There had been hot anger and red smells and – no, that was blood – and...Martin barely realized Bariyan had laid hands on him until he stopped feeling the pinpricks of pressure around his neck.

He tensed again, frozen for only a single, hot second, before his body moved. Harshly, Martin yanked against the grip, ducking his body down to make for the opening just under Bariyan's arm, groaning and growling with frustration.