---
That much, at least, was almost exactly true.
Bat Bat frowned at him. "That sounds like cheating."
Seraphiel answered before he could. "No. That sounds like a bloodline instinct."
Bat Bat considered this and nodded solemnly. "Then it is elegant cheating."
The first maid finally did laugh, very softly, and immediately looked guilty for it.
Seraphiel remained focused on Sekhmet. "You only thought about it. And his blood obeyed?"
Sekhmet replied, "Yes."
She studied him in silence for a few breaths.
The road outside shifted from merchant width to a more structured city approach. The wheels took a turn. Lantern light slid over her face and then away again, leaving only the thoughtful gleam in her eyes.
At length she said, "I have met many vampires."
That got everyone's attention again.
Of course it did.
A sentence like that from Lady Seraphiel was not casual history. It was old blood speaking of older blood.
