Ludovico shook his head. “No, save for ‘we do not kill the good.’ I did tell him that.” “Don’t look so guilty! You can only be expected to have accomplished what you could manage, in so short a time.” “True. You are too kind,” said Ludovico, sitting a bit more relaxed in his chair. “Creed?” Joshua asked. “Our Vampire Creed is this: We do not kill good people. Keep our numbers low. Treat each other with respect. Vet carefully who you wish to give the gift. Keep our secret–to keep us safe.” Joshua nodded, taking in every word. William waited, for he knew a question was imminent. His patience was gratified when Joshua hesitated and asked, “In keeping our numbers low, we preserve our secret?” “Yes. For control. We wouldn’t want thousands or even hundreds of immortals drinking life, to survive. That could spell doom for all of us.
