before replayed in her mind-the rejection, the monstrous creature, and Lucian

ant nothing. And now, a stranger with glowing amber e

with Adrian gone, she didn

e door jolted her f

k," Lucian's voice cam

t, dodging her questions and giving her vague warnings. But aft

he frame, his arms crossed. He was dressed in black,

all?" he asked, ra

. "Who sent that thing l

gaze scanning the space. "Demons," he said

ice rising. "What do you mean, d

cian replied, his tone calm.

at the sound of hi

His rejection wasn't just about you, Clara. He's running from somet

an wouldn't..." Her voice faltered as memorie

ou loved isn't who you think he is. Adrian's past is filled with bl

ng her head. "If he's so dangerous, why woul

in his amber eyes. "Because he's a coward. He tho

verything Lucian was saying. But deep down, she couldn

rowing her eyes. "Why are you here?

's just say I have my own reasons for keeping you alive. Adr

She stepped back, suddenly wary. "So,

ian said, his voi

a loud crash echoed from dow

hat?" she w

ion darkened. "S

tense and alert. Clara followed,

h an unnatural chill. Shadows danced along the wall

irs, his eyes scanning the room. "They'

whispered, her voi

as another demon stepped into view. This one was smaller than the creatur

is fingers. The demon lunged, but Lucian was faster. A burst of energy shot fr

against the staircase. "What

e drawn to chaos, to broken bonds and unfinished oaths. Adrian's

itched. "So, thi

ian's fault. But if we don't act fast,

feet. Lucian moved to attack again, but th

e wasn't on Lucian

said, her vo

his expression shifting to

ng me," she

tightened. "D

, her instincts screaming at her to run. But before the creature could reach he

ounding him, its body disintegrating in

ody shaking. "I can't do this," she

gentle. "You don't have a choice. If you don't fight, th

e looked at him. "I don't even kno

stronger than you think, Clara

f footsteps echoed from outside the h

lara asked, her

his eyes narrowing.

Clara's heart stopped whe

s Adr

o hers, filled with guil

aid softly. "

ed in front of her, his amber eyes blazing. "

tened. "I didn't

you here?" Luc

ession pained. "Because she's in danger.

men stood facing each other, te

Lucian warned, his voi

down. "I'm not le

sion. The man who had abandoned her was back, and the s

n't know wh