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 ...