“But not Drake’s?”

“No.”

“Is that because she was part human—a bit like the half-bloods?”

“Yeah, I mean, that’s the extent of my theorising. Jason Knight’s studied it in depth. Guess he’d know more than I. But, anyway, the Lilithians possess most vampire super-traits. Like speed and immortality—well, theirs is partial immortality.”

“Partial?”

“Yeah, immortal—to a degree.”

“Elaborate?” I waved my hand around in a prompting circle.

“Lilithians were a weak, faulted species. See, we have vulnerabilities, but, bone-deep, we’re indestructible. The Lilithians weren’t. If you cut off their heads, they’d die.” I covered my mouth; Eric laughed. “Also, they had a selective menu.”

“Being?”

“Vampires.”

“Huh?”

“They fed on vampires.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope.” His easy smile lit his eyes. “And, like our bite to a human, theirs was also fatal.”

“To a human?”

“No. To a vampire.”

“But—you can’t die.”

“Anymore.” His word carried so much weight, making it seem like an explanation.

“Why not anymore?”

“There was a family feud—Drake was cast off the throne, Lilith was given power. So, Drake killed her, took back the throne and swore death to all her descendants.”

“Because of a feud?”

“Yep. And it took nearly another two centuries to wipe out her bloodline—leaving only those who were created by the Created.”

I ran those two words over in my head. “Created by the Created?”

“Yeah. If a pure blood bit a human, they’d still have the ability to kill a vampire, but whoever that Created vampire then created would only have the ability to paralyse us.”

“Why would you leave them alive then?”

“The entire Lilithian Order is under control of the World Council. We send vampires there who’ve been very bad.”

“So, these remaining Lilithians, they can create vampires that drink vamp blood, but can’t kill you?” I confirmed.

“Yup.”

“And they’re immortal, too?”

“And un-ageing.”

“Does one have to have the right gene to become a Lilithian?”

“Nope.” Eric’s eyes lit up.

“Then.” My heart dropped into my stomach. “Why didn’t David just take me to them in the first place?”

“Because you didn’t want immortality, and he didn’t know, before Jason bit you, that you couldn’t be changed into a vampire. He’d rather you a vampire than a Lilithian.” His lip curled up on the word. “Vampires hate Lilithians—and it takes an exceptionally rare situation to get approval to create one. The World Council keeps them under control. They’re dangerous.”

“Why? Why do you hate them?”

“Because they’re a different species. Not pure; devoid of true vampire nature. They can hurt vampires, Amara—really badly, and they don’t approve of our lifestyle.”

“What, killing humans for food?”

“Yeah. They think we should be able to control it—leave the humans alive.” Eric laughed.

“I agree. That was one of the reasons I didn’t want to be a vampire.” I breathed out, staring at the bedroom door—my gaze narrowing. “Why didn’t David tell me about this when I woke from the coma?”

“Well, he didn’t have approval then. They’ll only allow it if true vampirism fails, and even then—not very often. Besides, you told him you were marrying Mike. Word has it, he came for you—on the day of your wedding—and you turned him away.”

The world grew large and shrunk back in again. Sound came rushing through my ears like it was being filtered through a tiny pin. “Why didn’t he just tell me that? I would have gone with him.”

“I don’t know,” Eric mused, “Guess we’ll never know. But, is that what you’d want? To be Lilithian? You’d be immortal, but you’d crave David’s blood, you’d want to drain him—hurt him?”

“Hmm. Not when you put it like that.”

“You wouldn’t be able to bite him, either; the venom would paralyse him in a world of agony. I’ve never experienced it, but I’ve heard it’s the most painful lockdown a vampire can suffer.”

My lip quivered a little and my eyes filled with hot tears. “I just wanted a life with him, that was all.”

Eric reached out and touched my shoulder. “He tried for that, too—the first time he came before the Council, and they denied it.”

“Yes, but now he’s taken leave anyway, hasn’t he? Only he’s not here.”

“He thinks you’re happily married.”

My chin rolled to my chest. Oh.

“Besides, if he does come back, he faces trial.” Eric sighed and ran his hand through the front of his hair, flicking it back. “Look, David’s all about the law. He’s majored in vampire law, and human law, in several categories, but this hurt him. When justice failed for him, he lost all faith—in everything. He may not even come back.”

“Can’t you take me to the Lilithians? Get me changed? Then I can find him.”

Eric laughed aloud. “Ha! No, they’d trap me and use me for their experiments before I even made it to the door. They have strict rules, Amara. Vampires who stroll onto their turf, unapproved, become their property—and they hate vampires.”

“What, the Council would just let them have you?”

“Yes. It’s an insurance policy—the Council’s way of keeping vampires from mingling with Lilithians.”

“Why?”

“Because they’re not like us, Amara,” he said, as if I were like him. “Vampires and Lilithians don’t mix. It’s the law, and our desire.”

“Well, so you can’t take me to the Lilithians, but, can’t you take me to the Council so I can talk to them?”

“Amara, I’m staying out of this. I’m sorry. I can be your friend, but everyone who spoke up or got involved in this somehow has become an outcast. This has caused a big divide in the vampire world. David was very, very loved. No one’s taking it well. If I simply waltz into the World Council and beg them to have you changed, they’ll probably kill you—just to save David the anguish of wanting you.”