Grace and Marcus were determined to leave, so at first, they failed to notice what was happening.

By the time Grace became aware, her eyes widened in shock. “Alex—”

She was too far from Alexander to act, but Claire, standing much closer, reacted instantly. With a surge of panic-fueled strength, she shoved Alexander aside. The blade of the assailant’s dagger sank into her chest, and suddenly the air reeked of iron, the sharp tang of blood spreading like a ...