Mariszka insisted that her son be baptised in the Catholic Church. The godmother was, of course, Misha (my name wasn't even mentioned in the discussion), and Brandon was to be the godfather. But he refused, saying that his lifestyle made him unworthy of such an honourable title.

An unworthy lifestyle. He sleeps with mortal women. So, by his reckoning, I am unworthy. Narrow-minded bastard.

– He had a reason, and frankly, I agree with his decision not to be Cedric's godfather," Martin said.

– Yes, it was his ever-serious and withdrawn Uncle Cedric! – I giggled.

But the thought of Brandon Grayson being there in the castle right now, of seeing him, filled me with nervous abandon.

Mariszka's wedding. The guests. Fun. Brandon.

– Are you okay? – I heard Martin's voice, forcing me back to reality.

I blinked, pushing away the painful memories.

– I'm always fine, Martin," I replied calmly, hiding the storm that was now ripping through my chest. – I was just thinking. So what about Brandon? Still single?

– He's in love, but he prefers to be alone. Too bad he doesn't have hunting parties on his estate anymore. Damn, that was fun.

– Wait! Wait! Is Brandon in love? – That news took me by surprise.

Who knew? He's in love! I think the ground shook with that news.

Brandon. That horrible vampire. I thought there was no room for love. He's all about cruelty and lust.

– Amazing, isn't it? – Martin gave a short laugh. – When Fredrik told me that, I didn't believe it. But Markus confirmed it. You know Brandon – he considers this feeling a weakness and prefers not to discuss the subject. Not with anyone. Not even Markus.

– Yeah, that's understandable, but who is she? – I had to find out her name. I should know her name.

But I knew for sure it wasn't me.

– And that's the big mystery. Nobody knows who the conqueror is. He never once said her name.

– There's no way nobody knows who she is! I'm sure Markus is well aware of that! – I said sarcastically.

I was annoyed: such news, but no one could tell me what kind of woman had captivated Brandon! Which vampire? There are hundreds of them! Which one of them has the bastard's heart now? And does she want it, that black, dirty heart?

– You're wrong, Markus doesn't know, that's for sure. The only thing we know is that the lady does not reciprocate him," Martin said in a serious tone.

The meaning of this phrase reached me only after a few seconds. Then I threw my head back and laughed out loud. It tore at my throat.

It was ironic. He loves her and she doesn't love him! How funny! Ridiculous! He has a leech living in his heart! Oh, how he's being punished for his love of violent games! For his "unworthy" lifestyle! What a nightmare for him to know this all-consuming feeling and not be able to reciprocate! He deserves it. He deserved it!

– How long has it been? – I asked Martin again, when the wave of laughter had subsided.

– Nobody knows that either. But he stopped playing games on the estate eight years ago. I think that's a reference point," Martin said.

– A point of reference…" I said quietly. – Who'd have thought it?

And we fell silent. I couldn't talk any more. My planet stopped moving and fell to pieces. My brain froze.

– Maybe he's in love with Mariszka and that's why he's not talking. – It just came out of my mouth.

– No. Markus asked him, and he said she wasn't from the Mroczek clan. That's all," my brother said.

I laughed again.

– What a relief, damn it! – My lips stretched into a wry smile.

– Fortunately, yes. I wouldn't want one of my sisters to be the object of his affection. He's not a bad vampire, but he's not capable of feelings. I don't think so," Martin said in a serious tone.