omach dro

voice sharp with urgency.

them flickered violently, casting long, shifting shadows. The sensa

hey seemed human, but as they stepped into the dim glow of the lamplight, she realized the tr

e whispered, pressi

res." Lucien's tone

tep forward. "Lucien Blackthorne. The exiled prince." His voice was col

clenched. "I

"A human? How disappointing. I expected better from you, Lu

otion, he placed himself fully in front of her, his

So it's true. You marked a human. That'

er to you," L

harpened, all amusement gone. "Step aside, Lucien. Hand ov

. Hand her over? Like she was no

there was no humor in it. "Touch

ighed. "S

his hand, the air e

nd he was standing beside her, the next he had launche

ible force shoved them back, sending them crashing against the pavement. A searing pain

e was a raw command,

egs would

l energy. Aria wasn't sure if it was coming from Lucien o

irst time, sh

just caught

s part

contin