**Lucian**

The pit in my stomach wouldn't quit. It was far from a simple need for blood, and I had taken my fill tonight. This was something primal, a void that no amount of crimson could ever hope to fill.

It always came back to her.

Charisse sat across from me, the candle flame dancing between us. She kept her hands still, her slender wrists resting on her lap. I wondered if she was afraid that any sudden movement would betray her inner turmoil. I could smell her heartbeat, quick and ...