The Vampire's Tribute
They weren’t dressed as well as the other vampires present, and with their sallow, sunken cheeks, they seemed much hungrier.
At Sophia’s gesture, four of the dozen immediately stood and came closer.
“The lower class vampires are not gifted tributes often, so they are not kind to their meals,” Sophia said. “They will drain you, and then throw your bones from the castle walls.”
“No!” I gasped. I turned at once, eager to dash back the way we had come, but the doors had been locked shut behind us. I grabbed at the massive ring handles, and tried to pull, but the door wouldn’t budge.