AVA POV
The silence that followed was suffocating. The scent of blood and torn flesh still lingered in the air, the metallic tang mixing with the damp earth beneath our feet. My breath came in shallow gasps, my chest tight from exhaustion—and confusion.
Lucas stood in front of me, his silver eyes unreadable, his fingers still stained red from the wolf he had just killed. The dagger that had struck him remained embedded in his side, but he made no move to remove it.
Damon's growl rumbled through the air like distant thunder. "Step away from her, Lucas."
Lucas exhaled sharply, an almost amused smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I just saved her life, Damon. Or were you too busy playing hero to notice?"
Damon tensed. His stance remained strong, but his eyes flickered—just for
