After the grueling hours of battling the poison’s effects, Damian finally rose from his seat, his strength slowly returning. His sharp eyes gleamed—not with weakness—but with the cold resolve of a predator who had just narrowly escaped the hunter’s trap.
Lucian wiped the sweat from his brow and straightened beside him. “Damian, we need to act now. They think we’re dying. Let’s use it.”
Damian gave a small nod. “Call them. We move at once.”
Within moments, Lucian summoned those they trusted most. In the quiet of Lucian’s estate, under the pale glow of lanterns, Damian and Lucian held a private council. Ella was there, concern in her eyes but strength in her heart. Selena stood at Lucian’s side, a silent pillar of loyalty. The healer who had prepared the antidote joined them, as did six o
