I woke to the sensation of divine energy humming through every cell of my body.
It was intoxicating. Overwhelming. Like waking up after years of being half-asleep and finally feeling alive again.
12%.
The number seemed insignificant on its face. But for someone who'd spent weeks barely scraping by at 2%, who'd fallen from Heaven broken and shattered, it was revolutionary.
I sat up carefully, not wanting to wake Selene. She lay beside me, silver hair spread across the pillow, her face peaceful in sleep. Naked and thoroughly marked from our night together.
The vampire queen. Corrupted.
I stood and moved to the windows, looking out over the city as dawn approached. The first hints of light were touching the horizon, painting the sky in shades of purple and gold.
At 2%, I'd been hiding what I was. Masking my power, playing weak, trying to survive through deception and careful maneuvering.
At 12%, I didn't need to hide anymore.
