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“Hounds of Hell,”Father said, looking up from his tablet to give Arthur an incredulous glare. “Please try to be dignified, Arthur. These are important people. We don’t want to reflect poorly on ourclan.”

“I’ll behave,”Arthur said with a little smile. “Though let’s not kid ourselves. We all know this party is for more than just celebrating Ian’s birthday. He winked at me, and I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t restrain a smile. “Christophe and I will be having our fun. Too bad Van’s nothere.”

“Just a second,”Mother said, putting down her tablet. “That reminds me. I received an e-mail last night from your uncles in Lupania. Your cousins will be coming to theparty.”

“Cousin Volk and Lukas?”Arthur said, surprised. “Do they speak English? Last time we met, they only spokeLupanian.”

“No,which is why, Christophe, I’d like you to take care ofthem.”

Iblinked.Arthur looked at me, knowing what this meant. Having to chaperone my fifteen-year-old cousins meant any opportunity to do any real socializing would be practically nonexistent. I would need to show them around, introduce them to the guests, act as translator… and I didn’t even speak anyLupanian.

“Christophe?”Mother said, waiting for myacknowledgement.

Ikept my disappointment inside,as I alwaysdid.

“Of course, Mother,”I said. “I’d be happyto.”

So much formy hopes of meeting anyonespecial.