KEILAH

I locked eyes with Damien, trying to see if there was even the faintest hint of a joke in his expression, but his face was as stiff as stone. My stomach twisted painfully.

“You’re joking, right?” I asked, my voice tight, almost pleading.

“I’m not, Keilah.” His tone was calm, and measured. “It’s time I let you go.”

My mind reeled, the words hitting me like a slap. “What the hell are you saying? It’s been barely a few days since you told me I couldn’t leave your side. Now you’re saying this? What happened?”

“I told you, vampires aren’t trustworthy,” Marina interjected smugly from the corner.

I snapped...