The Million-Dollar Heart

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.

thoughts connected like dots, a smirk playing on her lips.

"If all this adds up, it clears up a lot of

to guess. Power

in motives, shaking his head. "What worries me is, if things have reached this point,

mentor always went straight

her undead soldiers; she must have

we could hide out at your grandfather's. The ancient warrior lineage still carries weight; nobody would dare touch you." Vivienne raised

was the old man

you always taught me that the only way to solve problems is

for bravado, Viv. Abigail's after the whole world. The stakes are too high, and I can't stand the thought

box, I might be able to predict her final 'weapon."" "If you really want to help, focus on

by tomorrow. Until then, prioritize your safety, and don't go

waved her

keep this from her grandfather? If he

the ride back, Vivienne sat in the

her voice hushed but tinged

slowly opened her eyes, asking softly, "What's

the rearview mirror, slightly embarrassed. "Viv, my mom wants to invite you over for dinner to properly thank you. Are you free tonight?" Vivienne's cool

surprised by Vivienne's straightforward agreement. "Mom, Vivienne said yes. Book the table,

hanging up, Anna apologized on behalf

decide on a

with a hint of red, her smile

moment, Vivienne was taken

almost forgotten

Anna was

recently come of

with the weight