"I'll take the initiative. You support me," Shin said, tightening his grip around Kaiku.
Malachi nodded, shifting his stance as the Weeping Tom dagger settled into his palm. His body still ached from the previous exchange, and the demonic force that had blasted them across the corridor left his limbs heavy.
Before either of them could move, a cold voice boomed across the hallway.
"YOU WILL DO NO SUCH THING!"
The words struck the corridor with such force that the remaining dust trembled along the floor. Shin and Malachi immediately turned towards the staircase, their expressions changing from grim determination to astonishment.
Damian descended the stairs in his night robes, the black fabric loosely worn over his tall frame. His long hair cascaded down his shoulders, dishevelled from having sex with Elsa, and his expression carried the quiet irritation of a man who had been dragged from his bed by an inconvenience he had not asked for.
"Master!" Malachi muttered.
