---
Stephen twisted his head.
The claws missed his neck but tore across his cheek. More blood spilled.
Sofia controlled it instantly. Thin red needles formed from Stephen's own blood and attacked his eyes.
Stephen closed them.
The needles struck his eyelids.
Elena punched him in the chest.
BOOM!
Stephen was thrown across the courtyard.
He passed through the main gate and struck the street outside.
The ground collapsed beneath him.
For several seconds, no one moved.
Then Natasha looked toward Sofia.
"That worked."
Sofia answered, "Because he was fighting three directions at once."
Elena looked toward the destroyed gate.
"Do not underestimate him."
She was right.
Stephen rose from the crater outside.
His clothes were badly damaged now.
Blood ran down his face and back.
One cheek had four claw marks across it.
His expression had become completely calm.
That frightened Elena more than anger would have.
Stephen looked toward Mihos.
"Young master."
