Shivering against the cold, I trudge through the glistening snow, surrounded by trees dusted with white frost. My hands shake beneath my coat, aching for the warmth of a fire and a hot drink. I can’t seem to remember which direction I started the hike in, and now the snow has covered my footprints and diminished any hope of getting back. I’m more afraid than I’d like to admit, because I know the w...

“Do you understand?” He asks me pleadingly, like a sad puppy. I lift my hand to his face, caressing his cheek. “Of course,” I say, my voice soft and sensual. His eyes glimmer and he smiles slightly at me, and I almost feel sorry for him. He’s one of the sweeter ones I’ve met, but he’s useless to me now. He’s so inthralled by me he doesn’t even notice the dagger softly kissing his chest, and then s...