NADIA'S POV
Nadia's eyes flew open.
She sat up straight as if prodded with a needle.
Something had woken her…
A sudden screech caused her to jump. Her breathing spiked, heart thudding like a booming drum.
She fumbled about over her bedside cabinet and pulled the hook of the lamp.
Dim light streaked over the room, doing little to banish the shadows.
Her eyes wandered around the minimal room to the window…
As if sensing her eyes, the black crow there released a wrenching shriek.
She started in fright and shock. The crow cast a formidable shadow over the window panes.
Sharp beak, beady red eyes, ink black ruffled feathers. Devilish annoyance.
Surprise turned to frustration. Heavens, not again. Not tonight.
The crow was familiar. Its presence here meant one thing. She'd been summoned.
Like a lamb to the slaughter. Like a lowly servant at the beck and call of her mistress. Like a common hound.
