Ardala went limp in Marcus’ hands as the other man’s eyes pierced into her like he could see through her skull. It lasted a few minutes before Marcus winced and dropped Ardala from nerveless fingers. Vajra moved to catch her but didn’t make it before she hit the floor with a thud that made him wince. He gathered her unresisting body and moved with her to the couch as Marcus got up.

“What did you do to her, Marcus?” He cradled her limp body and rocked her slowly, ...