The man—Iakov—grins so wide that I can’t help but notice his canines. They’re unusually sharp, as if he’s filed them into points. He also smells strange. A mixture of ash and incense that makes me want to retch. You know how some smells scream Run for the hills? s**t, blood, that kind of thing? This does the same. I want away from this man ASAP.
But Kolya’s hand on my hip will keep me safe. I don’t know much, but I know that.
“Now, that can’t be true,” Iakov tuts. “Surely you knew who was throwing this party.”
“Must have slipped my attention,” Kolya says with a shrug. “I don’t usually keep track of the hosts. I just show up.”
The man’s eyes slide curiously to me, and I shrink into Kolya’s side. His irises are an unsettling blue. Not bright and bold like Kolya’s. More like… translucent.
