“Hey, it’s a party already,” Trez called out as he and iAm arrived. “Oh, nice tux. Isn’t that Tom Ford?”“Or was it Dick Chrysler,” Rhage interjected. “Harry GM—wait, that sounds dirty….”

“That is a beautiful tuxedo,” Phury announced as he and Z pushed the door wide. “I have one just like it .”“Fritz has the candles lit,” Rehv said from behind the twins. “Hey, nice tux. I haveone just like it.”“Me, too,” Phury agreed. “The fit is fantastic, isn’t it.”“The shoulders, right? Tom Ford is the best—”

“God, he even knew their names. Rhage. Phury. And that scary-ass Zsadist guy.Yeah, no Tom, Dick, and Harry names for the vampire types.But come on, could you actually imagine some lethal bloodsucker named Howard?Eugene?”

“And if that bastard’s innocent,” Rhage spoke up, “I’m the fucking Easter bunny.” “Oh, good,” someone quipped. “I’m calling you Hop-along Hollywood from now on.” “Beasty Bo Peep,” somebody else threw out. “We could put you in a Cadbury ad and finally make some money—” “People,” Rhage barked, “the point is that he is not innocent and I’m not the Easter bunny—” “Where’s your basket?” “Can I play with your eggs?” “Hop it out, big guy—” “Will you guys fuck off ? Seriously!”

“Oh, the humanity....It was a wonder Rhage hadn't blinded himself with all that pop culture.”

“Vishous : Oh, shit... you didn't rose-petal the bed, my lord. Tell me you didn't go like that ?Rhage : He petaled the bed ? Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck! LOLOLOLOLOLO”

“Rhage exhaled slowly, air easing out of his nose. As he sank into his skin, he reveled in the perfection of peace. The heavenly silence. The great roaring absence.”