"But Valerian is dead. Evelyn told me," I commented, remembering in detail the conversation with my best friend. "So why do you still remain by our side?"
"Because I am the oldest among the Murdock brothers, your great-grandmother offered me something no other vampire possessed, not even my creator. I agreed to serve your family and, in return, I was rewarded with a gift no vampire should possess."
I knew before he said it. It was there, in the way the golden light rested on his pale skin without burning him. As if he had been born to be illuminated by it.
"The power to walk under sunlight," I whispered.
He nodded slowly.
"I agreed never to leave this land while you live. To protect your lineage. Gather information. Kill in your name. Be your familiar."
"You were enslaved by Valerian
