Knox stood at the far end of the vast hall, which was filled with vampire lords feasting with merriment. They laughed and jeered, taking pleasure from the captured werewolves whom they had degraded and turned into mere pets. Most of the captives looked terribly pale, their skin stretched tight and white, like tormented ghosts. Knox had just finished fighting in the pits. His entire body ached from the welts, cuts, and bites left by blades and vampire fangs. He would have given an arm for a single bite from the lavish banquet's spray, a cool bath, and a long, deep sleep.
But beggars would ride if only wishes were horses. Knowing these bloodsuckers, they would soon want more entertainment.
"We should have gone for these wolves sooner!" one of the vampire lords bellowed, his voice full of cruel delight. He extracted his fangs from the neck of a trembling she-wolf who collapsed lifelessly to the floor. "They taste better than humans, and they last longer."
