The grey creature stared at Erend, something close to shock flickering across its almost-human face. Its two green eyes widened, not by much but enough to show a rare emotion like recognition or fear?
Erend's grip tightened on the creature's wrist, the one still clutching Mark's neck. With a low grunt, he forced the creature's fingers to loosen.
Mark dropped to the ground with a gasp.
Jan rushed in, throwing a quick glance at the newcomer as he helped Mark up and pulled him back toward the party.
"I've seen him before," Jan thought, his mind racing.
As soon as Mark stumbled back into the group, Annette ran to him with worry in her eyes.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"I'm fine," Mark muttered, but his eyes were already fixed on the man who had saved him.