The polished silver blade caught the erratic, flickering glow of the hearth fire, throwing a dangerous streak of light across the ruined floorboards of the study. I stood rooted to the threshold, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird. But this time, I did not flinch. I did not cast my eyes down or turn away from the imposter's piercing, golden stare.
I held his gaze, my chin lifted, my breathing tight and controlled.
The imposter let out a low, gravelly chuckle, the sound vibrating in his chest with a terrifying, unnatural resonance. Slowly, he lowered the dagger, slipping it into the inner lining of his heavy leather coat.
"Good," he whispered, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "No more running. Follow me."
