When Malick released her, it was like falling from a vacuum into the real world. Her ears roared with the buzz of blood. She gasped for air, suddenly aware that she'd quit breathing. Her emotions and awareness of herself came rushing back. She saw her hand, still stretched towards him, and dropped it, mortified.

Malick gave her a benevolent smile. His voice rumbled like low summer thunder. "Jorick is away on an errand. Do not be afraid, he will return to you before the sun has ...