A loud bang echoed from downstairs, followed by the sharp sound of wood splintering.

The phone went completely dead, the screen flashing dark.

I stared at the black glass, my fingers trembling.

Bishop stood rigid on the rug.

His tail was straight, his gray fur bristling along his spine.

The sound of heavy boots on wood rose from the floor below.

I knew the layout of Lucian’s estate only slightly.

He had brought me here for protection, but now it felt like a trap.

It was a massive stone mansion, surrounded by high brick walls and iron gates.

But the gates were only as good as the men guarding them.

Where were Lucian’s guards?

Another shout echoed from the front hallway, followed by the muffled thud of a body hitting the floor.

My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.

I slipped my feet into my damp sneakers.

I grabbed my dark trench coat from the wooden chair near the bed.

“Come on, boy,” I whispered to the dog.

Bishop did not hesitate.

He trotted to the side door of my bedroom.