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shuttered its contents.
    Candles burned about the space, and small pots resting above the heat of the flames simmered herbs and water, releasing the scents of verbena and myrrh into the air. A large cross hung on one wall, simple yet commanding. It was made of two long pieces of wood fitted together, but with no other ornamentation. A long table held haphazard stacks of old books along with some jars and pots of herbs, oils, and other items Victoria could not identify.
    â€œThe vis bulla is the most critical tool to a Venator’s success,” Aunt Eustacia told her as she sat in her large, cushioned chair. It was the only piece of furniture that looked comfortable. “Today, as you accept yours, you also accept your destiny, accepting your place in the Gardella Legacy. You devote your life to the work of eliminating the evil of the undead from this earth and protecting mortals from the persistent creep of Satan and his followers. Upon your acceptance, Victoria, you must understand—there is no turning back.”
    â€œWhat would happen if I decided not to accept the vis bulla ?”
    Eustacia stilled, looking at her with sudden, sharp eyes. “Is that what you wish?”
    â€œNo, Aunt. I have made my decision. I will accept the Legacy. But I wondered what would happen.”
    Her aunt seemed to relax. “If you chose not to go further, you would undergo a ritual in which your mind would be wiped clean of all knowledge you’ve received heretofore, and you would lose any and all innate skill or sensitivities you have for being a Venator—skills you were born with, and that remained dormant until the dreams came. Those skills and inherent sensations would be given to another.”
    â€œHas anyone ever done such a thing?”
    â€œIndeed, yes. Many times over the years a young man—and in a few cases, a young woman—chose to return to a life of ignorance.”
    â€œAnd they know nothing about this? Nothing they would see or hear would trigger their mind and make them remember?”
    â€œNothing. It is to protect them as well as to protect us.”
    â€œIs there…is there anyone I know who was Chosen, but did not accept the vis bulla ?”
    â€œYes, Victoria. Your mother was one such person. And because she chose not to fulfill the Legacy, her powers were passed on to you.”
    â€œMy mother?”
    Eustacia nodded. “ Si . She had met your father and had fallen in love with him during her debut season when the dreams began to come. When the time came for her to make her choice, she chose your father.”
    â€œAre there any…repercussions for one who is Chosen and does not accept the Legacy?”
    Eustacia took Victoria’s hands in her frail, cool ones. “The only consequence is lost knowledge, and the fact that the powers and instincts will pass on to a descendent. Yet, the powers passed on will be multiplied by the number of generations who have chosen to deny the Legacy. In your case, you are the third in a line of people who have not accepted the Legacy, so it is probable you have great skill and instinct within you.”
    â€œThe third generation? My mother and who else? Who ignored the Legacy and allowed it to be passed to Mother?”
    â€œMy brother. Your mother’s father, Renald. I was already Chosen when Renald had the dreams. It is unheard of for siblings to be called, and the fact that I and mine were is a testament to the threat of Lilith and her followers. In your case, perhaps it is for the best my brother chose not to accept the task, and then your mother did the same—for you carry the two generations within you, and that can only be good.”
    She smiled and squeezed Victoria’s hand. “And so, now we are here. You and I, Victoria. The only Gardellas who are directly of the Gardella line. The rest are from far-flung branches of the family. Their powers are more diluted than ours. And there are even