An oil-slick shadow passes over the scene in front of me, sliding across the ground and blanketing the site in eerie twilight. Black clouds twist and race over the sky, blotting out the sun like the giant hand of some malevolent deity. Within minutes, the summer morning is transformed into pre-storm gloom.

What the hell?

Every hair on my neck stands to attention. Cold fingers run the length of my spine. My body screams danger, leg muscles tensing for escape.

Across the flat roof of the nearest building, a row of tall, dark figures appear. Watching with unnatural stillness. Observing the scene below as gods might survey their land.

At a glance, they could be mistaken for humans. Their long hair and knee-length tailored jackets, cinched by a sword belt, give them an exotic look. But their faces, as pale as porcelain, seem luminous against the dark sky. The Flame in their searching eyes shines like silver fire. They resemble visiting aliens, foreign to this industrial backdrop. There’s no mistaking what they are.

Anlu’kyr. Vampires.

The Flame energy rises through my body, humming beneath my skin, pulsing like a second heartbeat at the base of my spine. My belly flutters with elated giddiness. My heart pounds with excitement as well as fear. I have to grab onto the car to prevent myself from following an urge to move closer to the creatures. I don’t understand my reaction.

“For fuck’s sake, Channeler, get in the car.” Mason’s bellow expels me from my mesmerized state like a jolt from a deep sleep. He strides across the concrete, crossbow balanced on one arm. “We can’t protect you if you’re running around like a fucking idiot.”

I blink at him. Stay in the car. Yes, that’s right. No. Small space. I need to stay out of the car. Don’t I? I grip my temples. My thoughts are a sludgy mess.

Mason grabs my shoulder. “It’s the vamps. They give off Flame to overwhelm their prey. Just get in the car.”

“I’ll stay out here,” I say, taking a few fast breaths, determined to shake off the vampires’ freaky influence. It doesn’t work.

“For crying out loud.” Mason grabs the back of my jacket and wrenches me toward the car door. Sharp pain lances across the fractured rib, ripping a cry from my throat.

“Watch it,” I snap.

Mason snorts, reaching for the handle. Before he pulls it, an unearthly high-pitched shriek comes from the Anlu’kyr on the rooftop. The piercing sound echoes across the space, loud enough to shatter glass. I cover my ears. “What the hell?”

Mason swears and looks up, wide eyes sweeping the sky. “Shit. So he is here?” He backs away from the car, crossbow pointed at the clouds.

“Who?”

“Prince Alexei. Thank fuck the commander’s with us.” He throws me a scowl. “Get in the car.” He turns and marches off, bellowing warnings to the soldiers who can hear him. I’m left with my hands on my ears.

Who is this prince they keep mentioning? And why would Mason look up to find him? I scan the sky. All I can see are creepy clouds and the Anlu’kyr lining the rooftop, lofty vultures screaming a deathly call across the grounds. The vampires’ presence seems to affect the Guardians, slowing their efforts, causing the battle to shift closer to the Mercedes. I search for Flanagan in the bedlam but can’t see him.