Vampire 101 with the Vampire Lord

"So...what exactly is this eternal?" I asked Natha and the Vampire Lord.

Lesta had retreated to his room after finishing feeding Jade the jelly, and of course, Eruha followed him. Too bad; I kind of wanted to see their confrontation...

Soon, the Lord dismissed the vassals except for Atoye, and we moved to the front of the big fireplace where I stroked Jade's sleepy head. I would usually feel sleepy right about then too--especially since I ate a lot that night--but what transpired earlier made me wide awake.

I looked at Natha, who in turn looked at the Vampire Lord, who was lounging casually on her chaise--again, this felt more and more like playing at a friend's house than a state visit. Sada sloshed her wine glass while staring at the fire. "What do you know about it, Valen?"

"Umm..." I looked down at my ring finger, where a mark was carved underneath the ring Natha bought for me. "I heard it's used by vampires to bind their mate?"