She turned toward the door.
"Victoria," Lucian called after her.
She stopped.
"Thank you," Lucian said quietly. "For not giving up on her."
Victoria felt her throat tighten. "She's my niece. My family. I would tear apart the world to save her."
"I know," Lucian said. "That's why I believe you'll find a way."
Victoria nodded and left the room.
She walked quickly back to her quarters, her mind already thinking about everything she would need for the portal ritual.
White salt for the circle. Silver for the conduit. Moonstone for clarity. Blood....her own blood for the connection. And the words. The ancient summoning words that would open a channel between her and Elena Markov without revealing Elena's location.
Victoria had performed this ritual twice before. Both times successfully. Both times with less at stake than this.
She could do it again.
She had to do it again.
Because Lilith was dying. And Elena Markov was the only person who might be able to save her.
