a's

ss the city like it was ru

was cold beneath me, but his presence burned-close, solid, threatening. He hadn't let go of my hand

?" I eventually

evealing tiredness beneath the control. "Because someon

up my spine.

ice low. "Tell me something, Aria. Has anyone ever caution

voice echoed in my head-Some

"My parents died when I was little.

not harsh, but posse

t I was ter

hind a quiet building. The doors closed behind us with a final, ec

ng me out. The instant my feet touched the earth, I fel

nd simple. Safe, maybe. But

aid. "No windows. No phones. No

ke me feel better?"

his voice falling. "It's the

tec

eep, weighty and menacing.

d onto mine. "

g my wrist, then paused-hesitatio

efore I co

crescent-shaped mark just beneath my skin. I'd h

e went

irthmark," he r

tered. "Then

"It's a mark," he replied. "One that binds y

suddenly thro

ntrolled.

d him swiftly, revolve

s this place

ice. "Someo

ck came

ime, it wa