It's a startling realisation that comes over him. Moroven is gone, not just from his mind, but from the depth of his soul that would always cleave to the one that made him.

But if she's gone... what does that mean? He isn't powerful enough to sustain himself. He has been dependent on Anita, and before her, Jean-Claude. He isn't a master vampire, so being without the ties to his maker.

It's impossible, the path his thoughts travel. It's impossible and frightening. And yet, amid the fear is an overwhelming relief and spine-tingling joy.