The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne and Percival returned to their place.

An hour later, Matthew called. "Viv," he began, "those guys in black were long gone by the time we got there, but we've ID'd the bodies. All missing their hearts." "Fifteen in total, all underage girls, and none of them in the system."

Vivienne wasn't surprised.

The body she had found with Delilah likely came from the same source.

For someone like Abigail, using the undead to harvest these victims for her healing rituals was child's play.

The reason she hadn't touched these people before was fear of exposing her final trump card too soon.

But taking the hearts of a dozen people in one go showed her resolve.

Abigail was gearing up for a final showdown!

The next day, Vivienne took the mysterious box to Finnian.

When it came to exotic artifacts, no one was more knowledgeable than him.

Inspecting the box, Finnian nodded, "I can unlock it, but it'll take two days."

Vivienne was about to leave when Finnian stopped her, "Hold up, take a look at this. Just found it."

He handed her an ancient book.

It seemed at least a century old, documenting the cultural history of what was now the Southern Lakes region. But one line caught Vivienne's eye, tightening her expression. She read the entire story.

Setting down the book, her thoughts connected like dots, a smirk playing on her lips. "So, my hunch was right!"

Finnian stayed silent for a moment, then nodded. "If all this adds up, it clears up a lot of our questions."

guess. Power corrupts, and

reached this point, she might just snap from years of failed plans turning her

mentor always went

exposing her undead soldiers; she must have everything

darkened. "Then you should stay put, let me protect you. Or we could hide out at your grandfather's. The ancient

was the old

to solve problems is to face them head-on? Only cowards

after the whole world. The stakes are too high, and I can't stand the thought of you in danger." Vivienne's gaze softened, her voice turning cold. "She won't get

to argue further but was sidetracked by Vivienne's next words. "If we can figure out what's inside this box, I might be able to predict her final 'weapon."" "If you really want to help, focus on unlocking this.

reluctantly. "Alright, I'll get you an answer by tomorrow. Until then, prioritize your safety, and don't go anywhere alone." Vivienne nodded, then as she

waved her off,

this from her grandfather? If he found out, he'd rally all his sons

sat in

call, her voice hushed but tinged

her eyes,

glanced at her through the rearview mirror, slightly embarrassed. "Viv, my mom wants to invite you over for

surprised by Vivienne's straightforward agreement. "Mom, Vivienne said yes. Book the table, and we'll be there

Anna apologized

decide on a dinner invitation, leaving

with a hint of red, her

moment, Vivienne was taken

had almost

Daphne, Anna was just

recently come of

the

to

like the lost years were being