Chapter 25

The plane ride on the private jet was smooth enough as to be expected, but I loathed flying. There was just something that felt unnatural about a vampire being the air. I was a creature of the night, meant to be on the ground and in control.

Even so, we toasted to new beginnings with champagne and blood. Usually, I would have declined the blood as I only take what I need, but Elijah insisted I replenish my strength and I had been depriving myself lately, a form of punishment for my weaknesses. But no more of that. It was time to move on. Even I was imperfect, as shocking as it seemed, and I deserved some grace. I made a one-time mistake that was over with, done and in the past. To beginnings indeed.

It was a few hours past dusk when we arrived. The air felt different here. It was warm and humid and salty. I stared at the large structure in front of me. So different than the place I called home. The Ventrel compound was more of an ancient castle. Not much had changed over the