"Lucian…” Aven's fingers delicately prodded the material. But rather than grasping the necklace, his hand fell at Lucian’s waist.

Athkatla was unlike anything Aven had ever seen. He was slack jawed in its magnificence.

“Any monster can be tamed with a bit of patience,” Jorak said. “But in regards to that boy of boy of yours, I wish you luck."

Aven turned to alert Lucian that they should move on - when he felt the familiar chill of cold steel against his throat.

“Lucian-" "I know.” Lucian’s features remained unchanged, voice lowered. “We’re being watched.”