Martonia keeps him there on his knees, bending him to her will.

Stepping closer, she reaches out an open hand toward him, slow and cautious, though confident in her power over him.

She touches his blond hair. Strokes his head. Petting him like a tamed lion.

And she smiles, and chuckles to herself, because she has now acquired the greatest weapon in her battle against the vampires.

Amid the chaos and confusion, Alcide the werewolf gathers the wounded Sookie into his arms and carries her to safety.