Kayden - POV

The catacombs loomed ahead, cold and foreboding, with shadows stretching endlessly into the night. Midnight was long past, and the sharp sound of footsteps from the security guards echoed faintly. Their presence was a problem, but Stella’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.

“Leave it to me,” she said, flashing a confident smile.

Damon’s face lit up, pride flickering in his eyes. He loved watching Stella take charge. I understood why; even I felt a pang of admiration seeing her in action. But tonight, it was sharper—almost overwhelming—and before I could process it, my attention was drawn to Heather. Her gaze flicked toward me, laced...