The next morning, Queen Seraphina returned. But she wasn't alone.
Fifty vampires stood behind her. Their eyes glowed red in the dawn light. They wore black armor that looked like liquid shadow.
"We need to talk," Seraphina said to Elara.
"About what?" Kael asked. He didn't trust vampires.
"About survival," Seraphina said. "The human armies move faster than we expected. They'll be here tonight."
"Tonight?" Elara's heart pounded.
"Our spies confirmed it," Seraphina said. "Twelve thousand soldiers. Weapons designed to kill supernatural beings. Cages that can hold gods."
"Cages for gods?" Ronan asked.
"They know about Luna and Phoenix," Seraphina said. "They know what your children really are."
Darian stepped forward. "What do you want from us?"
"Alliance," Seraphina said. "Vampires are excellent fighters. We don't need sleep. We don't feel pain. We're perfect soldiers."
"What's the cost?" Kael asked. He knew vampires never gave anything for free.
