Beyond the Living

rrified expressions on Luna and Gina's faces, and the startled gasps of Zoey and Stella. Perh

ess against his supernatural reflexes. Gina, however, remained anxious. She wasn't worried about the arrow

uth, would understand, but the human woman might react with fear or hostility. Humans often despised Hansonians, and

asked, examining the arrow

d with her brother'

ers, "but perhaps practice somewhere less... conspicuous.

Zoey. "It's b

so long if you didn't hide away in this mansion all t

cing at Stella. "You ladies should get to know each

Desmond's fiancée

ond finally found a wife? I though

sure to meet

e on her lips. "I know." Who wouldn't r

l expression crossing her face. "I wish

ad the conversation suddenly

extending a hand towards Stella,

s friend, you're my frie

." Gina began, still searchin

ainst your kind. I think you're quite special. It is rather ironic,

led. "It i

ose room is this?" Luna asked, pointing to an imposin

d you know he still has that scarf y

trands of yarn haphazardly tied together. She had been four years old at the

ased. "I gave him a watch that same year, and I

e conversation away from herself and Nicholas. "

not sure. Maybe before

ed, bowing respectfully. "The guests have noticed

d into a thin line.

day party without the birthday

*

Nich

on to address the woman beside him.

beamed, delighted that

in with a broad grin. "It's

she replied w

a nod, leaving Lucas to entertain Prisca.

our study, milord," Michae

is voice barely above a whisper. "And while y

hurried off to f

*

ree lords ruling the surrounding empires, two of them werewolves, the third human. Despite the general distrus

tion to the door as

to meet with me, Lord Axer,"

empires," Axer replied, shaking

, have

s facing each other, Micha

thirsty after your jou

table and poured a crimson liquid into

n't revealed his werewolf natu

with," Michael explained with a bow. "I hop

"Don't worry about your identity," he rea

Nicholas," Axer rep

ichael," Nicholas commented

," Michael murmure

rs of our empires," Axer began, broaching the subjec

him. "But they seem to be concentrating in your territor

holas." Axer was relieved to

ful smile on his face. "Am I interrupting some

need your expertise, Lucas

p. "You have a witch u

you know, not all witches are malevolent. I ha

uading his associate to provide us w

e'll need to be patient," Lucas added, eyeing the

a, Sir Lucas?" Michael offere

chael," Lucas re

iate switching sides?" Axer questioned, voic

tray me," Lucas stated firmly.

*

bes moved with an eerie grace. Their gray hair flowed freely, their eyes devoid of pupils,