Katelina limped through the dark underground tunnels behind Jorick. He held the captured vampiress in front of him, both a shield and guide. As they moved, he sent her a stream of silent instructions.

"Stay behind me. Should anything occur, let me deal with it. Despite her words, I will use her as a shield if need be. They may strike her, but it will delay them a few moments. Keep your knife ready just in case and make no sound. The younger a vampire, the less keen their ...