Page 47 of Guardian

Our hunger has grown more.

I pulled away,herforce looming but slowly turning into a faint pressure.

You’re wrong.

Themedication has only worsened you.

My head rolled, the tension in my neck loosening as fists tightened beside me.

You’re nothing.

Herhold vanished like smoke asvibrations filled my pocket. I was swift to pull out the phone and pick it up.

“Long time no talk, stranger,” said Lace.

“Lace—” I quickly bit away my tongue before I could reveal anything. Lorenzo must have told him something today. This guy took up any chance he got to talk to Lace, even if it was just for a few seconds. He didn’t like to admit it. But he didn’t have to when his actions and face did.

“Did I catch you at a wrong time?” He asked, almost cautiously.

“No, no, of course not. Well, I’m currently on a task, so it can’t take long.”

“Always on top of your job, Nina.” I could sense a smile through the phone as he snickered. “I wanted to check on you. Have the Sephtis given you trouble? They’ve grown quiet. It’s unusual.”

“Everything’s fine! Seriously, you don’t have to worry about anything, Lace.”

“Okay, okay. Listen, I know you don’t like it, but I wanted to say—” The hairs on my nape rose. Lace’s words grew distant as my focus shifted, his voice fading while I studied the adjoining walls. A shadow blurred through crowding humans.

I didn’t notice when I started following. “I’ll call you back.”

I kept my distance, my head bobbing above the crowds but focused on them. They were wearing black clothes with a matching mask, but that didn’t confirm the assailant. It was the same jagged breath that met the air. The same build that carried an uneven footing.

How did they know the guys would be here? Who were they working with? Who sent them?

Only one way to find out.

They turned into another hallway, and I stepped through an opening covered by strips of plastic. I was quickly met with a deserted entryway, the walls chipping with paint and the floor covered in debris.

It was still. Unlike the mansion, where the walls still vibrated with life, this hall was hollow and empty. There were no footsteps or voices.

Onlyherwhispers and the figure.

They struck with sharp blows. We fell into sync, their attacks blocked by my defense, and then my attacks blocked by theirs. We didn’t have batons or knives this time. Just our hands and bodies. With each punch, they inhaled sharply. With each sway, their feet grew weary.

I needed to do more.

Katerina.

Dark eyes gleamed past the masks’ opening, sharp slits glinting against obsidian eyes. I’ve seen them before. But where?

You’re weak.

The familiar numbing eased across my skin as the assailant’s arms twisted through my blows and onto me.

You’re wrong.

A pinching throb enveloped the side of my neck. In seconds, everything hazed around me until it all turned black.

The hunger has let me in.

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