Kieran!

That voice belonged to Kieran.

He stepped out from behind the trees like a shadow given form. His eyes locked onto Laura's face.

"Let her go, Elise," he said softly.

Elise's grip loosened slightly again, but she didn't step away. Her fingers stayed wrapped around Laura's throat like a collar.

"I was having fun," Elise pouted. "She's so much weaker than I expected."

"Save some energy for later." Kieran pulled something from his coat. It looked like chains, but they weren't made of metal. They moved like living things. Black smoke twisted around each link.

Bond chains.

Laura's heart stopped. She'd heard stories about them. Ancient magic that could...