"Kobold!!!!" My scream tore from my throat, bouncing off the ruins before floating up into the sky.

He appeared instantly, holding a pint glass full of fresh blood. "You called?"

"The fail-safe. You were counting on me to break the compulsion and destroy the ring so that the virus would jump directly into Drio and Isabella."

"I've watched you all these years. Smart, deadly. You'd make a fine heir. I had no doubt you'd figure it all out and play into my hands." ...