The tour was shorter than Katelina expected. Cyprus left with an acquaintance almost immediately. Verchiel peeled off in a lounge full of vampires and crimson filled glasses and, when the remaining group reached a restaurant, Jorick made his excuses to their hosts. The Scharfrichter wished them a pleasant evening, then whisked a frightened Neil away to finish the tour alone.
The restaurant had a heavy wooden door that was propped open and glass windows that peered into the corridor. Inside, the walls, ceiling, and tablecloths where white. With the black chairs, and glittering crystal and silver place settings, it was only the polished wooden floor and strategically placed rattan wall panels that gave the room warmth.
Jorick and Katelina took a seat near the back. To her surprise, the men
