Like endless slow motion, I kept watching Reyna fall motionless to the floor as I wrapped my arms around my torso, sobbing. My whole body was shaking and if the leader hadn't grabbed me by the throat again, I would have collapsed long ago.

She didn't move anymore, she was dead and I couldn't save her. I had failed.

The backless man pushed me roughly against the old wood of the shelves and raised his shiny dagger.

His cold eyes flashed with murderous desire as he raised the blade, shining in the light, to my cheek. The movement was gentle, almost like a caress if he wasn't slowly cutting my...