"He's been killing you," Ravok growled. "He deserves to die."
"No!" Sera sobbed, shaking her head violently. "No, Ravok, it's Ben. It's Benedict. He wouldn't hurt me. He won't."
Ravok's gaze flicked back to Benedict's broken form on the floor. His fingers flexed.
Sera stepped directly into his space.
"No. No," she cried, placing both hands on his chest. "Look at me. Look at me, please. Please… just look at me."
Her tears spilled freely now, streaking down her face as she stood between Ravok and his prey.
Ravok's hands came up, cupping her face. His thumbs brushed her cheeks with surprising gentleness, wiping away her tears. His breathing was harsh, uneven.
Then Ravok let out a low, anguished sound, turned away and stalked out of the kitchen.
The moment he was gone, Sera collapsed to her knees.
"Ben! Ben! Benedict!" she cried, scrambling to his side. Alice was already there, shaking, hands slick with blood as she tried to keep him breathing.
