The dagger was light, but thrown with speed and designed to do extensive damage if handled with a skilled hand.

Azia gasped and immediately collapsed onto the dirt trail. Her hands shook as she reached towards the wound. A small circle of blood began to grow on her shirt.

Zeke grabbed her hands and laced her fingers with his. "Don't touch it," he insisted quietly. "I know it hurts like hell, but don't touch it."

"Right," Azia said, sucking in a giant ...