Ella and Valen stepped out into the hallway, where Dorian, Scottie, Derek, Morgana, and the two vampires accompanying her stood waiting. The air was thick with tension, and Ella felt the weight of their accusing gazes.

“We’re going to the crime scene,” Valen announced firmly. His words cut through the silence, commanding attention.

Morgana blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his decision, her confident smirk faltered for a split second, her surprise breaking through her mask of calm. She hadn’t planned for this turn of events.. She hadn’t expected this. Her plan had been simple—bring Ella to face the council and let the fabricated evidence do the rest. But now...