"I promise you all," she cried, raising the glass high, her voice ringing through the vaulted hall, "we will see the downfall of the wolves! Tonight, we drink—to those we have lost, and to those we have yet to find!"

The vampires erupted into cheers, lifting their glasses.

Meanwhile, Jayden had finally recovered from the ordeal—his chest still aching from the floodwater he had swallowed, but at least he could stand without doubling over in pain. He wiped his mouth with the ...