Though the sky still held light, lanterns had already been lit around the grounds of Sexton, their glow stretching across the paths. It was six in the evening. The leaves from a nearby tree rustled before falling on the ground from the wind.
Right now, Ruelle waited for Edward, as he had told her that they would meet at this hour near the maze. But so far there was no sign of him.
She murmured, "Sexton seems quieter at this hour than usual. I should probably return." She didn't want to run into a bored vampire who would want to snack on her.
But at the same time a thumping sound answered her. It came from deeper within the trees—heavy, uneven, closing fast. Before she could take another step, something silver-black barrelled into her.
"Oomph!" She hit the ground hard, the breath knocked from her chest. For a moment, all she saw was lantern light spinning above her and then something wet brushed her cheek.
