Vivienne and Percival returned to their place.

An hour later, Matthew called. "Viv," he began, "those guys in black were long gone by the time we got there, but we've ID'd the bodies. All missing their hearts." "Fifteen in total, all underage girls, and none of them in the system."

Vivienne wasn't surprised.

The body she had found with Delilah likely came from the same source.

For someone like Abigail, using the undead to harvest these victims for her healing rituals was child's play.

The reason she hadn't touched these people before was fear of exposing her final trump card too soon.

But taking the hearts of a dozen people in one go showed her resolve.

Abigail was gearing up for a final showdown!

The next day, Vivienne took the mysterious box to Finnian.

When it came to exotic artifacts, no one was more knowledgeable than him.

Inspecting the box, Finnian nodded, "I can unlock it, but it'll take two days."

Vivienne was about to leave when Finnian stopped her, "Hold up, take a look at this. Just found it."

He handed her an ancient book.

It seemed at least a century old, documenting the cultural history of what was now the Southern Lakes region. But one line caught Vivienne's eye, tightening her expression. She read the entire story.

down the book, her thoughts connected like dots, a smirk playing on

stayed silent for a moment, then nodded. "If all this adds up, it clears

"Her motive isn't hard to guess. Power corrupts, and when you add a vendetta

"What worries me is, if things have reached this point, she might just snap from years

mentor always went straight to the

her undead soldiers; she must have

undead soldiers, Finnian's expression darkened. "Then you should stay put, let me protect you. Or we could hide out at your grandfather's. The ancient warrior lineage still carries weight; nobody would dare touch you."

was the old man

haven't you always taught me that the only way to solve problems is to face them head-on? Only

whole world. The stakes are too high, and I can't stand

was sidetracked by Vivienne's next words. "If we can figure out what's inside this box, I might be able to predict her final

tomorrow. Until then, prioritize your safety, and don't go anywhere alone." Vivienne nodded, then as she was leaving, she turned back to Finnian with

waved her off,

to keep this from her grandfather? If he found out, he'd rally all his

the ride back, Vivienne sat in the back, resting

received a call, her voice hushed but

eyes, asking softly, "What's

invite you over for dinner to properly thank you. Are you free tonight?" Vivienne's cool gaze

"Mom, Vivienne said yes. Book the table, and we'll be

apologized on behalf of

her mom to suddenly decide on a dinner

were flushed with a hint of

Vivienne was taken

almost

Anna was just

recently come of

the weight of

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