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Viper sed his lol "You can’t have searched everywhere Therea Shalott"

Santiago gave a lift of his hands "Most refuse to believe she is anything more than a myth Very few Shalott have walked this world for centuries"

"Shay is no myth"

"No, but her presence has never been sensed, even a the most powerful of demons"

"Of course not, the curse ht have been able to assist us" The vaed "There are no whispers, no ru that speaks of the Shalott Not even those familiar with Evor were aware he possessed her"

Viper clenched his hands, forcing back the surge of anger Dammit He never lost his temper Never "Continue with your search"

"Of course, master"

"And do not lio The truth is out there We must find it"

"As you wish"

With a bow, the vampire turned and silently retreated fro to slam his fist onto the wooden desk

There was a faint stir of air before he felt Dante’s hand settle on his shoulder

"Easy, Viper, ill get to the bottom of this mystery"

"Whoever it is that holds Evor is out there plotting to capture her I can’t just wait for another attack Not e can’t be sure we can defeat whatever it is they send next"

"I understand your frustration, but we’re doing all that we can"

Viper slowly turned to face his friend "Your contacts have turned up nothing?"

Dante stepped back with a shrug "I fear not"

"Da He didn’t want to be in this library He didn’t want to be fretting over soer that he couldn’t feel or touch or battle He wanted to be down in his roo fro her in his ar could harm them

Unfortunately, his every instinct warned hie to discover as hunting Shay, then the hunter would find theain

"You do know you’re courting danger, old friend, do you not?" Dante drawled from behind

Viper halted, his expression far froarded his cos danger with her?"

"I er"

"Dante--"

"No, I will have er vampire insisted, his arms folded over his chest "I have known you for centuries and you have never shown such an interest in a feree I have shown inordinate interest in females Quite often interest in dozens of them at a time"

"You’ve had lovers not companions," Dante corrected "You have never allowed one in your life as you have this one"

Viper narrowed his gaze He didn’t like the direction this conversation was taking Perhaps he even feared it

"What are you ily de anything, Viper I’ every symptom of a vampire who has discovered his trueto like it, and he didn’t Why the hell did friends always believe they could bring up subjects a wise varasp one of the endless shelves, his entire body stiff with annoyance

"My relationship with Shay is none of your concern"

"If you feel like throwing so, I wish you would choose that hideous vase on the desk The books are irreplaceable"

Viper glared over his shoulder "You’re not a?" he teased

Viper was pondering the pleasure of tossing at least one of the irreplaceable books when the door to the library was abruptly flung open and Levet scra

"Sacrebleu, there you are," he breathed as he regarded Viper with his usual expression of disgust

Viper held up a restraining hand His teoyle was certain to snap

"Not now, Levet, I do not possess the patience to endure your griping at the ? Moi? Why--"

"Out" Viper pointed at the door "Get out now"

"Non" Levet bravely, or stupidly, held his ground "Can you not feel the air?"