“No, sorry, that was supposed to be a question,” Titus clarified. He adjusted the light from his phone to get a better look at the robed boy. The head floating over Tess’s shoulder looked confused and mildly annoyed.

“What do you mean? It's me,” the boy said a second time as if that made things clear.

Titus shrugged. He tried to remember where he had seen the brown-haired boy standing before him.

 “Shade?” Titus tried.

“I got nothing,” Shade said.

Titus thought for a moment before giving up. “Who are you?” he asked, walking closer.

The boy tightened his grip on Tess, pressing the knife harder into her throat. She mumbled hotly. Titus noticed a tan rag was stuffed in her mouth. Without the gag, sh...

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