The back seat's door was soon opened by the masked man after he approached the vehicle.

"Step out this instant, Calytrix Forger," the dark-clothed man said to her with a gruff and unsettling voice. "You need not worry too much; I don't need your life...yet."

The fact that this unknown man also knew her name made her fear spike. But though fleyed and very much unwilling, she could only obey his command. Stepping out to face the man looming over her, her heart was pounding frenziedly.

She dared ...