Overture

An electric chill enters the air, both energizing and dreadful. Rach spins but doesn’t pull her sword.

“Rachalynn.” The voice is as seductive as a warm chocolate brownie. “What a surprise.”

I wrench my head to the side to see the vampire draped across the chair beside Vera: Merigold Quinn, Princess of the Radiance. Colors shimmer through the apricot hue of her skin as she draws on our energy.

“Oh great,” Vera sighs. “Another jilted lover.”

“Mer, stop that,” Rach barks.

The chill subsides, and I suck in a breath.

Merigold grins. “I do hope you enjoy the show.”