Alexia's nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protec...
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Nineteen
Unwelcomed
The hairs on the back of Sarah's neck prickled. She halted mid-step. The abandoned hall waited, dim in her candle's glow. Darkness seemed to swell on the outskirts of light, shrinking the ring of safety.
She straightened to her full height, eyes wide. Every muscle twitched with awareness. She turned, slowly.
A silhouette stood in the gloom, arms crossed. Her candle caught the ginger of his hair and she rushed forward.
"What happened to her?"
The visitor's head bowed, his lashes regrettably hiding his awe-inspiring eyes.
At a hint of his oaken musk, her pulse sped, her breathing shallow and quick. "I was afraid you had taken her. Did you—" Eyes pierced into her. Even from the murk, their power weighted her tongue like a brick. Her knees wobbled. She held herself still, fearful of what would come next.
He exhaled the words, "She is not safe here." Though soft, they struck her like an axe.
Sarah reached toward him. "Will she be safe anywhere?"
He waved her hand away, the movement jerky. In the nearness, she understood why he was hiding in the shadows. Gaunt lines ringed his eyes, his skin milky white, a tremor only visible up close.
"You must watch over her." He released her from his stare.
Sarah pushed her shoulders back, taking the invisible weight crushing over her. He needed her.
"Take her away from here," he said. "Take her now."
