The night air was heavy, red with tension, as Lucien, Damon, and their fiercest warriors gathered at the edge of rogue territory. The full moon cast pale light over the jagged rocks and dense woods where Talia was being held. Every blade of grass, every shadow, seemed alive with watchful danger.

Aria stood between them and the horses, trembling but determined. She clutched her cloak tight around her. She had agreed to be bait—even though her heart pounded like a war drum in her chest. For Talia, she would risk herself.

_“You’re sure about this?” Damon asked, voice low.

Aria met his eyes. “Yes. But hurry.”_

Lucien nodded. “We move...