He stood on the platform, a well-placed bank of black lights shining up to make his robe glow while a golden yellow back lit his head. He didn't need such trickeries though. He was Solomon, and he was power. Most vampires had presence, old ones had enough presence to influence those around him. Melissa actually saw some younger vampires fall to their knees in his presence, and the older ones were clasping their hands in an almost sexual joy.

Melissa was confused. She was just a week out of the ground, so she should have felt more affected by him. So why didn't she? She could feel his power, but...