The next morning, Charles felt wonderful, revitalized, strong and whole.As Elena predicted, he had traded his revulsion for desire, a yearning now for blood.And he had let go of his self-loathing, his vanity and greed no longer permitting it.

Last night he helped Elena dispose of Anatole's body.Taking the boat, they rowed to the deepest part of the lake and threw Anatole overboard, his corpse weighted down with stones tied with ropes.Elena already told the others who lingered about the ...