The world narrowed to the fire, the smoke, and the two men tearing her soul apart. Elena’s chest heaved as if the air itself had turned to ash, every breath slicing her lungs raw. Her trembling hand hovered in the space between Michael’s desperate pleas and Damian’s deadly demand.
“Choose,” Damian commanded, his voice sharp as steel, his outstretched hand unwavering. The fire bent toward his will, a serpent coiling around his body as if he were its master. “Now, Elena. Or he burns.”
Michael staggered, his face ghostly pale beneath the soot. Blood streaked his jaw, his breath shallow but defiant. Even on his knees, his eyes blazed with something more powerful than fire. “Don’t give in to him, Elena… no matter what. I’d rather die… than see you bound to that monster.”
His words sliced thr
