Those three words had such power over Victoria. She felt a rush of tingles as he said he loved her. She couldn’t be anymore lucky to have the vampire Lord’s love, rather than just his desire for her blood. She bid him a goodbye blown kiss from her hand before he shut the door behind him. She then turned and leaned her back against the door, sighing contently. She wore a soft smile on her face and her cheeks felt flushed. She stared dreamily off into the distance for a few minutes thinking about Vail. She missed him already.

She ventured up to her room to get some much-needed sleep before training resumed tomorrow. She would keep herself busy until she saw Vail again in three days. She felt giddy knowing Vail vowed to protect her from Spencer. Instead of planning her wedding to Vail, she was training for an upcoming battle with the Wynter clan. She didn’t exactly live a normal life to any other noblewoman. 
[hr]
It was nearly five am when there was a loud bang at the front door. Victoria awoke with a contorted expression. “What in the name of God…?” She sighed as there was no servants in to get the door. More banging ensued as she put on her long dressing gown and slippers. “Hold on!” She shouted as she hobbled down the stairs sleepily. She got to the door and shouted. “Who is it?”

“Ray and Gerald! Open up it’s pissing it down!” Gerald shouted back through the wooden double doors. Victoria sighed and opened the door to the two drowned rats. “Do you know what time it is?” 

“Five am.” Ray declared as he rushed past with what looked like a tiny scroll that a carrier pigeon used. “The Wynters have landed in Southampton, sooner than we expected.” He warned her as her expression turned to worry. “Really? That means they’ll be here within two day or so at their speed of travel on foot.” She knew the speed of vampires from learning more about them.

“We have no time to prepare. We must put our plan into action.” Gerald stated as Victoria put her hand to her temple in frustration. “I thought we had weeks to prepare, not days…” She sighed and looked up at them both. “So what is the plan? Run, hide or fight?” She asked and folded her arms.

“The plan is to fight with a back up to run and escape to your aunt’s manor in Scotland.” Ray revealed and beckoned her to follow him to her kitchen. He got out a map of London. “We’ll set up the first defence perimeter here along London Bridge. Then the second defence line here at Waterloo, the third here at Piccadilly Circus and the final on the outskirts before reaching Crest Manor.” He pointed out some markings at the locations. “And we’ll set up a trap for the rest that filter through the defence lines.” Gerald added. “With fire, brimstone and lots of silver.”

“Shouldn’t we let the Hygrace’s know? I’m sure Vail will help us fight.” Victoria suggested.

“We don’t need that vampire to fight our battles.” Gerald snorted and she sighed at him.