– Sing along! – he said, and then he went back to his jolly jazz song.

– I know you're having a lot of fun, but please save it for later," I asked, turning off the radio.

– Why would I do that? – Markus turned the radio back on and sang at the top of his lungs.

– Because I already have enough to worry about! – I grinned and turned the radio off again.

– Really? Then I'm glad to relieve you of some of your worries! You don't have to worry too much now: Brandon left this morning.

– That's great," I said grimly. – But how did he make up his mind? He told me he couldn't miss your wedding.

– He had urgent business in England, so he apologised profusely and left.

– Is he sure he's gone? – I asked. – Did you see it yourself?

– Yes, I walked him to the airport. He called me from the plane a while ago," Markus replied.

– That's great news," I sighed, but somehow I felt distrustful.

– Are you happy? – My brother asked, looking at me carefully. – I can see that I'm not.

– It's great news, but something's weighing on me," I said, not knowing why I was so excited. – I can't say anything until I hear from Viper that she's okay.

– But you checked the plane, didn't you? There were no vampires on it?

– That's the thing. A corridor broke down, and the passengers had to get off the pad. And it was in the goddamn sunshine.

– It's unfortunate, but it's no big deal. I think I see what you're worried about, though. You're wondering if she met Brandon?

– Yes, and now I realise how thoughtless I was! – I said bitterly. – After all, he called you recently, and, therefore, he is not yet in England.

– You don't have to worry about that: he left on his private plane, and before you sent Viper to Brazil.

– Are you sure about that?

– A hundred percent sure.

– But I need to be sure. I have to call him. – I was worried.

What if he didn't get off on time and saw me and Viper? I mean, then he could have jumped on her plane to eliminate the "vampire-threatening mortal girl." What if he was, after all, on the same plane as Viper?

Those thoughts burned my mind.

– I don't think that's necessary," my brother frowned.

– I have to call him," I repeated. – Give me his number.

Markus sighed unhappily.

– Wait for a message from your Viper to come in or not. What if it's just a coincidence? I am sure of it," he said in a dissatisfied tone.

– You're right, we should wait," I agreed. – But if I don't hear from Viper, I'm going to Brazil. I'm sorry, Markus, but I won't be able to find a place to go, and I'm already regretting sending her there.

– It's all right. You're exaggerating. It's just a coincidence, believe me. There's no way this situation could be real.

– You don't know how much I want to believe it, but if you do the percentages…" I began grimly.

– I'm so sick of your whining! It's okay, Viper! You don't have to be so worried about her! – Markus interrupted me nervously.

– You can't understand me, because Mariszkais immortal, and you don't have to be afraid for her. And Viper is human," I grinned. – She could die, and I'm afraid I won't be there to save her.

– That girl has turned you…" Markus started, but stopped himself at the last word.

– Into a rag? – I finished his thought grimly. – So be it, I don't care. Yes, Markus, you're right: I've changed a lot. But I'm not making excuses for you.

He took a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

– Haven't you noticed that all we've been doing lately is arguing? – He said, as if he hadn't heard what I said.

– Life without arguing would be extremely boring," I replied calmly.

We were silent for a while, staring in different directions.

– I wish I hadn't told you about Viper. Then you wouldn't have tortured yourself," I blurted out.

– I wish you hadn't fallen in love with her," Markus replied grimly, and started the engine.

We drove back to the castle. I noticed that my brother's mood had fallen; he became sullen and silent. We drove into the garage, got out of the car, went upstairs, and went our ways, Markus to the hall and I to my room.