“Jared Chance!”

The scream-raw with hatred, venom, and a sliver of fear even Sheldon failed to notice in himself-ripped through the hush like a wounded beast.

Fixing his bloodshot gaze on the form above, Sheldon’s face contorted, the five-finger brand that had once humiliated him throbbing with phantom pain.

Old grudges and new injuries erupted inside him like a volcano left too long to smolder.

“You wretched brat! How dare you appear before me again! I will tear you limb from limb and burn your soul for a thousand years!”

Black smog geysered from his body, spiraling skyward like a column of smoke, his voice climbing to a manic, almost shrill pitch.

By then, Garth had also recognized Jared. His massive, bell-like eyes blazed with murderous intent as he roared, “So you’re Jared Chance-the b*stard who slew our elder and wrecked our Melded Beastkin Sacred Sect’s ambitions!