(Rhea's POV)
The night air stabbed my lungs like cold needles. I was still on the fire escape outside my apartment, body rigid, hands trembling as they clutched the cold, dew-slick railing. Callum’s fight above still shook the air—loud crashes mixed with low growls that kept the hair on my neck standing.
But that wasn’t what froze me.
At the bottom of the stairs, someone stood.
Or something.
A tall figure, broad-shouldered, long black hair hiding part of his face. Even in the dim glow of the streetlight I could see his eyes—burning red, like living embers cutting straight into me.
“Beautiful.” His voice was hoarse but oddly echoed like two tones at once. “Hale blood. I’ve finally found it.”
My chest felt crushed. He knew my name. He knew who I was.
I gripped the railing tighter. “D
