I shudder, the movement apparently giving the grotesque beast permission to attack.

It leaps toward me, ripping its mutated claws from the ceiling, and outstretches them toward my face.

I knew I could take it out with a couple of heavy punches. My ability and powers never let me down, but to do that, I’d have to actually touch it. And the thought of going anywhere near that thing made me cringe uncontrollably. I guess, either way, there was going to be some sort of contact…my fist or his claws.

I shudder but stand my ground, reinforcing my power, my runes gleaming brightly, ready for the oncoming attack.

Just as the creepy black beast flexes its claws inches from my face, a large black shadow overcasts me before the beast is hurled across the room. It smashes through the rows of bookshelves in its way and crashes into the wall. Cement and debris fall from the cracks around it as the body drops limply to the floor, black blood pooling from its mangled head.

I breathe a shuddering breath. My Library, my poor books.

Just as I begin to spiral about the damage to my home, two large breath-taking black wings surround me, encasing me in their embrace. They spread out around me, covering almost the view in front of me with their huge wingspan.

I reach out to the plush black feathers, the feeling soft and silky under my touch. They bristle as I continue to brush my fingers through them, a low rumble resounding from behind me.

A languid hum rings in my ears as I feel his warm breath on my neck and the heat from his body against me as he steps further into me, his feathers ruffling as they press closer.

“Do you like how they feel under your fingers, little doe?” he whispers, his voice husky as I turn to him. A dark glint drips from Lucien's amused eyes as they flicker from my neck to my lips.

“If you enjoy that, I have other large things we both could enjoy you stroking.”

My eyes widen as I feel a blush creep up my cheeks. I let go of the silky feathers and shake my head.

Did Lucien just say what I think he did? I look at him, his eyes dark as he flickers them from my lips to my eyes.

I grin, shaking myself free of his hypnotic spell. “I don't think it gets larger than this…” I gesture to the span of his wings, my sarcastic tone going unnoticed, as an appeased grin spreads across his face before quickly turning wicked.

A dark chuckle leaves his mouth. “I guess you’ll have to see for yourself then.” My breath hitches as his features darken. A feral look spreads in his eyes, as he tilts his lips, whispering dark promises as he gazes toward me.

Another crash and roar ring out around us, pulling me from my thoughts.

His wings pull slowly behind his back as we gaze at the Library around us.