With lightning precision, Troy struck. His fangs sliced through the pale skin of her neck, just below her jaw. She shrieked and tried to climb into Costus' lap, her arms and legs flailing in the confined space. Troy roughly pulled her back and grabbed a fistful of her hair. He jerked her head to one side, to give him better access. More blood.

With the blood came the visions.

She was six. Candles burned on a birthday cake. She cried because another girl was mean to her. ...