“If he’s hurt her…” I advance on the injured wraith. Kaden retreats, one clawed hand clasped on his shoulder, silver blood snaking between his fingers. “I’ll make you wish you had never merged with that man’s soul.” Kaden’s back hits a wall, his coal-black eyes wide. “And then I will kill you, and Fin, and any other monster who gets in my way.”

Kaden holds up his bloodstained claws, cringing against the wall. “I haven’t done anything to her.” His words tumble out in a torrent. “My lord took her. I don’t know why. I don’t know what he wants with her. She’s probably fine. He wants her for bait. That’s all.”

The house shakes violently. Screams erupt from downstairs, distant and ghostly. Reflexively, I turn to look. I feel Kaden move, my body already responding. As he lunges, claws outstretched for my throat, I turn, catching him through the chest with the blade.

His body strikes the ground, then turns to silver dust, disappearing into the floorboards.

“Colin!”

I whirl at Anna’s voice. She’s sprinting toward me, Max at her side. I let my blades vanish as she flings her arms around me. I catch her and relief swallows me whole.

The house rocks again and we both tense, drawing apart. The commotion from downstairs is still wafting up through the floor, a reminder that this isn’t over.

“Where’s Fin?” I ask as Anna lets go.

“Right behind me.”

My hot skin itches and I shift to stand in front of her as Fin appears around the corner. He walks so leisurely you’d think he was just out for a stroll.

“The two of you are making this unnecessarily difficult,” he says, slowing to a halt. It’s odd seeing his face clearly. He has the sharp lines and unyielding posture of a king, just as he did in my vision, and he’s dressed the part as well. Somehow his leather and satin clothing is both suited to regality and fighting.

“Right. We’ll just stand here and let you kill us, then.” Anna’s hands are curled into fists. I can see the fear beneath her anger, her swift breathing and the sweat glistening on her skin.

Fin slides his hands from his pockets. His face is impassive, as if this is simply a chore that needs taking care of.

My Saint Knives materialize in my hands. Fin assesses the blades, his bright eyes slowly darkening as the pupils expand. “You misunderstand,” he growls. “It’s only one of you I want dead.”

He moves first, faster than Kaden ever was. The distance between us vanishes as he strikes out, nearly catching me on the chin. Anna retreats as I slash my knives at Fin’s chest, but he slips away with ease.