-Ronan Hale:
Elara's breath hitched, and I could almost hear her heartbeat hammering against her ribs. My own body remained still, but my senses flared, tracking their every movement outside.
"You've always been so selfish, Your Highness," one of them sneered. "Keeping all that powerful, sweet blood to yourself. How about you be generous for once? Let us have some. A little gift from our dear prince."
Their laughter grew louder, creeping under Lucien's skin like poison.
Then, the sharp scent of gasoline hit me.
I didn't need to look at Lucien or Elara to know they smelled it too.
They weren't just here to taunt Lucien.
They were here to burn us out.
Lucien turned away from the door, his expression unreadable. He didn't look scared. He didn't even look concerned. Just… resigned. Like he already knew how this would end.
"I'll go out and talk to them," he said quietly.
I stiffened. "The hell you will."
