"Who?" Nick only had time to ask before he was slashed to the ground.

The sudden rush of air made me choke, and I covered my neck and sat on the floor feebly until a familiar pair of strong hands lifted me from the ground. The smell of liquor surrounded me, and black hair brushed across my face, giving me a warm scent.

"My poor girl, don't be afraid," Kral's hoarse voice rang in my ears. The tears of my face were slowly wiped away, and I saw myself in his eyes. Black Shadows welled up in his ...