Chapter 43

The room became surprisingly bright. She looked at Noah—not toward him, but athim—with eyes covered in a milky film. “Ah. You’ve found him.”

Noah realized she was very, very old. Ancient, in fact.

“No, he hasn’t,” he stated flatly. Why did these beings insist on that? Didn’t they realize they were breaking his heart each time they said he could have what he really couldn’t?

“Why do you deny your vampyre?”

“I’m not denying him. I’d like nothing better. But I’m not a black swan.”

“Who told you that?”

“My father.”

“Apparently, his father.” Gabriel spoke at the same time as Noah.

Morwen shook her head. “Do you remember when I came to see you? You were just a little boy. I told your parents you were a black swan. I told them Gabriel Granger was your vampyre. Master Granger, catch him!” she ordered.

Gabriel scooped Noah up in his arms, which was a good thing, since Noah had been about to pass out and face plant on the floor. He sat Noah down and pushed his head between his knees.