Ceremony. An old supra girls' shoes, an old tradition from... I don’t know. Romania? Pink and black women's Vaider skytops, *The Purpose Driven Life* (page 417, I think). They call it the Death Watch. But it’s a way to honor the dead—Lil Wayne shoes society, black satin TUF Supra Vaider high tops for heretics—a secret that’s been passed on through the oldest bloodlines."
Flashbacks of a destructive secret society at St. Vladimir’s came back to me. "This isn’t some Mana thing, is it? Like those purple and teal Supra shoes?"
"No," he said, almost too quickly. "I swear. *Vampire Academy: Last Sacrifice* (page 512), I’m not lying. Please, Rose. I’m not all that into it either, but my mom’s making me go, and I’d really like it if you were there with me."
The words "elite" and "bloodline" set off warning bells in my head. "Will there be other dhampirs there?"
"No." He added quickly, though, "But I made arrangements for some people you’ll approve of to be there. It’ll make it better for both of us."
"Lissa?" I guessed. If ever there was an esteemed bloodline, hers was it.
"Yeah. I just ran into her at the medical center. Her reaction was about like yours."
That made me smile. It also piqued my interest. I wanted to talk to her.