The chill of the Vampire Kingdom’s night hung in the air as Kara stepped out of the council hall. The distant hum of the city reached her ears—low, quiet, but alive. It reminded her of the Valkyrie Kingdom’s distant golden glow, but the shadows whispered secrets she didn’t dare entertain here. Behind her, Damien caught up, his steps unnervingly silent.
“Are you always this broody after a council meeting?” she asked, keeping her gaze fixed on the horizon.
“Only when bigger games are in motion,” Damien replied smoothly, his crimson eyes glinting in the moonlight.
Kara turned, folding her arms across her chest. “You’re not telling me something. What’s the real reason you needed me at that council tonight?”
Damien smirked, stepping closer. “Perceptive as always.”
“Stop dodging,” she press
