Lisa locked the door of the private chamber and watched as five hooded figures formed a half-moon before her. She drew the heavy curtains shut with a practiced tug. "We're secure. Reveal yourselves."
The first hood fell away to expose skin pale as milk that had never felt the sun's touch. Kayne's crimson eyes narrowed against even the room's dim glow. Beside him, Zanna threw back her cowl with a flourish and bounced on her toes, dark cropped hair swinging as she rolled her neck and flashed a predatory smile.
Vitellius uncovered himself more deliberately, gnarled fingers emerging from billowing sleeves to lower his hood, revealing a face weathered by time, etched with deep lines around watchful eyes.
The fourth member unveiled herself with swift precision. Anesarda's pointed ears appeared first, the silver cuff on her left one catching light as she raised her chin.
