“Take your time to consider my request.” Zen stood, holding out a hand. Without thinking, Lan took it. He had slipped on his black gloves; his grip was tight as he steadied her by the elbows, drawing her close. Those eyes snapped across her like black lightning. “But I must warn you now that, should you refuse, I would have no choice but to kill you.” The statement was so dramatic that Lan let out a laugh. The practitioner frowned. “I do not jest,” he said. “I did not take it as a jest,” she replied, all traces of mirth vanishing as she met his gaze. “You think I am afraid of death? I have
...more
