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A lexia Stavros pulled the hood of her coat over her head, fading into the background. She carefully yet quickly worked her way toward the stairs and when clear of everyone, used her magic to veil herself.

Tonight had been her first time in the fight club, and after being briefed, she thought she’d known what to expect.

It certainly hadn’t been to absorb the energy of the fallen shifter.

Her purpose was to guide the souls to the afterlife, which she’d done countless times before.

Well, before coming here. And she had been successful with the Lycan.

But never before tonight had she felt a life force flow through her with such intensity before ascending.

Why had tonight been different?

And then to have the troll focus on her. Herleif. Had he been a factor?

There was no mistaking he had seen what arose from the Lycan.

Had the others? It hadn’t appeared so. Only Herleif had followed the spirit as it wound its way toward her while everyone else carried on as if nothing unusual were happening.

For a fleeting moment, he had looked panicked, fearing something awful would happen to her.

And when it was over, he had looked ... astonished.

Alexia’s thoughts were interrupted by a deep shout.

Heavy footfalls rattled the steps she’d begun to climb.

Although still invisible, she didn’t dare look behind her.

Instead, she rushed up the remaining stairs and darted into a secret room she’d been shown when given a tour of the club.

Darkness swallowed her as she carefully listened for any indication Herleif was trailing her.

Muffled voices and rushed footsteps made their way to her, but she wasn’t discovered while tucked away. Even after it grew quiet, she continued to wait while her thoughts pondered what she’d been told regarding The Gin Room.

Not all were in agreement that the fight club should operate as it did or even at all.

But it had been this way for nearly a century and didn’t seem likely to change.

Fighters had the choice of surrender or death.

Some chose a fight to the death. Whether it was due to their brazenness, thinking they couldn’t lose, or possibly out of desperation, not wanting to continue in this life, she couldn’t say nor judge.

Either way, the reward was great. For those who perished, a portion was paid to a person of their choosing, typically a family member.

She wondered about Herleif and his reason for fighting. For enjoyment? A release of his aggression? And how often did he compete?

From his impressive strength to surprising agility, Alexia could admit he’d been magnificent.

His movements were fluid despite his size, and to watch his muscles flex with his competent display .

.. she felt herself blushing just thinking about the performance.

His show of mercy had been commendable. His remorse tender.

The crowd hadn’t keyed in on that, but she certainly had.

Noise outside the door brought Alexia’s attention back to her predicament. If Herleif had tried to locate her, she hoped she’d waited long enough that he’d given up or moved on. He didn’t strike her as one to easily abandon a task, but she couldn’t stay here all night.

Easing open the door, she listened for voices or movement.

When nothing seemed amiss, she removed her cloak of magic and slid into the corridor.

Remaining vigilant, she skirted the dance floor, winding her way around tables and toward the exit.

A few steps from the door, her path was blocked, and when she looked up, it was her uncle, Nic Stavros.

He placed a hand on her arm and gently guided her toward the back where a table awaited with food and drink.

She’d forgotten he requested to meet with her after she was done below.

Without needing to be told, she took a seat as he did the same.

“What happened?” he asked softly. “You weren’t down there very long.”

Her gaze flickered to the crowd before she met her uncle’s gaze.

“The shifter’s soul was clearly seen leaving his body, but only by myself and the troll, Herleif.

There was no reaction from anyone else, no indication they’d seen the beautiful light that shot straight through me.

I’d never seen anything like it. I’d never felt anything like it. ”

“And now?”

She shook her head. “I don’t feel any different now than any other time I’ve done this.”

“Something else happened.”

She gave a quick nod. “Herleif. He saw me. His gaze was intent as if he knew I had something to do with what happened. I think he tried to follow me. Did you see him come through here?”

Her uncle shook his head. “I did not. He may have gone out the back or simply given up.”

Alexia scoffed. “He does not strike me as a being that would give up on anything.” She took a drink of the water in front of her. “What do you know of him?”

“I know he’s been fighting for a year, paying off a debt owed by his father.”

“And the Lycan? His name is, or was , Evan Hosten. Why was his death any different?”

“I don’t know anything about the wolf, but I’ll find out.” He paused, contemplating. “Maybe it had nothing to do with the wolf but with Herleif himself. What was he doing when it happened?”

“I wondered that very thing because it was what he’d done before it happened that may have had an influence.

He gave the werewolf a mercy killing. They were clearly fighting to the death, battling one another hard.

When Herleif slammed the wolf to the ground, he’d done immense damage.

Then the wolf shifted back to human form.

Even amidst the noise of the crowd, I heard him say, finish me .

Herleif framed his face and whispered, Till Valhalla before snapping his neck. ”

“Very admirable.”

“Uncle Nic,” she started again in a hushed voice, “something else was said by the wolf. Something disturbing. He said, Mercy, don’t let him take my soul .”

If her uncle was alarmed, he gave nothing away.

“You’re sure?”

She nodded. “I am.”

“Are you okay?”

“Just tired,” she sighed.

He reached across the table to take her hand. “Let me get someone to escort you home. I’d do it myself, but I have another matter with work to finish up.”

Her uncle worked for the Shifters Relations Agency in New York City, which regulated shifter activity.

They also kept peace among their kind and the humans who’d become aware of the paranormal.

Alexia had only been in the city a handful of months, having come over from Greece at the insistence of her parents who thought she needed to experience the modern world.

She had stayed with her uncle and his family for two months, becoming familiar with the city and this new way of life.

Now she had a place of her own in Hunters Point which was across the East River from his townhouse in Manhattan.

Her apartment was close to the local library where she spent a great deal of her leisure time.

Even though she’d been enjoying this world, there were many days and nights when she missed the slower pace of life on her island of Karpathos.

“Alexia, don’t fret about tonight. While it isn’t a normal occurrence, it doesn’t mean there’s anything ominous about the event. I’ll do some checking, and we’ll talk tomorrow. Now, let me find someone—”

“It’s okay, Uncle Nic, I’m fine to get home.

I could use a walk. While I haven’t had any concerns thus far, I’ll veil myself just in case.

” Her place was only a half mile from The Gin Room which was located in Gotham Point just past the Midtown Tunnel.

When he gave her a concerned look, she tried again to ease any worry.

“Really, I’ll be all right, and I’ll contact you as soon as I’m safely locked away for the night. ”

“Okay, but be sure to text me the moment you get to your apartment.”

She nodded. “Promise.”

Both stood and embraced before Alexia headed for the door. She was stopped by the bouncer, Dax, who was a panther shifter and apparently a big, friendly flirt according to most of the waitresses.

“Leaving so soon?” he said. “I haven’t had a chance to buy you a drink yet.”

Alexia gave a weak smile. “Maybe another night.”

Dax gently grasped her hand and kissed it before releasing. “I’ll hold you to that.” He winked. “Are you fine to get home alone or is your uncle escorting you?”

She shook her head. “I’m fine, truly. Uncle Nic has work to do and I’ll be veiled.”

Dax nodded even though his look said he wasn’t too happy about the decision. “Be vigilant. I’m sure you can handle yourself, but there’s always strange activity during the full moon. And with Samhain upon us, it gets even stranger.”

“Don’t I know it.” She chuckled. “But thank you for your concern. I’ll be okay, and I promised Uncle Nic I’d text him as soon as I’m safely in my apartment.”

He nodded. “Will I see you tomorrow night?”

“I’m not sure yet, but if so, I may take you up on that drink.”

“You got it.” He grinned, showing a perfect set of gleaming white teeth.

After a final good night, Alexia slipped out into the crisp yet humid October air. Ensuring no one was around to witness her magic, she cloaked herself and began to walk up 2nd Street. She’d take it until it ended then skirt the park before ending up at her apartment building.

She thought about the food she’d ignored. When her belly rumbled, she chuckled to herself, realizing she hadn’t eaten all day and was suddenly famished.

With food on her mind, she’d walked a few blocks when she felt a presence. Freezing in place, an imposing figure stepped out of the shadows to loom in front of her.

“Care to explain what happened back there?”

Herleif.