ent, the city's silence wrapping around her like a velvet shroud. Her mind replayed every moment with Lucian - the touch of his fingers, t

hrouded alley just days ago. Something inside her had shift

the hidden glade. The sensation of his cold skin against her warm flesh, the sharp bite

arm on her neck - a delicate crescent bruise, a

g window. His eternal gaze was heavy with longing and regret. To love a mortal was a sin puni

rld consumed by darkness. A spark that had ignited something buri

ded, he would te

embrace. The streets were deserted, the fog thick and almost alive. Lucian em

eathed, his voi

eyes shining with a mi

ay away," s

lock of hair from her face. "Yo

want to

ancient cathedral ruins on the outskirts of town - a place where th

ered colors on crumbling stone. Lucian's voice dropped to a whisper as he spoke

bond," he warned. "They see

gh her, but her resolve harde

searching. "You under

he said. "Or gain every

ed, a silent vow

nd a passion that consumed them both. Evelyn's senses sharpened; she could hear the heartbeat

- a kiss that left her breathless, a touch

mpire council's agents lurked closer, their prese

f stars, a pair of glowing eyes appeared in the dar

than shadow, defending her with a ferocity that left

, Evelyn and Lucian stood side

ire and shadow - a bond stronge

r was just