Kieran’s hand slipped from my cheek, and I could feel the tension between us, thick like a veil that we both couldn't push aside. The vampire’s words echoed in my mind—*the journey ahead will test you in ways you can’t imagine*. I felt the weight of my destiny crashing over me, but I had to be strong, for both of us. For our pack.
The vampire turned to leave, his steps eerily silent, but before he disappeared into the shadows, he paused, his gaze flicking back to me. “You’ll need to find it soon. The longer you wait, the closer the darkness comes.”
Without another word, he vanished into the trees, leaving Kieran and me alone under the dim glow of the moonlight.
Kieran’s shoulders were rigid, and I could feel the frustration radiating off of him in waves. He was a man of action, someone
