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PROLOGUE

EMERGENCY SUMMIT, 1748, ROME, ITALY

Unbeknownst to the Ro use of the infamous Colosseum Twelve of the fallen ones, the Dukes, were present in hu celestial light froht sky

Rahab, the Duke of Pride, took his place in the center, exhilarated by the attention his presence commanded He looked out with vehemence on thousands of Duke descendants, the Nephili from all corners of the earth

"Let us officially open this su and chanting filled the Colosseuhoulish melody issued from the Dukes and the spirits overhead as they flapped their s in unison A chill spread across the expectant audience as Rahab poised hi

"It has coer find it necessary to focus on the work for which you were bred"

Nobody irl in the croho flinched as if stung by his cruel gaze She averted her al from her upswept hair as she shrank back

"Cohter of Alocer" At these words froave a violent shudder

"Femi?" Duke Alocer made his way to the front, forehead creased with displeasure as he sought his daughter

"FatherFemi whispered so low that nor in the Colosseuht heard

"Come here," her father said "What have you done?"

Feyptian silk

"Father, have randchild"

Alocer paused, and his forehead smoothed over

"Is that all?" he asked "You know you will not survive the birth"