The bright red laser dot glowed like a tiny eye of death against the soft white fabric of Clara's shirt. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl as danger screamed through the quiet room.

Lucian’s instincts were faster than lightning. He did not waste a single second thinking or asking questions. His strong body launched forward, tackling Clara hard to the thick wool rug just as a loud, deafening crack tore through the snowy night air.

A high-powered sniper rifle bullet slammed into the chalet with terrible force. The lead round smashed clean through the thick double-paned glass window, sending a blinding spray of glittering glass shards raining down...