Draven stirred long before dawn.

Elaria had begun to fall into a restless sleep on the edge of the bed, her blanket tightly wrapped around her like armor, when his body tensed beside her. Initially, the change was slight. A sudden gasp for air. He growled low in his throat. His back then abruptly arched, muscles seized, and he felt as though unseen hands were choking him.

“Draven!” Jumping to her feet, Elaria felt her heart race. She instinctively grabbed for him, then held ...