Atherna didn't respond to the young man's greeting. Instead, she looked toward the sign beside the door. It was shaped like a clock, its hour hand pointing to the section labeled "Closed Hours." The young man also glanced at the sign.
She remained silent, her eyes narrowing with disdain as she looked at the handsome blond man. Then, without a word, she began to close the door.
But before it shut completely, a strong hand shot out and caught the doorframe, stopping her from closing it… just for a second.
"Arrrrrrrrrrrrgghhhhh!"
The young blond man screamed in pain as a sharp sensation tore through his hand. He quickly withdrew it from the door.
His hand now looked like it belonged to a hundred-year-old man… withered, desiccated, and mummified. Though he could still move his fingers, he could feel the weakness creeping in. Most of his strength had been drained.
Bang!
