Aeliana reacted as quickly and reflexively as she could, her initial instinct to move over toward Jacques, to where he stood behind them. But by that time, he was already gone.

There seemed to be no trace of him…. Up until she peered upward when scouring the room for him. He quickly flew every which way, traveling at what seemed like the speed of light to Aeliana. She tried to keep up with him, to no avail, and yet, she felt all the more determined to insert herself in harm’s ...