Lucius stiffened. Search?!
His eyes widened as the weight of the situation sank in. If they were planning to search the chambers, then everything would be exposed. His presence here, his connection to Jean—everything.
This cannot happen.
With vampiric speed, he darted into the shadows, positioning himself in a dark corner of the chamber.
His mind raced as he considered his options. He had no intention of being discovered, knowing the consequences it would bring upon Jean.
If they find me, they'll ruin her life.
His dark eyes glinted with resolve. I'd rather kill every last one of them than let them harm her.
The door creaked open, and Lucius melted deeper into the shadows, his senses sharp and his instincts on high alert. Whatever was about to happen, he was ready.
As Lucius stood frozen in the dark, tension coiled within him like a predator ready to strike. Instead of the swarm of guards he expected to flood the room, only Alaric appeared, stepping in with measured calm.
