The Rest Falls Away Read Online Free PDF Page B

only three other female Venators in the last decades of war with Lilith. Two of them died hideous deaths shortly after they were inducted into the Legacy and received their vis bullae .”
    â€œAnd the third is sitting here with us as we speak.” Max inclined his head toward Eustacia. “There are none who could or will hold a candle to you, signora —or, if I may say—a stake. You are truly the Chosen one, the Gardella who will unite us and lead us to Lilith’s downfall.”
    Victoria turned to Eustacia in astonishment. “You are a vampire hunter? A Venator?”
    Max snorted. “No, of course not. Lilith the Dark fears your aunt because she sits at home and has her hair dressed daily. Of course she is a Venator.”
    Eustacia had to give Victoria credit: She did not give a flicker of indication she had heard Max’s derisive comments. “I didn’t realize, Aunt. I believed you were a teacher of sorts, a guide. Like Kritanu. I did not know you hunted vampires.”
    â€œIndeed. And you, my dear, are the next of my direct bloodline, that of the first Gardella Venator—who was named Gardeleus. You are from the direct line of those who have been Chosen, who have accepted the burden of our Legacy.”
    â€œAnd that,” Max said as he rose to his feet, “is the precise reason Lilith the Dark has been so determined to find this Book of Anwarth quickly, before you finish your training.” His tone suggested he didn’t understand why Lilith would find Victoria any great threat. “I must excuse myself now, signora. The moonlit streets await.”
    â€œI’ll get my stake,” said Victoria.
    Max drew himself to his imposing height and looked down his nose again. He truly was magnificent, Eustacia thought fondly.
    â€œYour offer of assistance is appreciated, Miss Grantworth, but I believe I will be able to handle three vampires without putting you at the risk of tearing your skirt or losing your bonnet. And, alas, it would do no good if you mistakenly staked a night watchman or a—what is the name—a Bow Street Runner.” He drew on his cloak and from its depths pulled out a wicked-looking black stake. “When you’ve had a little more practice, and received your vis amulet, I am sure you will find yourself on your own patrols.”
    With that, he gave a little bow and swept from the room.
    Eustacia was almost dreading turning back to her niece—knowing exactly what she would see on her face and in her posture. What had gotten into Max? He wasn’t one to mince words, true, and from the expression on his face, he was worried about more than three unexceptional vampires…yet he had been more acerbic than usual with Victoria.
    It was almost as if he wanted to discourage her from pursuing the work.
    Perhaps that was it. Perhaps he didn’t feel she was prepared for her role.
    Eustacia reached absently to stroke Victoria’s shiny black hair. She felt the same hesitation about exposing her beloved niece to the evil in the world…but at this time, she didn’t have any choice.
    Victoria had been Chosen, and she’d accepted her fate.
    Now they would have to trust that she would succeed.
    Â 
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    Two days after Maximilian swept from the room, setting off to fight vampires, Victoria contrived an excuse to miss an afternoon of making calls with her mother in favor of visiting her great-aunt.
    Today was a most important day: She had passed her test by staking her first vampire, and she was to receive her vis bulla.
    Now here she was, about to take the last step toward her destiny. Victoria and her aunt were in a small chamber on the first floor of the Gardella home. The windows were draped with heavy curtains, and the furnishings were spare and simple, except for a tall cupboard at one end of the room. It was as high as Victoria’s forehead, bearing ornate carvings along the edges of the two doors that