[ Like a shark, the scent of blood could stir him from great distances. A bright, red point on his awareness, awakening hunger, filling him with tension and buzzing energy like a plucked bowstring.

He was already marching towards the door, drawn towards it like a magnet when he heard the pounding. There were no lights; it was too early yet for the servants to have arrived to light them, and to effect the outward display of life and movement which should fill a manse of this size. Instead, it was just Tzilan and Ratha, who was small enough to easily glide through the massively wide grand hall to a great iron perch beside the door.

He folded his wings and hissed at the noise of the door, the short fins and rills along his horned head flaring. ]

Quiet, Ratha, we shall have guests,

[ Murmured the vampire, but inwardly he wanted to hiss too-- in excitement, warm anticipation-- and he cast open the door.

Assessed the situation with a look and pressed his lips together. Opened the door wider and waved the pale man in hurriedly. ]

We shall dispense with greetings until after she is addressed. Follow me, and tell me what happened to cause this.