Azlynn’s P.O.V.

“It’s time for the final sacrifice!”

My pulse slammed in my ears as his words echoed through the moonlit veranda. My arms circled Hayley firmly as I shouted.

“No! You aren’t touching my daughter!”

That cloaked man remained still, watching me like a predator enjoying the panic of his defenseless prey.

“She is just a child!” I screamed, shielding Hayley as much as I could.

“She has nothing to do with the problems of the adult world.”

His black cloak fluttered slightly with the breeze that didn’t exist, tilting his hood slowly.

“So quick to protect what isn’t yours.”

He mused, voice like velvet stretched over a broken...