The formal ball went on into the early morning, but as night progressed, small groups were formed in the chambers surrounding the main ballroom. Azrael and Lyanna were expected to move between groups to ensure everyone felt welcomed.
They both went to a quieter chamber, where a handful of vampires sat in a circle.
"Your Majesties." A female vampire with dark hair and kind eyes said warmly. "Please, join us. We're sharing turning stories; a Blood Moon tradition."
Azrael hesitated, then made Lyanna sit on the chair.
"Isabella, it's been decades since I've participated in this tradition."
"Then you're overdue." Isabella smiled and turned to the group. "I was telling them about my turning during the Black Plague. I was one of the few in my village who was immune to the disease. I watched my entire family die and buried half the town, but never fell ill myself.
