Locked in my room, I wandered from corner to corner, measuring the vast space with my footsteps. I had one thought in my head: if I didn't hear from Viper, I'd call her, and if she didn't pick up, I'd drop everything and fly to Rio, no matter what the consequences.

***

– What did you and Cedric agree on? – I heard the vampire's voice.

"Oh, yes. We agreed that I would text or call him as soon as I got to the airport in Rio," I remembered, regaining clarity of thought.

But what could I do? This strange vampire had taken my phone, held me prisoner, and kept his eyes on me like a chain dog! True, he was so "merciful" that he even asked the stewardess to bring lunch, dinner and drinks for me. But I didn't touch the food and only took a couple of sips of water. Grayson also let me go to the toilet when I asked him to. Other than that, he let me sleep, but I couldn't sleep a wink: my body and mind were too tense to let me sleep for a while. I felt cold in the night, and I timidly asked the stewardess to bring me a warm blanket. Fortunately, the vampire didn't mind, and I spent the remaining hours of the flight wrapped tightly in the plaid. My back and legs were aching-not even the reclined seat helped.

– As soon as we get off the plane, call him," Grayson said.

I couldn't help but wonder.

Why would he do that? He's not saying it out of mercy!

– Yes, I know what you agreed to," he grinned, apparently enjoying my surprised look. – I heard every word you said at the Prague airport. I almost wept – it was so romantic.

– I don't understand why you need this? – I asked, unable to see the logic in his actions: first he was going to lock me up in his mansion to kill me quietly, and now he was ordering me to call Cedric. It makes no sense!

– He must think you're all right. I don't want him to panic and come after you. So you'll call him.

– And if I don't? – I asked defiantly.

– Then he'll get worried and fly anyway – I've known him a long time and I know his temperament. And when he arrives, he will be met here by our brethren, whom I will inform of his misdemeanour. Can you imagine what will happen to him? He'll be crippled enough to become a living log.

– Stop it!" I blurted out, picturing the consequences of my stubbornness. – I'll call and pretend to be very happy! I'll pretend all you want, but don't tell anyone about us! Please!

– Mortals… How naive you are! When I scare you, you're ready to do anything, panicking and talking nonsense," the vampire grinned wickedly. – But don't worry – it's not in my interest to hurt Morgan. I'll just get rid of you, and that will be the solution to all your problems.

"Parents. My poor parents! What about them? What will happen to them when they find out their daughter is missing? How will they live knowing they'll never see me again? I mean, they'll go crazy!" – Tears came to my eyes.

What conflicting thoughts! One part of me was happy that my death would eliminate the threat to Cedricoa, and the other part of me was sobbing because it would kill my parents-there was nothing worse for them than having their child die.

– Your blood is amazing! – The vampire whispered into my ear. – When we get to England, I'll kill you, but not right away. I'll drink a small glass of your blood every day, stretching out the pleasure.

– I won't give you that," I said quietly but firmly. – I'll kill myself, and all your plans will be ruined.

– Don't forget about Cedric. You don't want anything to happen to him, do you? – he interrupted me in a harsh tone. – Your life and death belong to me, and if you kill yourself, I will make sure your Morgan is punished. Your life is the key to his happiness and well-being. Do I make myself clear?

– You couldn't be clearer! – I whispered, finally losing the strength to fight. – Do whatever you want! I don't care!

How easily he manipulated me! He knew every string he had to pull to make me do his bidding!

– You'll have fun with me. I'll entertain you, call Markus and tell you the news from the wedding. England in August is beautiful and you won't regret spending some time there instead of Rio. And just what do you find in Brazil? Palm trees, beach and heat? Viper, you have no idea what a wonderful time I'm going to give you.

Suddenly, the captain's call to fasten seatbelts was loud in the cabin as the plane was coming in for landing.

Those sixteen and a half hours were torture for me. Sixteen hours – the worst, scariest, and most hated hours of my life. It was agony: I knew that now everything was ruined, that my parents would die of grief, that I would never see Cedric again, that it was over. And this event, this retribution for my and Cedric's love, caught up with me just when we both thought we were saved.