"Daddy," she repeated, and for one fleeting moment a man's face flashed in her head. Stop it Daddy. Come here and give me a hug. The shell's father, who knew nothing about what happened to his daughter.

Illyria shook her head to dispel such unpleasant thoughts, and focused on the vampire again. "Pleased? Why should I be? You have yet to prove yourself to me. Dust at my feet until you're of some use."