That night, alone in their room, Kieran presented Adrian with a small box.
"What's this?" Adrian asked.
"Open it."
Inside was a ring—not the silver one from his past life, but a new one. Black metal inlaid with a crimson stone that seemed to glow with inner fire.
"It's made from compressed volcanic ash and a ruby that's eight hundred years old," Kieran explained. "In vampire culture, when you choose to turn someone, you offer them a ring. It's a promise—that you'll guide them through the transformation, teach them control, and stay by their side through immortality."
Adrian's breath caught. "You're proposing?"
"In a way. Human marriages last 'til death do us part.' This is the vampire equivalent—a bond that lasts beyond death, beyond time itself." Kieran took the ring from the box, holding it up. "Adrian Chen, will you accept immortality? Will you let me turn you, teach you, love you for eternity?"
Tears pricked Adrian's eyes. "Yes. A thousand times yes."
Kieran slid the ring onto Adrian's right hand—the left still wore Elias's silver ring. "Two rings. One for who you were, one for who you'll become."
Adrian kissed him, pouring everything he felt into it. Gratitude, love, desire, hope.
"When?" he asked when they parted.
"After we finish the hunt. After Konstantin and Morgana are dealt with. I want you to enter immortality in safety." Kieran cupped his face. "The transformation takes three days. Three days where you'll be vulnerable, in pain, possibly dying. I need to be able to focus completely on you, not worrying about enemies."
"How long until the attacks?"
"One week. We need time to plan—Konstantin and Morgana are the oldest, smartest vampires in Viktor's network. They won't be easy to kill."
Adrian nodded. "Then we have one week."
"One week as a human," Kieran agreed. "Make the most of it."