Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice

The provided text consists of excerpts from a novel, narrated by the vampire Lestat, who begins by introducing himself and establishing his powerful, yet tormented, nature. The narrative centers on Lestat's recent killing of a man referred to as "the Victim" or Roger, who appears to have been a criminal and relic collector whose devout daughter, Dora, Lestat is fascinated by. Following Roger's death, his ghost appears to Lestat, urging the vampire to protect Dora and Roger's collection of religious relics and ancient books, particularly the works of Wynken de Wilde. The plot escalates dramatically when a powerful winged entity, revealed to be the Devil (or Memnoch), begins stalking Lestat, eventually appearing and inviting him on a journey to see both Heaven and Hell, claiming to seek an assistant, which causes Lestat to consult with his fellow vampires, David and Armand. This experience includes a vision of God Incarnate and the Crucifixion, where Lestat obtains Veronica's Veil, which miraculously displays the face of Christ. Upon returning to Earth, Lestat, physically scarred but possessing the Veil, gives the relic to Dora, triggering a massive religious fervor among mortals, while Lestat and his companions deal with the aftermath and question whether Lestat was used by God or the Devil.