Katelina jumped to her feet. Jorick tugged her back down. "They'll handle it."

The vampires in the front row scattered for the door, followed by the Lesser Council. "Bureaucrats who've grown soft," Jorick muttered.

Joseff dropped into a fighting stance and the guards started toward him, drawing weapons as they closed in.

Verchiel leapt to his feet. He disappeared then reappeared in front of Joseff. He spun the surprised vampire and snapped handcuffs around one ...