The air in Viscine's ancient catacombs hung heavy with centuries of decay and forgotten magic. Shane fought to control his breathing as he followed Prince Vincent through the narrow stone passages, the eerie blue light from his modified lantern casting long shadows against the damp walls. Captain Liora and three elite Eldorian guards trailed close behind, their ice-infused armor gleaming faintly in the darkness.
"Your queen has a peculiar way of showing trust," Vincent remarked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Four armed escorts for one engineer."
"Eleanor doesn't trust easily," Shane replied tersely. "Particularly when it involves sending her chief engineer into vampire territory."
Vincent's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Into "my" territory, you mean. Not all vampires are created equal, Engineer."