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Cracking his knuckles, Lucian asks pragmatically, "So what's our game plan? What's the first step on this looney quest to prevent the apocalypse?"

I explain Danica's instructions to begin by traveling to the Fae Realm to bond with its inhabitants and obtain their precious stone.

Lucian whistles, then aims a roguish grin my way. "Hobnobbing with fairies and trolls, traipsing through enchanted forests. This oughta be fun."

I scowl at his flippant attitude regarding the dire situation. But then I remember something else of vital importance. "There's also the pressing matter of training Dani to control and master her emerging powers fully. She'll need to access their potential."

A truly wicked grin splits Lucian's face at this. He arches his eyebrows salaciously. "Ooh, helping our little Dani unlock her magic potential, you say? I can absolutely assist with motivating and incentivizing her in some highly enjoyable ways."

Seeing the lustful look on his face, I have to resist the overwhelming urge to grab him by the throat. Through gritted teeth, I make clear, "You so much as glance at her funny, and I'll rip off your balls and shove them down your fucking throat."

Lucian laughs breezily. "Calm down there, Romeo. I won't touch your precious little snack cake." His amusement fades to a more severe expression. "But in all honesty, once Dani finally taps into the full extent of her celestial abilities, she'll need proper guidance to control and temper that tremendous power responsibly. Raw, unchecked magic can be incredibly volatile and dangerous, as I'm sure you understand."

I nod gravely, visions of chaos flashing through my mind. "You're absolutely right. Once unleashed, her burgeoning abilities will require the wisdom of an experienced mentor." A sudden spike of anxiety hits me. "Do you know of any appropriately skilled magic practitioners we can trust? Someone capable of training her?"

Lucian strokes his chin contemplatively. After a prolonged pause, he suggests, "You know, I may just have the perfect solution."

I lean forward intently, eager to hear his idea.

"There's an ancient mage named Tenzin who owes me a favor from like a zillion years ago. Total hermit weirdo now, lives cut off deep in the mountains." Lucian shrugs. "But dude's a zen master when it comes to magic. He'd be a kick-ass teacher for Dani."

I breathe out a sigh of relief.

Danica

79

Rhyland had just returned after strategizing with Lucian about removing Azrael as a threat.

"Will the Vampire Authorities have enough influence to contain him?"I have my doubts since Azrael seems too sinister and powerful for any force to restrain.

Rhyland confidently affirms, "The Authorities have ways of handling those who defy their rules."

I force a smile, wanting to believe him. But an uneasy feeling lingers, torn between trust and caution.

Rhyland and I settle together on the sofa, cherishing this rare moment of peace.

Suddenly, the front door explodes inward with a deafening crash. Azrael stands in the smashed doorway, wicked delight twisting his face at finding us together. His coal-black eyes pierce mine, radiating bone-chilling malevolence.

He seems immense, darkness curling around him like grasping shadows. The oppressive weight of his presence fills the room, far more sinister than before, as if he's transformed into something inhuman.

"Just what I hoped for," he spits, voice like acidic tar. "Reaping two souls in one stroke." His gaze bores into me, relishing the prospect. "I'll enjoy tearing you apart, my dear."

Impossibly, he's breached the apartment's defenses. As Azrael prowls closer, his eyes flare jet black. I mentally demand to know how he infiltrated this sanctuary.

Rhyland's swift reply drips with understanding. "It's not just Azrael. Moretemis pulls his strings."

Before I can react, Rhyland launches himself at Azrael in a blur of rage. They crash together, the brutal impacts ringing through the room. Azrael fights like a demon, forcing Rhyland back inch by inch despite his ferocity.

I desperately try manifesting my energy, but paralyzing fear clouds my mind. I can only watch helplessly as Rhyland battles for our lives, my heart thunderous in my chest.

With viper-like speed, Azrael flings a swirling black tendril at me. Chilling darkness clings to it as it wraps my body like a constrictor. I'm frozen, unable to breathe, submerged in the shadowy depths.

Rhyland's muffled shouts urge me to move, but the smothering darkness invades my mind. It shows visions of my parents' lies, stoking my anger and abandonment. Rhyland's love sounds hollow, poisonous doubts swirling. It prods my fears with surgical cruelty, thoughts disintegrating in a choking void.

Rhyland's fist suddenly connects with Azrael's face, sending him crashing through the living room table in an explosion of splintered wood. But I remain paralyzed, barely processing Rhyland's urgent yells over my shallow breaths.

Then Seraphina's firm voice pierces the haze— "Use your light, Dani!"