The guard looked over when he heard the door open, and was startled to see an enraged Bran standing behind a wide-eyed Imogen, with one hand holding her by a fist-full of hair, the other hand holding a dinner knife to her throat.

"Just back away from the door and she doesn't get hurt," Bran instructed through clenched teeth.

The guard stepped slowly away and Bran maneuvered himself and his hostage through the door, keeping his eyes on the guard as they slowly backed down the hall.

Once out of earshot of the guard, Imogen whispered, "Could you be more careful with that knife? I think you nicked me."

"Now is not the time, Imogen," Bran whispered back tersely.

"You are notoriously clumsy," he pointed out. "I should have thought of that before...

Please subscribe to keep reading.