nose. She pressed closer to Jorick, as if he could shelter her from it.

Brandle stood silent, hands clasped before him. Several feet away were Micah and Torina. The vampiress was fully restored and wearing a new blue dress. ...