"Lucien!"
The scream tore from Emerald's throat before she could think.
Lucien jolted upright in bed, just as the silver blade came down.
It all happened in a blur.
The masked figure was fast, dressed in black from head to toe, but Lucien was faster. His hand shot up and caught the attacker's wrist a split second before the blade could plunge into his chest. The knife still grazed him, slicing through his skin.
The masked man didn't stick around.
Emerald's scream had ruined the element of surprise. With a low, guttural snarl, the intruder tore himself free, leapt over the bed, and darted straight for the open balcony doors.
"Lucien!" Emerald called, rushing forward, but he was already up and out of the bed, sprinting after the assassin.
Lucien reached the balcony just as the figure vaulted over the edge and disappeared into the darkness below.
He scanned the shadows. Nothing. There was no movement, just the wind and trees and stars.
