Lug stepped closer to him.
“One day, I will sew that mouth of yours shut,” he said calmly.
“I would like to see you try,” he said, then walked away.
The lizard remained still for a few seconds before suddenly shooting forward in a desperate run.
But Blade did not move with it.
For a breathless moment, he was suspended, weightless, until fingers closed around his throat.
He stared into the blackest eyes he had ever seen.
“I can see you,” Lug said.
His claw dragged across Blade’s skin, sending a sharp wave of sensation through him that made his scalp prickle.
Then Lug withdrew his hand and brought his claw to his mouth, tasting what he had taken.
Blade screamed and tore himself out of the vision, thrashing as if unseen hands were still holding him down.
“It is me, Blade. It is Alexander. Calm down.”
“Alex?” Blade gasped, blinking hard.
Alexander hovered over him, watching closely.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I saw him. I was right,” Blade said, trying to sit up, but a heavy weight still pressed against his chest. He looked down at the blankets piled over him.
“Was I out of it?” he asked.
“Yes,” Alexander said, removing most of the blankets. “You were shivering. I did not know what else to do.”
The door opened and Alexander’s mother walked in. She looked ethereal, almost otherworldly, and impossibly beautiful. Every time Blade saw her, he felt as though he were looking at a fairy queen.
“Here,” she said, handing him a cup. “It is warmed wine with blood. It should take the chill away.”
“Thank you,” Blade said, cupping his hands around the cup.
“You saw him…” Alexander said, returning to their conversation.
“Yes,” Blade said, looking from Alexander to his mother. “He is alive.”
The room fell into stunned silence.
“Are you sure?” Alexander’s mother asked. She stepped closer and took his hand. “Please. Are you absolutely sure?”
“Yes,” Blade said. “I went back to confirm what I saw. He was there. He is still alive.”
She covered her face as a strangled moan slipped past her lips.
“Mom,” Alexander said, pulling her into his arms. “Please do not cry.”
“I had a feeling he was still alive. I just did not want to believe it. Oh God… he is alive,” she said, pulling away from Alexander. “I should go and tell your father.”
She rushed out of the room before Alexander could stop her.