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Erik stumbles into the living room, sinking slowly onto the couch. Eyes wide with confusion, he asks Dani warily, "What did you do?"

Dani avoids our gazes, shaking her head in disbelief. "I-I don't understand it myself. I just focus all my power on him."

Adrian's voice shakes with amazement. "It is her light—so strong it forced him out."

My mind wanders to what happened to Moretemis and Azrael. We can't stay here—we need somewhere safe.

"Maybe the citadel would be best," I suggest. "Its ancient protections should shield us."

A mischievous grin spreads across Adrian's face. "Excellent. The Library of Secrets is known for its extensive collection of the Fae. We'll have no trouble finding the book there."

Erik strides toward the door with determination. "I'll inform Lucian. You two hurry—we'll follow shortly."

Dani's golden eyes widen at me in surprise. "The citadel? Where is that?"

I step closer. "It's in Oregon. Quickly, gather your things so we can leave."

She hesitates, uncertainty plain on her face. I know this is all so new and frightening for her still. I gently grasp her shoulders.

"I know you have questions, and everything is happening fast. But please trust me—we'll be safe at the citadel. I'll explain everything on the way."

After a tense moment, she nods, resolve hardening her delicate features. Dani has already overcome so much, forced into a perilous new world. But her inner strength never fails to amaze me. I'm more determined than ever to protect her. No matter what comes, I will keep her safe.

Dani and I are tearing down the highway in my slick black Audi. Disregarding other drivers, I weave recklessly between lanes, foot heavy on the gas. Even late-night Seattle traffic can't slow me.

My phone lights up with Lucian calling. I answer via the dash, and his gruff voice fills the speakers. "Erik, Adrian, and I are right behind you. Got the documents."

"Good," I reply before hanging up.

I glance at Dani, taking in her exposed legs and ample cleavage. Unable to resist, I grip her thigh, trailing higher suggestively. She gazes distantly out her window, chewing her lip worriedly.

I give her leg a reassuring squeeze. "It'll be okay, Angel. I'll keep you safe no matter what."

She frowns my way. "Can you make sense of what Azrael said, that I shouldn't be alive? He seemed shocked, like he'd seen a ghost."

Hearing this rouses my suspicions about what our enemies know of Dani's origin—making me wonder about her mother, too.

"They're aware of you somehow. We'll uncover the truth."

Dani looks my way, eyes warm and determined. "Care to fill me in on this vampire council? Who are they, and what do they do?"

I gather my thoughts before explaining. "The Council oversees all vampires worldwide, enforcing our laws and regulations."

She arches a brow. "Ah, so the dictators of your kind then?"

I laugh at her assessment. "Basically, yes. They ensure we follow the rules since we're accepted in society now."

I continue, "There are seven members representing regions globally—Viktor, Randal, Killian, Cole, Garrett, Eva."

Dani looks thoughtful as she absorbs this. "And your role on the council?"

I meet her gaze, pride, and responsibility welling up. "I'm the Leader, a position I've held for some time. I represent our kind and make important decisions."

She raises her eyebrows, tone playfully skeptical. "Oh, the Leader, huh? By merit or might?" Her amused smile holds a challenge.

I grin wolfishly at the insinuation. "It suits my personality perfectly, wouldn't you agree?"

Our charged gaze ignites a fire within me. Her barely-there smirk makes me ache.