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Still needing those answers, I reluctantly follow his rude ass downstairs. But panic ramps up my pulse. Why's he being this way when he was perfectly chill before? I want to bolt out of here so bad, but I must know why Rhyland abandoned me first.

In Lucian's dark office, he points sharply at a chair. I perch tensely on the edge, wringing my sweaty hands.

"Start talking," I demand. "Why the hell did Rhyland disappear on me?"

Lucian hesitates, muscle ticking in his jaw. Whatever he says next might break me...

Lucian slugs back some whiskey before meeting my gaze. "Rhyland ordered me last week to protect you if you showed up here."

My brow furrows, totally lost. "He left you orders about me? Why the hell would he do that?"

Lucian's heavy stare lingers on my neck, making me shiver. "You're giving off a scent lately...like vampire catnip." He smirks crudely. "Got them all riled up wanting a taste."

I swallow bitter frustration. Great, so I'm supernatural crack now to all vamps! "Well, that's just fucking perfect," I snap.

Lucian leers, pouring more booze. "Like moths to a flame, sweet thing. Rhyland warned me to keep an eye out."

My simmering anger spikes hotter. “Then where the hell is he? Why leave me in the dark for over a week?”

Lucian's muscle ticks, but he stays silent. My desperation outweighs my tattered pride. “Come on, just tell me if he's okay! Did he bail?"

But Lucian just guides me firmly toward the exit, ignoring my shrill questions.

At my car, dignity long gone, I ask in a small voice, "Did he leave for good?"

Lucian sighs loudly, opening my door. "Truth is, I've got no damn clue, girl. I'm keeping my word by getting you the hell out of my club. Go home and tuck in."

His words land like a punch to the gut. As I peel out, hot tears blur the streetlights. Maybe I never really knew Rhyland at all. And now I've lost him before I ever really had him...

I drive in stunned silence, Lucian's vague, ominous bullshit rattling around my brain. That asshole gave zero real answers about Rhyland's disappearing act, only intensifying my confusion and fury.

But I refuse to fucking cry over some guy. If Rhyland wants to ditch me without any explanation at all, I'll force myself to get over his sorry ass somehow.

Even as questions torture me relentlessly, I cling tight to my last shreds of pride. I don't need any man's validation or affection. I never have before, and I damn sure won't start now.

Steeling myself against the creeping doubts shredding my mind, I find the freeway and hit the gas. Rhyland walking out is his choice, his fucking loss. I don't have time for any man who would treat me so callously after whispering destiny in my ear.

Window still busted—the night wind on my tear-stained face feels like some symbolic cold slap awakening me. The city lights blur through tears, but I angrily blink them back. I'm nobody's fool or pawn. And I don't need Rhyland or his bullshit supernatural prophecies.

Still...pain lances through my stubborn resolve. We had something deep and real, I goddamn know we did. So why did he use me and lose me so fast?

A fresh wave of tears threatens. I blast the stereo loud, drowning out my pathos with angry, heavy bass. I prowl the lonely streets, wishing to purge the hollow ache inside me...

Wheels squealing, I pull up outside my apartment building. A tumult of emotions clashes within—fury that Rhyland abandoned me so carelessly, confusion at his intentions after all the "destiny" talk, and sadness that he clearly doesn't want me anymore.

I cut the engine and let loose a string of curses, slamming my palms against the steering wheel. Then I kick the car door viciously as I exit, the loud bang failing to release my simmering feelings.

I stomped inside, vision practically blurred with mounting distress. My apartment keys skitter across the kitchen island counter as I hurl them down violently. For a wild moment, I want the satisfaction of grabbing the nearest object and shattering it against the wall.

Then, familiar pain crashes into me—the visceral ache of abandonment triggering trauma etched into my psyche. Why the hell is this happening again? Some cruel existential joke?

I dared to lower my walls with Rhyland, to envision a future beyond my solitary existence. Only to have fate snatch away the first man I've ever truly craved. My heart splinters anew at the injustice.

Without warning, scorching heat blazes up within both palms, an ivory fire fueled by distress straight from my weary soul. The flames lick hungrily over my skin, strangely without burning flesh. I watch in terrified awe, this new chaotic power mirroring inner turmoil...

Fear and confusion grip my racing heart as I try vainly to quell the persistent ivory flames wreathing my hands. I wave them frantically, panic rising as the fire refuses to yield, untamed power throbbing through my veins.

Get it together, Dani! This chaos only erupts with turmoil over...him.