The moment Lucien dropped to the ground, blood spilling and soaking through his shirt, everything inside me shut down.

I heard Talia’s scream echo through the walls like a distant call in a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. Damon was the first to move. He darted forward, falling to his knees beside Lucien, pressing his hand against the wound on his chest. I stood frozen. My hands shook, stained with his blood—*Lucien’s blood*. My mate. My love. My everything.

“Luci—” I choked, my legs wobbling.

“Don’t touch him!” Damon barked without even glancing my way. His voice cut through me sharper than any blade. I recoiled instinctively. Talia pulled...