“Yes,â€? Oliver said frowning. “But you can’t take him. He has done you no wrong.â€?

“He has summoned the shadows, and brought them to life. I owe him my thanks,â€? Jeremy said laughing. “Tobias, come here.â€?

Tobias shuddered, and started walking towards the figure.

The young woman whirled around to face the shadowy figure. “Let him go!â€? she cried out.

“But Alyssa, I’m not touching him,â€? Jeremy said laughing. “Mortals are so amusing, don’t you agree Oliver?â€? Jeremy asked, looking at Oliver and grinning.

Oliver glared at Jeremy – a look that would have made most people wish they could shrivel up and die. Jeremy’s grin broadened, but quickly disappeared as he saw Alyssa turn towards Tobias. “Tobias,â€? she said quietly. “Come back to me. Tobias, come back.â€?

Tobias stumbled and started to turn around. Jeremy scowled, and held out his hand. A ball of fiery energy appeared in his hand, and without a single word, he hurled it at Alyssa.