The cold air rushed up from the dark underground room as Silas pulled Clara down the steep stone steps. The wine cellar beneath the Vane chalet was built with thick stone walls designed to withstand harsh mountain storms, but tonight it was serving as a safe room against a deadly ambush.

Clara stumbled on the bottom step, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her hands were shaking, but she forced herself to stay strong. She refused to let Marcus see her break down in fear.

Silas pulled her close into the shadows behind a massive oak wine rack, his bright eyes wide with focus. He reached into his coat and...