"Is that blood?"

The three of them watch as a thick red liquid spills into the room, from the small gap under the door.

"No?"

"Skylar Thorne, that is not a question you answer with a question."

She winces, edging forwards.

"Do you think it was one of the neighbours?"

Lee shakes his head.

"I'm pretty sure they're on holiday."

"Huh," she murmers, "lucky them."

"Do you want to check?"

"No."

"Daemon?"

"Fine. I'll do it."

He moves toward the door, tiptoeing around the puddles of blood that are beginning to accumulate, before bending down to peer through the eyepiece.

"Hey, Skylar?" he whispers.

"What?"

"Are you by any chance friends with a group of men who like to wear black, and carry assault rifles?"

She gulps.

"No. Why?"

"Huh."

Daemon turns.

"I'm thinking we should run."