Excerpt: The Viv Kinei Hypothesis and Tainted (working title)

She was led across the dance floor and to a roped off area in the back, marked 'VIP section, access by invitation only.' She'd no doubt that was strictly enforced. Seated in the back on a higher section positioned to see the entire bar were two chairs, acting as thrones for the king and queen of the proceedings. The man was tall and stern, dressed in black from head to foot. He'd long blonde hair bound back behind him, the only thing that seemed a bit off about his careful dress. Beside him, seated primly in her seat was a woman with a curiously pleased smile dancing on her mouth. She looked like nothing more than a normal human girl, dressed in a halter top and a flowing, flowery skirt. Not quite club wear, as far as Lightning knew, but could be passable. Lightning had to wonder if this girl was the Master's current squeeze or tonight's dinner.

“Master,” the man stated simply, “Lightning Shock.”

The master vampire's head turned to her slowly and she saw his mouth curl just slightly, baring one fang at her. She lifted her head and studied him right back. The woman's head turned to her and cocked slowly to one side. Her tongue peeked from her mouth and gently laved her lips before her attentions returned to the dance floor. “Very well,” Johannes snapped, “you may approach.”

She approached their 'thrones' and kept her mouth shut. That seemed wisest about now. He studied her head to foot for a moment and then asked how old she was now. “Twenty-seven, Master Johannes.”

“Humph. Hardly an adult yet.”

“My apologies, sir, but I am an experienced investigator and believe I can be of service to you.”

He leaned forward. “I ought to destroy you.” He noted sharply. “Or allow my pet to do it for me.” The girl beside him looked over again and smiled. Suddenly Lightning saw something else in the girl's place. Something... twisted and evil looking. It had large, empty, angled eyes surrounded by sharp black lashes and a mouth that went from pointed ear to pointed ear, filled with sharp, dangerous teeth and electricity. Twisting, arcane black marks writhed on her cheeks. Lightning took a few steps back and ran into a vampire behind her, who promptly hissed at her.

“She has magi,” the girl said in a lilting tone, “and a viv that is more so... she looks tasty.”

“She isn't human?” The master vampire studied his pet.

“She is and she isn't. Both and neither.” The creature grinned at the vampire.

“What is that?!” Lightning couldn't help sounded frightened.

“That is my pet,” Johannes said with a smug grin. “Her name is Sally. She is an energy vampire.”

“A... a what?”

“An Eater.” He explained. That told her little. “They who can eat anything with energy. Life energy, energy from movement, anything. Demons, I suppose, or so the rumors state.” Sally sent him a grin. “She thinks you look yummy. But she believes everyone does. Close the place down, boys. Miss Shock, please come with me.”