The dance floor was a writhing, undulating mass of humanity, splashed in rainbow light. From above, individuals melded into a single mass of people trying to escape a dreary reality, even if only for a few moments.

To Teru’s new eyes, they were nothing more than brightly colored slabs of meat. His mind recoiled from the thought, bile rising in his throat. These were people, not animals, old friends down there among them. He shuddered but couldn’t escape the lingering taste of copper. Or his burning thirst.

“Tch. I give you what you want and this is the way you thank me? How disrespectful, pup.”

“I didn’t … I never … what have you done to me?”

“You wanted to walk among the elites,” his companion said, the very picture of elegant gothic aristocrat style, from black lace to blond curls.

“You wanted to touch my princess,” the other continued a beat later, breath warm on Teru’s neck. “You wanted to be seen as worthy.”

He swallowed thickly, unable to deny the truth.

“Come, it’s time you fed properly.”