Ethan didn't back down. Over the next few days. Lena spotted him watching from a distance, asking questions around town. He wasn't just investigating disappearances - he was investigating her.
Finally, Lena confronted him. ''Why are you following me?''
''Because something isn't adding up. People vanish, but there's no evidence - no blood. no struggle, just...gone.'' He glanced at her.
''And you, Lena, you were found with no past. No history. That doesn't happen by accident.''
Lena hesitated. Could she trust him? She wasn't sure. But before she could answer, Cassian appeared beside her.
''We need to go,'' he said, voice urgent.
Lena turned back to Ethan. ''You should walk away from this.''
Ethan smirked. ''Not a chance.''
Cassian took Lena's hand and whisked her away from Ethan before anything else could be said. ''Did you find out any more information from the Detective?'' he asked with urgency in his voice.
''He thinks I am behind the disappearances because of not having any memory of who I am.'' she answered almost immediately.
''They are so clueless.'' he said with a frustrated tone.
''Even so, Cassian, we don't know if he is aware of what is happening.'' she said matter-of-factly. ''Cassian, just stop for a second.'' Lena grabbed him by the arm.
''What's wrong?'' he asked. ''We need to move to keep you safe from the rogues.''
''I know, but I just need to process all of this. I need more answers and I have a feeling you have the answers that I seek.'' she said, a look of desperation crossing her face.
''I will reveal to you what your heart desires. I promise. Just not here.''
he said and gave her a hug for the very first time since they met.
''Thank you, Cassian.'' Lena replied while savoring the moment before they started walking again.
That night, Lena dreamed again - this time, of a masked figure whispering in the dark. They are coming.
She woke with her heart pounding in her ears and out of breathe.
Cassian was also awake. ''We have to leave.''
They packed up all their things in a haste and stepped out of the abandoned building that was their home for a few days now. As they were leaving, Cassian paused and pushed Lena behind him to protect her.
'''Going somewhere?'' chimed a voice from the shadow of the oak tree growing near the building. It was Ethan Graves.
Lena groaned. ''You really don't give up, do you?''
Ethan crossed his arms. ''I know you're in trouble. And I don't walk away from people who need help.''
Cassian scowled. ''This isn't your fight.''
Ethan met his glare without flinching. ''It is now.''
Lena exhaled. Against all logic, she felt she could trust Ethan. Maybe he wasn't ready for the truth, but he was already in too deep. She glanced at Cassian and put her hand on his shoulder. ''We take him with us.''
Cassian cursed under his breath but nodded.
Ethan smiled. ''Good choice.''
They all left the area following Cassian to a car he hid in an old car sales warehouse. As they drove into the night, Lena felt the weight of the unknown pressing down on her. The hunt was beginning, and she wasn't sure if she'd survive it.
At least for now, she wouldn't face it alone.
They stopped at an abandoned manor deep in the woods. It was a temporary safe house, Cassian explained. Ethan stayed outside, keeping watch, while Lena and Cassian slipped inside.
Lena paced, nerves rattling her. ''Everything's happening too fast.
First, I find out I'm a vampire princess, now Ethan is involved, and people want me dead-''
Cassian stepped closer, his golden eyes dark with something unreadable. ''Breathe, Lena.''
She met his gaze. ''I don't even know who I am.''
Cassian's hand brushed against hers. ''You are strong. And you're not alone.''
A pull between them tightened, electric, and undeniable. Before she could stop herself, Lena leaned in. Cassian hesitated, his jaw tightening - but then his lips met hers. It was soft at first, cautious, but quickly deepened, igniting something within her that felt ancient and raw.
When they finally pulled away, Cassian exhaled. ''We should go before Ethan gets suspicious.''
Lena's heart raced, but for the first time in weeks, she felt alive.