My breaths plumed in front of me as familiar dread needled down my skin and scales. I didn't have to be afraid. I'd faced my terrors aboard the Vicious, and nothing could compare with those experiences. I steeled myself for what I needed to do in the very next moment - and turned the corner.

From around it, soulless black eyes tracked my movement. I skidded to a stop. A tall, emaciated man with a black suit and white gloves stood there waiting for me. A bloody gash slashed ...