“I see,” the count rumbled, “that you continue to defy expectations in ways most unpredictable. Listen well, my kin. Lords of Destruction—that is, your Queen of Destruction—are beings similar to the True Vampire: the sire of all vampires, the being sovereign over you and me. They are entities of unfathomable power, far beyond our reach. Perhaps this one, newly born, has yet to demonstrate that strength. But in time, I would not be surprised if she came to rule over the entire realm.”

“Wow. That’s crazy,” Blanc murmured. She knew that Leah was something special, but notthis special. Then again, should shereally be surprised after seeing Leah in action? And seeing her own growth hop onto an exponential curve after teaming up with her?

“And to think she already has enough worthy lieutenants to have Four Lords of Doom...” the count muttered to himself.

“Oh, I think I forgot to mention: I’m one of them!”

“And to think she already has enough worthy lieutenants to have Three Lords of Doom...”

“Hey!”

“The Lords of Destruction are not ones to gather followers. They are ill-suited to rule—’tis not in their nature. To have four—or three—powerful lieutenants is not unheard of, but anentire army at her command? That is a manner of leadership more befitting a Thearch...or a Heresiarch.”

“Thearch? Heresiarch? What’s the difference between all these archs?” Blanc asked.

“The blood they bore before their ascension,” the count replied. “Those fated to rise as Lords of Destruction... They are not of