The next morning brought more combat training, but this time with an unexpected visitor. Korra was mid-spar with Mara when a familiar, unsettling scent drifted across the training yard.

She spun, instinctively dropping into a defensive crouch, and found Lucien leaning against the fence surrounding the yard. He looked exactly as he had every other time she had seen him, pale, beautiful, and dangerous.

"You," she breathed.

Vera and Seline moved immediately, weapons drawn and positioned between ...