The Mixes

Chapter Two — The Alley of Red Eyes

Elyria’s breath hitched as the circle of vampires tightened around her. Five of them—maybe six—shadows with fangs glinting beneath the dim alley lights.

Her pulse quickened, and with it, her witch spark flickered to life. Tiny blue flames crawled across her fingertips, begging to be used.

The lead vampire stepped closer. He was tall, pale, and too calm, like he’d been expecting her.

“Relax,” he cooed. “I’m not here to kill you. Not unless you make this difficult.”

Elyria swallowed hard. “Who sent you?”

He smirked. “You’ll meet them soon enough. For now… come quietly. Your blood is worth more than the city behind you.”

Her heart hammered.

Her twin’s cries still echoed in her head.

She couldn’t be taken before she found Selene.

No.

Not tonight.

Elyria’s fingers snapped upward, and a burst of witchfire exploded in her palm. The light seared the vampire’s skin, forcing him back with a snarl.

“Hybrid brat!” one hissed.

The group lunged.

Elyria spun, channeling energy through her hands. A crackling blue arc shot forward, throwing two vampires into a brick wall. Another grabbed her from behind, cold fingers digging into her shoulders. His strength was overpowering; his breath chilled her neck.

Instinct kicked in.

Her fangs dropped.

She bit down on his arm—hard.

The vampire shrieked and released her. The taste of blood flooded her mouth, waking something primal deep inside her. For a moment she felt unstoppable, powerful—

Then the fire in her veins turned wild.

“Elyria!” a voice shouted.

She whirled, dizzy, vision warping. A figure dropped from the rooftop and landed between her and the remaining vampires.

A boy—maybe seventeen, maybe older. Dark hair falling over sharp features. Eyes like molten amber.

A vampire.

But… different.

“Run,” he told her without even glancing back.

Elyria didn’t want to trust him.

But she also didn’t want to die.

She bolted.

Behind her, the alley erupted into chaos.