Chapter 164: Monster, Part 1

The sound of someone softly singing drew Telmé from sleep. He opened his eyes, wincing slightly as they adjusted to the glow of witchlights. He turned his head, stared at a wall and an empty chair. Slowly he turned his head the other way and saw Korin standing at the bookshelf on the far side of the room, eyes fastened on the books, fingers moving lightly over them.

Memories filled Telmé's mind—shadowy images of a figure trapped between him and a wall, muted moans and whimpers, sharp intakes of breath. The sweet, hot taste of pure blood, the smell of sated lust, proof of it smeared on soft skin.

He must have made some noise because the singing cut off, and Korin whipped around. "You're awake!" Korin bolted across the room, stopping at the edge of the bed. "I was starting to think you would never wake."

"How long have I been asleep?"