KEILAH

I barely had time to think. One moment, Damien was still. The next, he was a blur of motion, his eyes wild and locked on Cora like a predator cornering its prey. Without a second thought, I moved—my body acting on pure instinct, faster than I thought possible.

Before I even realised it, I had thrown myself in front of Cora, shielding her from Damien’s imminent attack. The instant I put myself between them, I felt it—sharp, excruciating pain tearing through my neck as Damien's fangs sank deep into my skin.

The pain was like fire, white-hot, and searing, ripping through my nerves. I gasped, the shock of it...