Elara didn't sleep.
Every time she closed her eyes, she felt his emotions slip through the bond—rage simmering like molten iron… and something else beneath it. A hunger that wasn't for food.
Morning came cold and gray.
The door slid open. Damon entered, freshly dressed in a crisp black suit that screamed danger wrapped in wealth.
"Eat," he ordered, gesturing to a tray of food placed on the table.
She bristled. "Is that a command?"
His lips twitched. "A request. Lightly threatening."
Elara sat, stabbing a fork into a piece of fruit. He watched her—too intently.
"What?" she snapped.
"I'm waiting."
"For what?"
"For you to ask who tried to kill us."
Her jaw tightened.
"I assumed you'd tell me."
Damon tapped a tablet—images of masked assassins filled the screen.
"They were amateurs compared to the group that wants me dead," he said. "Crimson Veil is… monstrous."
"And you still think I'm safer near you?" she challenged.
"You're not safe," he corrected softly.
"You're alive."
Her pulse jumped.
He moved closer—too close—then paused.
"Elara… I don't know why the bond chose you. But if anything happens to you—"
Pain flashed across his eyes—real fear.
She swallowed the lump in her throat.
He cared. More than he wanted to.
A sharp knock broke the moment.
Damon's jaw clenched. "Stay behind me."
A man in a silver suit entered—polished, confident. His smile was too charming.
"Elara Voss," he greeted warmly. "I'm Adrian Pierce. Damon's head of security."
He reached to shake her hand—
Damon grabbed his wrist mid-air.
The air crackled between the two men.
"She doesn't touch anyone," Damon said flatly.
Adrian's brows lifted.
"Possessive already?"
Elara's cheeks burned.
Damon released him with a shove.
"Report."
Adrian straightened his suit. "Your father's vault was breached tonight."
Damon's entire body went still.
A storm gathered in his eyes.
Elara whispered, "Who would… steal from your family?"
"Someone who wants the power we protect," Adrian replied. "Which means—"
"They're ready to come for her," Damon finished.
Her.
Elara's blood turned to ice.
Damon stepped closer, voice like a vow made in hell:
"Anyone who tries to take you will die screaming."
The bond pulsed, heat racing through her body.
She didn't know if she should run from him…
or into him.
The lights flickered.
Every screen in the room turned red with glitching symbols.
A distorted voice crackled through the speakers:
Return the girl
Or she bleeds first
Tick… tock… Blackthorn.
The screen went black.
Damon grabbed Elara's hand—hard.
She rose, heart pounding.
"Where are we going?" she whispered.
"Somewhere even hell can't follow," he said.
His grip tightened—as if he feared she might disappear.
System Alert
Separation Risk Detected
Bond strain increasing…
Fatal event probability: 92%
Damon cursed under his breath.
"Elara…"
He looked at her like she was the only thing keeping him alive.
Like letting go wasn't an option.
He stepped closer—dangerously close.
"No matter what happens next," he murmured, "stay with me."
Impossible choice.
Devastating truth.
Because the bond wasn't the only thing dragging her toward him now.
Her heart was starting to follow.