Chapter 28

Valerie

I was certain by the sight of it that no one wanted outsiders knowing what was happening in this building. The windows were tinted black—so black, not a light could be seen inside.

I followed Lucas down a corridor so dark, I could hardly make out the shape of my hands out in front of me. He did not pull the leash chained to my neck, but it felt heavy nonetheless. We approached a staircase at the end of the corridor, and I was reminded of my time at the shop. Of our daily routines, and how when dusk came, we would walk down the stairs back to the basement where we slept.

It had only been a matter of days since I left the shop, but it already felt like a far-away memory. A dream I never really experienced. A nightmare, more like.

I was not surprised to see the place as dark as it was; vampires did not need the light. In fact, they preferred their surroundings dark and shadowed. That meant their pets could not see so much as a glimmer in the darkness.

I ached for the slaves that