Somehow, they had managed to block out the punishing rays of the sun, she could see the faint shimmer of the protective barrier overhead, a dome of enchanted glass filtering daylight in. They experienced full day and night here, but the vampires could move freely, their pale skin unscorched.
At the first checkpoint, the car slowed. Two guards in sleek armor stepped forward.
"State your name and purpose," he asked.
"Princess Luna Sinclaire," she replied coolly. "I'm here on Prince Damien's invitation."
Her face was scanned by a tiny device that hummed a little too close to her lashes. The guards checked her name against a list and searched the vehicle.
Eventually, the silver gate whooshed open with a majestic sound. "Proceed."
The driver gave a small sigh of relief, and Luna tried not to grin.
At the second checkpoint, the mood shifted. The car stopped again, but this time the guards were more solemn, dressed in darker uniforms.
