A Blade in the Dark
The warmth in Damien's study vanished in an instant. Arias' smile faded.
"Someone tried to kill me?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Vance nodded grimly.
" Twenty minutes ago " he replied.
Aria frowned.
"But I've been with Lydia all afternoon, " she said.
"You were " Vance confirmed.
"Which is why the assassin failed " Damien added, his eyes narrowing.
"Explain, " he urged.
Vance placed a velvet cloth on the desk. Inside lay a silver dart, no longer than a finger. Its tip shimmered with a black substance.
Dr. Evelyn, who had entered behind Vance immediately stiffened.
"Don't touch it, " she warned.
She slipped on leather gloves before lifting the dart. After an examination her expression darkened.
"It's coated with nightshade extract... And powder
