"Have you ever met Mikhail's friend Gregori?" "He's the one they call the dark one. I've seen him, of course, but only once. Mikhail has voiced his fears for him often." Raven's breath wheezed in and out, a harsh sound in the quiet of the cell. "He's a great healer, Father." She took another shuddering breath. "And he is loyal to Mikhail. Do you believe there is hope for their race?" The priest made the sign of the cross on her forehead, on the insides of each of her wrists. "You are their hope, Raven. Don't you know that?" Mikhail touched her mind with his. He was closer, the bond between them powerful. He flooded her with love, enfolded her in strong, protective arms. His voice was a black-velvet seduction of tenderness in her mind. , she pleaded. Lights flickered in the cell, on, off, back on again, as if a generator was being powered up. Raven's hand found Father Hummer's. "I tried to stop him, to warn him, but he will come." "Of course he will."