Lazar said. “That’ll help,” Mihaela said eagerly. Lazar threw his pen on the desk. “Mihaela. You’re the team in Budapest right now.” Mihaela stared at him. “I’m not a team. Konrad’s AWOL and István’s captured. I can’t be the only hunter in Budapest!” “Things are hectic right now,” Lazar said apologetically. “Especially in the outer, more rural regions where Saloman isn’t so understood. Some of the young vampires are scared and creating fledglings like there’s no tomorrow—probably for their own protection. But we all know fledglings are more dangerous to the human population than the old-timers.” Mihaela tugged at her hair. It was true. Fledglings had no self-control. They knew only hunger that led them to attack humans, and without the guidance of a strong maker, they drained their victims dry. “I can’t do it alone,”
