Meanwhile, across the stone halls of the Vampsion, Jayden was pulled from sleep by the sharp trill of his phone. He groaned, blinking at the screen. The name “Emric” lit up in bold letters.

He answered, his voice groggy. “What is it?”

“You need to see this. Now.”

That was all Emric said before ending the call.

Jayden was wide awake in seconds, dressing quickly and making his way through the winding halls. When he arrived at the chamber Emric had directed ...