HELENA'S POVHelena had always loved music. Since she was a young child, she was able to master any instrument handed to her quickly. Piano, flute, harp, trumpet, it didn't matter. Women were usually limited to the piano and maybe the harp, but her father had never refused her anything. He reached out to tutors from all over Europe to visit the family estate and educate his beloved daughter. He even tracked down merchants on his trips to Rome and Venice to buy her bizarre instruments from all over the world. The entire village delighted in Helena's musical prowess, and they often held bonfires and feasts centered around her performances. One day, a young man named Francesco Aliani came to Monterosso at Helena's father's behest. He was the son of one of Italy's greatest violinists, but he had mastered the cello. Helena had never received a formal education on this particular instrument, and she was excited to know more than what she had taught herself. Oh, it was love at first sigh

Sidia stood in shock while Marcus said nothing, keeping his chokehold on Julia. She ran her hands over her neck just to confirm there was no bite mark. Julia had been so close, but Sidia's neck was still smooth with unbroken skin. The door to Julia's living quarters flew open, and Severus was right behind Marcus. A group of vampires had gathered outside in the hallway, curious enough to linger but not enough to risk entering and upsetting their emperor."What is the meaning of this?" Severus demanded. "Marcus, put our mother down so I can talk to her."Marcus said nothing, but he did obey. He let go of Julia but didn't move. He was ready to pounce on her should she try to attack again."Your precious bride is a disgrace, Severus!" Julia screeched. "This is ridiculous. You can't seriously mean that she—""Silence." Sidia shuddered at Severus' command. She had never heard someone speak so low. She couldn't think of a word to describe the emotion he expressed with just that one wo

It explains everything, Sidia thought to herself. Now, she just needed to find out how to end the spell. The book clearly stated that the spell could only end with the death of the caster, but how could she possibly manage that? Even if she knew how to kill a vampire and could successfully do so, did she really have the stomach for it? Because of Sidia's upbringing and her faith, of course she regarded vampires as evil creatures. Their origin was supposedly unholy, and they had unnatural powers and fed on innocent people. But, these vampires were clearly under a spell. She now realized Marcus had been trying to help her. He was just unable to directly intervene or go against his brother. Perhaps that was why he rejected her attempted kiss in the library. A romantic encounter with her would be a direct betrayal of his brother, and depending on the phrasing of the oath he made to Severus, there may not be a way around it. Still, there was too much she didn't know about the coven and

Julia jolted, screeching as her arm shattered at the elbow. She was only restrained by her other arm now, and the force of Severus's kick flung her back. She was nothing but a shaking heap on the floor of the throne room. Sidia covered her mouth in shock and sank to her knees. Tears flowed freely down her horrified face, and she choked back her sobs. "You didn't have to do that!" Sidia wailed. Severus ignored her. Instead, he approached his mother and removed the other shackle. He lifted the injured woman into his arms and held her close, swaying from side to side as he hummed to her. Instead of fighting him off, however, Julia wrapped her good arm around his neck and clung to him. Sidia was baffled by her reaction.After a few moments, Severus placed Julia on her feet. She was haggard, her face drawn and eyes listless. She turned her attention to Sidia."It was necessary, Your Grace." Her voice was raspy from screaming. "I know you are not used to such things. You were not rai

Severus easily gripped both of Sidia's arms at the wrist as she tried to push him away. He forced her arms behind her back and pressed himself to her, grinning the entire time. This close to his face, Sidia was overwhelmed by the scent of lavender."Do you know how hard it is to resist you?" Severus whispered, his voice husky. What? Sidia realized then that he wasn't angry with her. No, he was . . . lustful. His mouth hovered so close to hers. He enjoyed her defiance. Why?Just as quickly as he had grabbed her, he let go and stepped back. "I'm sorry. I was just so overcome.""What do you mean?" Sidia stammered."You are everything I want. I admit I haven't spent much time with you, and I debated bringing you here now. It's so difficult to control myself." Severus stepped forward again, but this time, he only cupped her face. Sidia didn't push him away this time. She didn't want to give into him. No, she had seen too much. There was no way she could ever fully support Severus. W