Night fell, heavy and suffocating.
Lucien and I patrolled the outer walls, alert to every sound.
"They're coming," I whispered, voice trembling.
Lucien's jaw tightened. "Darius. And he isn't sending soldiers this time. He's coming personally."
My stomach turned. Darius was infamous—ruthless, cunning, and obsessed. Every move he made was calculated to break his target.
From the ridge above, shadows flickered. Silent. Lethal.
"Get behind me!" Lucien growled.
Before I could react, a sharp whistle cut through the air. From the darkness, a figure lunged—fast, precise. My mark flared instinctively, energy ripping outward, sending the attacker flying into the rocks.
Lucien's eyes widened. "That's just the beginning."
Then he appeared.
Darius. Cloaked in darkness, eyes glinting with malice. A smirk curved his lips. "Selene," he said softly, deadly. "I've waited a long time for this moment."
I felt my pulse spike. My mark burned hotter, responding to the threat.
Kaiden's voice echoed in my mind—a warning.
Lucien moved instantly, intercepting Darius' strike. Their clash sent shockwaves across the wall.
I tried to focus, control my energy—but it surged uncontrollably, reacting to both their presence. The mark on my neck glowed brighter than ever, illuminating the night.
Darius sneered. "Interesting… so the rumors were true. You're stronger than I imagined. But let's see how long you last against me."
Lucien's teeth clenched. "Step back. She's not just your target. She's under my protection."
Darius laughed softly, low and chilling. "Protection? Against me? Don't make me laugh."
The night erupted. Energy collided. Power surged. I had never felt fear like this—pure, cold, and consuming. But beneath it… determination. Survival.
And then, Kaiden appeared at the edge of the wall, calm but commanding. His gray eyes locked on Darius.
"You're not taking her," Kaiden said softly.
Darius froze, eyes narrowing. "Interesting. Another Alpha involved. So be it."
I felt the tension crackling between all three. The night had turned into a battlefield of power, authority, and unseen bonds.
I realized—tonight, nothing would be simple. Not survival, not alliances, not my heart.