I stay away from the Lair and take refuge in safe houses near areas where there has been some enemy action, where I proceed to throw myself into danger involving both the lowest echelons of Lothos’ clan, and their human collaborators, making certain these calm times last as long as they possibly can. Amelia had changed me instantly. For the next two nights, I lost focus from our objective there at the safe house. I did not obsess over Lothos’ whereabouts or plans as usual; rather my thoughts turned to her. I tried to tell myself that I had not bonded with Amelia. That night, I summoned two humans to my chambers the next night and fed from them, but their blood became sand in my mouth and lead in my gut. I quickly dismissed them; they were disappointed, but glad, as all humans in our cause were, for the honor of having earned my personal attention. For the next two nights, I wrote in my journal; I sparred with the new recruits; I searched the city, in vain, for any trace of the enemy.
