The clearing behind the cabin looked different in late afternoon light.

Zane had set up a makeshift arena, a circle marked with stones, maybe thirty feet across.

Standing in the center of that circle was a stranger.

The man was huge, easily six and a half feet tall with shoulders like a bull.

Scars crisscrossed his bare chest, his eyes held the flat, dangerous look of someone who'd killed and would do it again without hesitation.

He watched me approach with the lazy confidence of a predator that had never lost a fight.

"Aurelia," Zane said, his tone formal.

"Meet Killian. He's a Beta-level mercenary who makes his living hunting...