Prologue

The ballroom was brightly lit, as the room was crowed by vampires of all shapes and sizes. At the front of the room, there was a raised platform, where Viktor, Lucas, Cleo and Matthias all sat in high backed chairs that looked like thrones. The chairs were carved of dark cheery wood, with clawed feet and crimson coloured cushions.

Althea and Kale were among those present, giving their support to Gareth as he was to be appointed to be Matthias' liaison along with one other. In the back corner three dark figures mingled in the shadows, whispering to each other. No one came near the figures in the dark corner, whispers filtered through the classical music, words like: human. Hunter. Killer.

Then the music changed, everyone formed an ally down the center of the room, as Gareth and another woman emerged from the crowed and walked towards the platform where the Ancients currently sat. As the pair drew closer to the thrones, Viktor stood and stepped towards them. Gareth and the woman lowered to their knees and bowed their head.

Looking at those gathered within the glittering walls. He raised his arms, smiled and spoke to the congregation. "My children. I have not seen so many of us gathered together like this in such a long time and brights light to my heart to see so many of us together. We have come here to congratulate Gareth Artorius and Trysta Sorina in becoming Matthias' new liaisons! We were devastated when we lost Victoria too Charles' traitorous ways, but I'm sure that Trysta will do well, and be able to take over Victoria's rule adequately. As my fellow Ancients know, we have two liaisons to help us rule over our regions, to listen to those we protect. To help Trysta we welcome Gareth into our fold."

Viktor continued his speech, inducting the two of them into the Council. The three figures finally stirred, looking to each other. An unspoken word passed through them, as they turned and left the ballroom. No one noticed their departure, as they moved almost as silently as a vampire.

The Hunters had been invited as a sign of goodwill on the part of the Straža vampires. They had attended, they had been seen, and now they left. They had better things to do that night. They had to fight the Valós vampires while the Straža partied and celebrated the night away. It was the Hunters that did all the work, while the Straža pampered themselves...