"Kill, or be unmade."

Baron's chest thundered like a war drum.

The blade in his hand shook-not from weakness, but from fury and shock at himself. His instincts screamed to obey, to end a strange trembling girl on rags in front of him.

The Hollow demanded blood.

His eyes locked on his, wide and raw, her lips parting as though she already knew what was coming.

Kill omega. Claim your rank.

The voice coiled in his skull, molten and absolute.

Baron snarled. His grip tightened on the hilt until ...