ispered through the alleyways, carrying with it the scent of something ancient and unseen. Every step she

brooding. His crimson eyes flickered toward her every so of

" she finally asked,

c isn't someone to take lightly. He plays games with people, tests them unt

don't understand what's happening to me, Lucian. That moment-when I held the dagger-it was like everythin

're going to experience more of it. The thirst will come

What if I don't want this? What if I refuse t

e to be left alone, Evangeline. The vampires will want to control you. The hunters will want

an's protectiveness-it all led to one conclusion: she was no longer just

street, and Lucian's eyes darkened. In a blink, he grabbed Evangeline and pulled her into th

Light, but

ss, cloaked in the night. Their presence sent a ripple of une

rist tightened. "Stay

m, a tall man with an air of authority, stepped forward. His voice was smooth, yet carri

tly, shielding Evang

ounty on her head, and I intend to collect it.

art pounded. A

lethal. "You'll hav

that's how you want t

h terrifying speed. Evangeline barely had time to react before she was th

gun, and there wa

in time to avoid a clawed hand swiping at her face. A surge of power rushed through her, and before she knew what she was doing, sh

t her own hands in di

another foe. His movements were fluid, effortless, a deadly dance of prec

rmination replacing her fear. She w

e watched her. "Impressive. You're awakening f

is hand shot out, grabbing her throat and lifting her off the ground. She struggled,

e could reach her, somethin

pulse of energy burst outward. The force sent her captor flying, slamming him into

air, her entire body trembling. The attackers h

the remaining enemies with ruthless efficiency. Within moments, the street

gripping her should

wide with confusion and f

was grim. "You fough

lf. The hunger inside her had waned, but something

adable. "We need to leave. More will come. A

One thing was certain-she could no

d would soon

from the shadows, a smirk forming in the darkness. "So, the littl