Chapter 15 · The Massacre Ledger

The brand on Ethan's wrist isn't just a mark. It's a key.

I don't know how I know that. Maybe it's the way the lines curve inward, like they're holding something. Maybe it's the fact that Lucas went so still when I mentioned seeing it on the body three years ago—the body that wasn't my mother.

Or maybe I'm just desperate enough to believe anything that gives me a direction.

Lucas is in the hallway outside Ethan's room, talking low with someone. I catch fragments. "Council seal." "Vault access." "Before dawn."

I look down at my brother's face one more time. He's cold now. Stiff. The kind of cold that doesn't come back.

"I'm going to finish this," I whisper. "I swear."

When I step into the hall, Lucas cuts off mid-sentence. The other vampire—a woman with silver hair pulled tight—gives me a long look, then walks away without a word.

"Who was that?"

"No one you need to know," Lucas says.

I'm getting real tired of that answer.

"The brand," I say. "It's a council seal, isn't it?"

He doesn't deny it. That's as good as a yes.

"It opens something."

His jaw tightens. "Vivian—"

"Don't." I step closer.