LIAM’S POV
The area still smelled the same.
Old mountain stone soaked in blood, marking our territory to other Vampires passing by; incense trying to hide the smell of decay; and the faint metallic tang of power clung to the walls like something alive. Wesley chose this place centuries ago. He was my former Master, my reluctant mentor, and eventually just a stepping stone for me to climb. Even after his death, his presence stayed until a new master rose above the ranks.
And it should have been mine.
I stepped through the threshold slowly, with deliberate finality. The lesser vampires stationed near the entrance stiffened the moment they caught my scent. Fear rippled through them, sharp and satisfying. They bowed too late, too clumsily, scrambling to show obedience now that I stood befo
