Nikolai's mind raced. He had to get out of here. Had to find Laura.

He gripped the golden dagger tight in his hand. The metal felt warm against his palm.

His sharp ears caught something. Footsteps. Heavy boots on the stone floor.

Thinking fast, Nikolai quickly grabbed the open manacle, forced himself to yet and on unsteady feet and clicked it back around his wrist. The chain rattled softly.

He hid the dagger behind his back. Let his body sag against the wall like he was still weak and broken.

The footsteps got closer.

A man walked into the chamber. He wore the dark armor of Kieran's soldiers. But something...