Dressed in a full red robe, Kalbreal waited for her. He deliberately raked up her body ever so slowly, pausing when he reached her lips, "A true Lightwatcher, no doubt."

Clare brushed the unwanted feelings that hummed in her body, "Thanks," was all she could say, before he opened the door. Turning around but facing his head to the side as if trying not to look at her while he spoke, he gestured, "Tie your hair, you look too distracting for the others."

Baffled by his gravel voice ...