DAMIEN

The further I chased after Ralph, the more fae we shoved past, drawing eyes, raising suspicion. His wild energy surged ahead like a storm—barefoot, breathing like an animal unchained.

People turned to look but didn't care as much and continued their way.

Magic in the air rippled around us. The smell of bloodlust—his and mine—tainted the sweet perfume of the flowers.

I finally caught up with him near the edge of the inner palace—the part where the crowd’s noise faded, where the corridors were wide and cold, echoing with old enchantments and secrets. He growled, whipping around.

"Where the fuck do you think you're going?" I snarled, my grip...