Elira Was Gone

Luca’s POV

I watched their faces—Elira’s masked by a chilling, suppressed terror, and Aiden’s contorted by shock and sheer physical agony. I savored the sight, the slow realization of their ruin spreading across their features. 

I enjoyed the fear and confusion I had managed to provoke. It was intoxicating, a sweeter rush than any drug or expensive vintage. This is what true power felt like. 

Ah, Aiden. You looked at me like I was dirt for too long. Now, look at you. Broken. Pathetic. And I am the architect of your despair.

I wanted to rub her face in the truth: that it wasn’t Aiden’s fault I...