The hybrid's smile faltered—just for a breath. Something flickered behind those unnatural, luminous eyes: confusion, maybe disappointment… or possibly the faintest trace of respect.
"Well," the hybrid said slowly, "that's awfully cold of you."
Liam rolled his wrist, subtly shifting his grip on the sword hilt. "Better cold than dead."
A soft laugh bubbled from the hybrid's chest—low and velvety. "You've got spirit. Arrogance too. I admire that. But don't get any ideas… you're not walking out of here alive."
'Yeah, figured as much.' Liam's thoughts were calm, but razor-sharp. 'Shadow Passage is my best shot, but it works like a doorway. Wherever I enter, I need an exit. And judging by this guy's speed… he'd follow me through without hesitation. That'd make escaping a joke.'
His eyes remained locked on the hybrid, analyzing every twitch of muscle.
