With his heart in his throat, Adrien ran downstairs, then to his own private quarters. He locked the door to his room and sat on the side of his bed, breathing heavy, shuddering. This was the great darkness that Val had been hiding from him. Every night, when he left the room and bid him goodnight with a smile - every night, he disappeared to feed upon a new prey. Adrien's eyes widened: had this been why he'd been accepted as his apprentice? Was he going to become a sacrifice, as well - or maybe something even worse? Had this been the motive of Val's kindness? What plans did he have for him?