The tunnel trembled like it could collapse at any second.
Golden light pulsed from Emily's body, casting long shadows across the cracked concrete walls. The air itself felt heavier—charged, unstable, alive.
Everything had changed.
The guards had stopped firing.
The enemies had paused.
Even Daniel had stopped complaining.
Because for the first time—
They were no longer looking at Emily as prey.
They were looking at her as something far more dangerous.
Lucien's gaze sharpened.
Slow.
Measured.
Interested.
"There you are," he murmured again, his voice softer now, almost satisfied.
Emily stood in the center of the chaos, her breathing steady despite the storm of energy rising inside her. The glow in her eyes flickered faintly gold, like something ancient had finally opened its eyes within her.
She wasn't shaking anymore.
She wasn't confused.
She wasn't afraid.
Not of him.
Not anymore.
"You've been waiting for this," she said.
Lucien didn't deny it.
"Yes."
