Chapter 16 · The Hunter's Deal

The silver's still in him.

I can see it through his shirt, glowing faint blue under the skin of his ribs. He's on his knees in the hall outside my door. His breathing's wrong. Shallow and tight like every inhale costs him.

"Get back inside." His voice comes out rough. "Lock it."

I don't move.

The elevator dings.

Lucien's head snaps up. His eyes flare red for half a second before they go dull again. The silver's pulling him down. I've never seen him look weak before. I've never seen him look scared.

The elevator doors slide open.

The guy who steps out isn't dressed like building security. Black cargo pants, boots that don't make a sound, and a jacket with too many pockets. He's maybe thirty, pale in a way that doesn't match the tan lines on his wrists. His hair's buzzed short. His smile doesn't reach his eyes.

"Lucien Ash." He says it like he's tasting the name. "Still on your knees. I thought the old bloods were supposed to be untouchable."

Lucien doesn't answer. He's staring at the floor.