At her voice, he turned around and took a step forward. His features were striking, sharp even where they shouldn't have been but his smile was a mask, lips full and curved up at the edges. It wasn't a genuine smile, like the ones Lukas always gave when he saw her; instead, his teeth concealed behind his mouth.

Ajaxson's strides were lengthy, purposeful, and elegant. The way his footfalls were silent like a predator reminded Talia of a wolf in plain sight. His shoulders were simultaneously neat and muscular beneath the chiton, and his hands were carefully grasping a glass of water which he then rested on the nearest table....