Delilah heard a wordless cry and looked over the hunter’s shoulder. Ferris leapt toward the stranger, a kitchen knife held high in one fist. He was aiming for the hunter’s head.
“No!” she cried, fearing it was too late.
Ferris never had a chance to land the blow. The hunter rolled to his feet in a smooth movement and caught Ferris by the throat with one large hand. He lifted him bodily from the floor as he grasped Ferris’ wrist with the other.
The hunter’s expression was grim. The boy’s face worked, he squirmed, then he dropped the knife.
It clattered to the floor.
The hunter picked it up, then cast him aside with disgust. Ferris stumbled to gain his footing. His face was white and he was shaking when he turned to face the two of them.
Ferris was also transformed. He was clean, possi
