"he doesn't want anyone rushing into our territory without the permission of his brothers," ariane said. "he seemed to think it would go badly for whoever tried." she thought of his wings, so beautiful and strange, and of the way he spoke about mortals as though he had never been one. "i'm inclined to agree."

vlad sighed. "i wish he had more faith in the other leaders, but... he is grigori."

lily gave ariane a sidelong glance. "i... hate to ask this. but is your, um, changed mark going to cause an issue with the ceremony?"

ariane went cold. that was something she hadn't even considered. she'd been so consumed with damien's leaving that it hadn't occurred to her that she was no longer quite a pureblood. she looked quickly at vlad, but his smile was understanding.

"i've already consulted with mormo. the changes damien's blood will effect in you will take time to manifest, if they do at all. and they may not. your sire is incredibly strong. she seemed to think your blood would suffice."

ariane slumped a little with relief. "sam told you, then. that he's my sire."

"i would have suspected it anyway, but yes. that he cares for you is obvious. and, unusual."

lily wrinkled her nose. "and he doesn't have to deal with mormo. lucky him."

ariane tilted her head, surprised by the bitter edge to lily's voice. "do you know her?"

"i don't need to know her. she and arsin