anxious gaze surveyed him for wound or bruise, but none she saw. the river-dark eyes squeezed shut; she told herself she must not weep.
what was that?
her breathing was harsh, her hackles stood on end as though she were some wild-eyed panther spooked from underbrush.
a spirit? a dead thing? a fierce shiver racked elk charm's body, and she could not open her eyes again.

