Kieran’s grip tightened around me as the eerie voice faded into the air. I could feel his tension, the unspoken question lingering between us—what now? My heart raced, still caught in the aftermath of the battle, but something darker was brewing. The shadow left by the vampire seemed to pulse, like a warning that his demise wasn’t final.
I leaned into Kieran, drawing strength from his warmth, even as the chilling realization of the vampire’s final words sank in. I had used my powers in ways I never thought possible, but it wasn’t enough. The darkness he spoke of—was it more than just him?
“Aylin…” Kieran’s voice broke the silence, his arms still wrapped protectively around me. “We need to leave. Now.”
I nodded, though my mind was still reeling. The weight of the battle, the overwhelmin
