Zara
I pushed these conflicting thoughts aside and calmed myself. I closed my eyes, mentally penetrating the most hidden corners of the room. Summoning the shadows was easy now; they responded to my calls with barely restrained joy.
When I opened my eyes, the room darkened, thick shadows pulsating on the wall. An icy chill descended upon me, though this time on my body. They seemed to be doing a better job. I was getting used to summoning shadows, and the thought simultaneously excited and alarmed me.
Shadows pulsed and slithered from the darkest corners of the room, skimming the floor and gathering at my feet. The larger shadows remained behind, watching me with silent interest. I was completely absorbed in their attention, a fact that both delighted and frightened me.
"They're almost happy to see you," Marcus chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't mistake their joy for affection. They like your blood, your strength."
