The voice came from directly behind her, so close his breath stirred the wet tangles of her hair. Lyralei spun around in panic as she hadn't noticed him sneak up on her, the borrowed dagger coming up in a defensive position that was purely instinct and fear.
Malachai stood there looking completely unbothered by the blade pointed at his chest. Dark hair fell across eyes that glowed with amber light, his wolf obviously close to the surface. Blood spattered his clothes and weapons, none of it appearing to be his own.
Before Lyralei could process his sudden appearance or step back or do anything at all, his hand shot out and wrapped around her throat with enough pressure to make breathing difficult.
He held her neck the moment she turned, his eyes glowing brighter as he lifted her slightly
