Chapter 16

Briar’s POV

The town square was quieter than it had been the night before, but the tension was still there. Everyone was looking at each other with fear.

There were whispers, people pointing at me as if I was a vampire myself.

I ignored them, tucking my hands on my dark blazer pockets.

I found the elders near the center, their grim faces locked in discussion.

"Elder Nilo," I called, my voice cutting through their conversation.

He turned to me, his expression neutral. "Briar. What can we do for you?"

"You can start by explaining why Rachel and the others are being burned," I said, crossing my arms.

"It’s a precaution," he said evenly. "The vampires who attacked carried venom. It’s too dangerous to bury them as we normally would."

"That’s ridiculous," I snapped. "Rachel wasn’t a danger to anyone. She deserves a proper burial, by the river, the way she wanted. T