Draven.
"When the first batch leaves tomorrow, I want ten of our finest warriors to go with them. Handpicked. No excuses," I instructed.
Jeffery blinked, looking surprised, while Dennis tilted his head, studying me.
"There may be attacks along the way," I continued with a low but firm voice. "Humans, vampires—it doesn't matter. I won't risk lives just because we thought the journey home would be quiet."
Dennis's grin faded into something harder, more thoughtful. He gave a slow nod.
"You are right. If anything were to happen to them, it would cause an uproar. Some of the families already grumble about being sent away. If we lose even one life on the road, they will talk badly about you. Some might even try to lay blame at your feet."
I nodded once, sharply. "Exactly. And I won't give them that chance. There will be no room for uproar. No one dies on the way home. Not on my watch."
