"I didn't know!" Julian pleads. "It was a trap, Alex. The others were hiding nearby and..." He clutches Alex's arm tightly. "I'm sorry. Don't be afraid. Your Sire will protect you, I am sure of it." He swallows hard, terror spiking deep in his belly at the thought of the dark one. He will protect his childe, of that Julian has no doubt, but what will he do to Julian for dragging Alex into this mess? He shivers miserably, huddled there in the damp. There's a pang in his heart as he thinks of his own Sire. He clings to Alex, feeling lonelier than ever.
He doesn't have long to reflect on the situation, though, as there is suddenly a commotion in the alleyway behind them. The sound of boots on cobblestones grows louder, as does the murmur of angry voices. The hunters have returned, as determined as ever to find their prey.
Julian's eyes are huge in the near-dark.
"Shh," he whispers, fingers digging into Alex's arm. "They're back."