Jonathan hadn’t realized why Page was facing the bookcase when he entered the room. Alphonse must have gotten at Dr. Page’s face with his hands. Blood was covering his eyes, and it looked as if his face had been scratched at with animalistic claws.

Jonathan took this in as he stared into what remained of Page’s face, as the vampire choked in shock.

Jonathan released the glass shard, embedded now in Page’s neck. He stepped away, stumbling, kneeling at ...