A kiss for luck, demoiselle?" It is a magnificent, lusty kiss and I feel nothing but deep regret that it may be his last. Just before he pulls away, he whispers in my ear. "Duval said to give you that should I get a chance. It is from him.

This is what I want to be. An instrument of mercy, not vengeance.

... while I am Death's daughter and walk in His dark shadow, surely the darkness can give way to light sometimes.

I stare at him coldly. "I do not care for needlework." I pause. "Unless it involves the base of the skull.

In the distance a wolf howls. Let it come, I think. Beast will most likely simply howl back, and the creature will either turn tail and run or fall into line behind him, like the rest of us have.

I blew that clay pigeon to smithereens. I don't know why Mum got so upset. According to Uncle Andrew she's a crack shot herself. But she says I'm too young. What I'd like to know is how old does a person have to be before they get to do all the fun stuff?

You are not my nursemaid. Remember, I am rescuing you.