Chapter 429
Thomas was relatively new to the order of Aurelius. He had been a vampire only three years. He was one of the few left who'd been in Sunnydale since before the Master woke up. Thomas feared the Master more than he feared Luke or Absolom. He'd seen others beheaded, or executed more painfully after Jessie escaped with Colin. Having been a part of Lilith's raiding party, and failed to bring Dawn back here, Thoma had little hope that the Master would spare him. Thomas told what he'd seen, claimed he fled only because he believed the Master needed to know. Lilith had given her life in this holy battle. But Thomas believed, Dawn had been turned. The Master seemed to like this part. Even if they couldn't get Dawn's intel, this would hurt the potential slayer Buffy Summers. Buffy would either kill her sister, or be in constant danger from a new vampire. Thomas hoped this good news would get the Master to spare his life. But the Master grabbed Thomas by the throat. He snapped his neck several times. He might very well be strong enough to rip another vampire's head right off. Instead he stopped, told Thomas to leave him. Thomas was now in great pain, but relieved. Their ranks were dwindling, the Master couldn't afford to execute even those minions who failed.