The voice pierced the tight quiet like a sword as it reverberated through the woods. The music sent a shiver down my spine; it was serene yet tinged with foreboding. As he examined the surrounding dark woodland, Ethan's body tensed and his grasp tightened on my hand.
I turned, gasping as someone stepped out of the darkness. He was tall, with his jacket hood covering his face. However, his methodical, self-assured walk conveyed to me that he was no mere servant. He was in command, whatever he was.
"All right," the guy murmured as he entered the clearing. He sounded suave, even delighted, as if he thought the whole thing was amusing. "I must say that I didn't anticipate you reaching this point. You're a real surprise.
In order to protect me from the man's stare, Ethan moved ahead of me. His voice was stern as he shouted, "Who are you?"
