After fifty years of undeath, Col is still considered a young vampire. When his Mater and protector goes missing, Col finds himself courted by a dark malevolence that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
... let us follow him into the embrace of night...

Ensanguined

"Many thanks," said Ornerter formally and with a bow. The serf's and Kandais followed in suit. Ornerter turned swiftly and led them down the blue carpet and out the tall winged doors. The hall beyond was all glass and seemed suspended above a thick blanket of clouds. There was nothing but sky for miles; hunks and wisps of white, azure sweeping between; touched by craggy peaks and gentle shore land on the horizon. At the very far end of this corridor a man stood guard with his unidentifiable, four-legged, winged creature. 


"So we are bait for them, eh?" said Danil with more than a touch of disgust. 


"No mage will sully himself as such for the cause of a Vampire; No matter his reputation," answered Ornerter, a frown flickering at the corners of his blank expression. 


"Leaving us on our own," Conir stated. 


"Yes, but guiltless. No mage can now lift a hand against you in vengeance and be without blame." 


Chapter 24