I'm expecting an army on the other side. Instead, it's dark and quiet, almost fragrant with fresh air from being so elevated, I guess. Damaris raises one arm, sweeps aside a heavy curtain and steps out into light. I have no choice but to follow.

Well, not exactly true. I could stand here on the last step forever and wait for trouble to find me. Not much of an alternative.

She's tense, wary, though she seems much calmer than I'm feeling. I need to kill something, the ...