"Lucien, can you find her? Please?" She was begging, tears trailing down her cheeks.
"Just how big do you think this world is?" he muttered, but she could feel him pulling away.
"You know gates," she said simply, wiping angrily at the tears. "Lucien?"
He touched her face gently, ignoring the sudden movement of Jacen in their direction. Clearly he didn't want the vampire to touch her. "What payment shall you give me?"
"The only payment I have to give," she replied, tilting her head sideways, exposing her neck.
"No!" Jacen's shout was coupled by a lunge in their direction. Lucien deflected him easily.
"It's that important?" Lucien asked, running his finger along her exposed skin.
"I don't understand it myself. I only know it's true. Take, but leave enough so that I can continue what I've started."
He chuckled. "Brave words." Dry lips were pressed against her throat and she jerked slightly but remained still. She had promised and would see it through. It's no different than giving blood or when they put the IV's in. A prick and then it'll be done. But instead he pulled his head away, saying only loud enough for her to hear, "Later."
And with the promise still ringing in her ears he disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.