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Ramedes, I’m a contrary creature. Do I give you amusement? Would you inform me if I did?

Poor, pathetic Jacques, begging for freedom from that awful moment. Only the Tai’moriee knows what truly happened, and he has never mentioned it. Tai’moriee respects my wishes.

Ah, beloved Ramedes, there is one thing that you never realised. Over time, my love for you grew, and although not a grand romance, it was sincere. Though not as consuming as my love for another, this love is everlasting. But you are not the love of my life. Nevertheless, Ramedes, you are magnificent, and I had never seen your like before or since.

Tragically, I pity your followers, for they’ll never touch you, neither will any of your own kind. For our similarity in manythings, in this we are dissimilar. Ramedes constantly seeks love and never finds it. However, I have experienced love from Inka, Elizabeth, and now from Eden.

Are those two names unfamiliar, Dear Reader? Do you cry out, who is Elizabeth? Who is Eden?

Good.

You’ll meet Elizabeth and Eden later on, and then you shall know that I finally found what I was so desperately searching for.

But I digress.

Let’s return to that night.

???

When I reached the pyramid and saw Ramedes’s followers, worshipers, standing at various stages on the steps, my heart sank. Then I felt Ricardus’s amulet and pulled it out before placing it around my neck.

Swallowing, I began to climb the stairs to where the children were—and Ramedes.

I ascended, feeling eyes watching, but none dared to touch me, for the amulet I wore belonged to Ramedes. This was the hope Ricardus had offered. How Ricardus came to own this, I didn’t know, but I prayed it held enough power to let me reach the summit.

The mortals whispered as I climbed. They recognised me for what I was. Inside, I shook so badly I feared everyone would see.

On guard, I stopped at the top of the platform and gazed into Ramedes’ eyes.

They narrowed, and then Ramedes looked past me. Tied down to two biers and laid out like sacrificial lambs were the children.

Kit was staring ahead, and Rahmon had his eyes closed. Sweat dripped off them, and I could smell their fear.

I glanced back at Ramedes and wondered what would happen next. A man moved, and a quick motion from Ramedes stopped him.

Warily, I stepped to the side.

Ramedes watched me like a hawk as I reached Kit. Kit’s eyes were open, but I felt as if Kit was not really seeing me. I bent down to untie Kit and, picking her up, I shot across to Rahmon. Holding each of them under one arm, I retreated. The priests looked up at their Goddess in puzzlement.

“Jacques, you are too late,” Ramedes said finally.

Oh, her voice, so sweet, like nectar. I stared at Ramedes and continued to back away.

“No, it is never too late,” I answered, reaching the top of the stairs.

“Did you honestly believe, Vam’pir, that I was unaware of your presence here? Did you believe I was ignorant of your coming because you thought I was weak?”

“No. But you can’t have the twins,” I said.

Fool!

How was I going to get them out safely?

“Kitiaria and Rahmon are marked, Vam’pir. The children are mine, and I mean to have them.”

“And just what is marked?” I shouted.

The men drew back in fear.