layed in her mind like a broken record. the shattered window, the growl, and Kael Duskbane's cryptic warning. For a moment, sh

had been boarded up hastily, but Raven's thoughts were elsewhere. Who was K

apothecary, as she stepped through the library's doors. H

ed, forcing a smile. "J

n the counter. "For tea. You look like you could use it. And stay

arning lingered. Strange things were always happen

books, seeking anything that might explain the wolf or Kael. The search turned up little: faded illu

lently as the shadows. He leaned against a bookshelf, a

left town by

ing the book in her hands.

re still alive,"

oing on? Why did that... that thin

t. To them, to me, to this entire town. Whether you like it or no

r thoughts racing. "Wha

't the last thing coming for you. There are worse things out there, creat

"What purpose? I'm

w a flicker of sympathy. "You're more than that, Rav

had always been small, confined to Shadowmere's cobblestone streets and t

ened. His head turned slightly, as if l

said, his tone shar

urst open, and three figures strode inside. Their pale faces wer

pir

her, his posture protec

ack hair, smiled coldly. "We only want the girl

gh me first," Kael repli

ed as the vampires moved closer, their predatory grace making every

he or

....

d, his voice leaving

e library's back door, the cold night air biting at her skin.

nd her snarls, crashes, and the sic

hadowmere. The rules of her quiet life had been shattered, and for the first t

crimson light illuminating her pat