I turned.

My pupils dilated in effort to search the castle's accomplice penumbra. As the moment gave its end into the beginning of the next, I turned completely and took a few steps toward him; toward the familiarity beckoning, like a magic flute summoning a hypnotized snake. In the intimate darkness I could barely outline a sharp jaw; thick black hair and a hint of surprise atbeing discovered?

My heart held its breath.

I found his eyes while the intense, jaded ...