The creature's words hung in the air like a death sentence. Maya pressed herself deeper behind the steel beams, her heart hammering against her ribs as those terrible copper eyes swept the construction site. The thing moved with predatory patience, savoring their terror like fine wine.

"Our lord wants you back in the pit," it repeated, each word dripping with malevolent satisfaction. "Three years of hiding among the cattle ends now."

Azrael stepped out from behind their cover.

Maya grabbed ...