Luo Binghe freezes in confusion. One moment he was threatening Aornis, and the next he had her in his grasp, but there is no memory of the intervening moments. Did he act so rashly without thought? That is unlike him—he often chooses to act on his impulses, but he's not some mindless beast who would accost a woman without cause.

There is only one explanation for what could affect his mind in such a way. Xin Mo. He knows that his use of it has been immoderate, and he knows it is said to drive the wielder mad. He himself has experienced how it amplifies his thirst for blood, and that is when he has it more under control than he does now.

He won't let Aornis see that he is shaken. He drops her, eyes narrowing. "Let it be a warning."