I woke to the sound of Reika's sharp intake of breath and the unmistakable sensation of overwhelming magical presence pressing against our sanctuary. The monastery's weakened wards were straining against forces far beyond what they were designed to contain.
'Company,' Luna announced grimly in my mind. 'Cardinal approaching. This one's dangerous, Arthur—high Immortal-rank. And he's brought backup.'
Luna stirred against my side, her peaceful sleep shattered by the oppressive aura that filled the air. Her dark eyes opened wide with instinctive fear as she sensed the malevolent power closing in.
"Daddy?" she whispered. "Something's wrong."
"Stay close to me," I murmured, carefully extracting myself from the bed while keeping Luna within arm's reach. "Reika, what are we looking at?"
"Cardinal Akasha himself," Reika replied tightly, her weapons already in hand. "Plus a full retinue—at least two dozen vampires of various ranks. He's not taking any chances."
