SERAPHINA'S POV
My fangs sank into her throat before I could stop myself.
A broken gulping sound escaped her lips as her body jerked violently beneath my grip.
Warm blood filled my mouth instantly, thick and metallic, carrying years of hatred, fear, and memories I had buried so deeply I thought they no longer existed.
The taste alone made something ugly unravel inside me.
I released her abruptly.
She collapsed onto the floor coughing and clawing at her neck, struggling desperately for air that refused to enter her lungs.
Her fingers trembled against the wound while her breathing came in wet, dying sounds.
"D…don't…" she choked weakly. "Don't let me die… child…"
The words barely reached me.
I crouched beside her slowly, watching the life drain from her face inch by inch.
For the first time in years, she looked horrified. Not terrifying. Not cruel. Just old. Weak. Human.
