Monica stood, and her chair hit the floor. Her face grew fierce. "I said I am innocent, and you will not threaten my sire!"

Keada picked up the sword that lay across the table. She would use it to behead Monica—I'd seen her do it to other rogues.

"I will make this quick, my beauty." Then Keada leaped across the table swinging her sword with almost impossible speed.

I tried to scream "Wait!" but before the words could leave my mouth, Monica flung something at ...