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."

hard to guess. Power corrupts, and when you

interested in motives, shaking his head. "What worries me is, if things have reached this point, she might just snap from years of failed plans

always went straight to the

undead soldiers;

put, let me protect you. Or we could hide out at your grandfather's. The ancient warrior lineage still carries weight; nobody would dare touch you." Vivienne raised an

was the old man

haven't you always taught me that the only way to solve problems is

"This isn't the time for bravado, Viv. Abigail's after the whole world. The stakes are too high, and I can't stand the thought of you in danger."

wanted 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. That way,

Finnian agreed 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 was leaving, she turned back to Finnian with a warning, "And don't tell Grandpa

waved her off,

supposed to keep this from her grandfather? If he found out, he'd rally all his sons to turn Rivenwood

back, Vivienne sat in the back, resting her

voice hushed but tinged with

her eyes, asking softly,

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

Vivienne said yes. Book

up, Anna apologized

hadn't expected her mom to suddenly decide on a dinner

cheeks were flushed with a hint

a moment, Vivienne was taken

almost forgotten

Anna was

recently come of

with the weight

forced her to mature

Daphne's return, it seemed like the lost