Before the current dissipated, ships couldn't notice the reefs lurking in the darkness, with sailors intoxicated by the resplendent starlight above, lost in tranquility.
Lyle and his three companions returned to the Bloody Rose Bar, where Beatrice had unusually scattered the clouds hanging over the tavern, allowing sunshine and ribbons to illuminate this sleepless hub of revelry.
The atmosphere inside the bar remained lively, but instead of the unrestrained gyrations of the night, every patron showed the excitement of attending a celebration—a pure, rational joy.
Lyle quickly found Alianna, who was sitting at the bar with her sister, vampire Beatrice, conversing over drinks. When Beatrice's sharp gaze fastened on Lyle, Alianna followed it to see her lover.
Lyle left his group and walked over to them alone.
As he drew nearer, Alianna's smile on her face became clearer in his view, as did the vampire teeth Beatrice sneakily flashed from behind.
