The pattern of the rain seemed to change. There was a tap, tap, tap. Louder. Not rain. Footfalls. Approaching. Was he back to finish him!? Tristan balled up tighter. The person stopped. He could feel someone kneeling. A voice.

It wasn’t his attacker. There was kindness in the voice. Was he safe at last?

He didn’t move. “Are they gone?” he hissed.