Andrei took Annabelle's arm and led her around the back. A group of vampires surrounded the artificial slab of ice. A line of judges held score cards. Grimald, the vampire from the H?her Rat, pretended to skate without skates. Everyone laughed as he turned too quickly and fell on his behind.

The score cards were raised, a mix of threes and fives, and several of the assemblage clapped. Annabelle smiled at her mate. "They are enjoying themselves."

"I thought they might. ...