Stephanie’s POV
I moved swiftly through the corridor, my grip tightening around the blade in my hand. Sarah had given me the map, and I followed it exactly, weaving my way toward the cellar. Every step I took, every breath I exhaled, only solidified my determination. I would get Reyna back.
The bodies I left behind didn’t faze me. The guards had barely been a challenge-quick, clean kills. Their lifeless forms littered the hallway, but I had no time to care. I reached into my pocket, pulling out the small vial of wolfsbane. Its dark, pungent scent filled my nostrils, sharp and intoxicating.
A scream echoed through the cellar. My chest tightened. Reyna.
I didn’t hesitate.
I crouched, pouring the wolfsbane over the fallen guards. The second it made contact with their bodies, flames erupted, consuming them in an instant. The fire crackled, an eerie glow dancing against the stone walls.
Perfect.
If Diane was here-and I knew she was-this would lure her out.
A slow smile curled my lips when I heard the door creak open, followed by hesitant footsteps. The scent of fear thickened the air.
“Who’s there?” Diane’s voice wavered slightly, the tremor unmistakable. She knew. She could sense what was coming for her.
I remained silent, gripping the vial tighter, my heart pounding in anticipation.
Diane stepped into the dim light, her blonde hair disheveled, her eyes sharp and alert. The moment she saw me, her lips curled into a smirk.
“I should have known,” she mused, tilting her head. “Clumsy Steph. Always missing her target.”
I gritted my teeth.
She took a step closer. “Let me guess,” she drawled, crossing her arms. “You’re here for Reyna?”
I didn’t respond.
Diane’s smirk widened. “Does she know?” she taunted. “That you’re a rogue? That you’ve been lying to her all this time?”
My blood turned to ice.
I moved before I could think, my body reacting on instinct. With one swift motion, I swung my blade.
Diane gasped, her eyes widening in shock as blood splattered across the floor. A sharp, guttural scream tore from her throat as she fell to her knees, clutching the stump where her right hand had been.
She trembled, her breaths coming in ragged gasps, but I barely looked at her.
I had only one priority.
Reyna.
I rushed forward, shoving the heavy door open. My breath caught in my throat as I saw her slumped against the wall, her face pale, her body weak.
I had to get her out of here.
Now.
___
Damon’s POV
I stood with my arms crossed, watching them, their unconscious bodies slumped against the cold, damp floor. The ropes around their wrists and ankles were tight no chance of escape. A slow smile crept onto my face.
Pathetic.
I had expected more of a fight, but taking them down had been almost too easy.
A groan broke the silence.
Sarah.
She stirred, her eyelids fluttering open as she struggled to lift her head. The moment she tried to move, she stilled, realizing she was bound. I chuckled.
“Comfortable?” I asked, my voice laced with amusement.
She didn’t answer.
I took a step closer, crouching in front of her, watching as her breathing grew heavier, her eyes darting around, assessing the situation.
“You know,” I mused, tilting my head, “I loved you once.”
Her gaze snapped to mine, but I saw no fear just anger, burning and unrelenting.
I smirked. “And what did you do with that love? You tossed it aside. Took me for granted.” I leaned in, my voice dropping to a whisper. “Now, you’ll pay the price.”
Sarah didn’t flinch.
I straightened, rolling my shoulders. “I’m waiting for your friends to wake up,” I continued, my voice echoing in the dimly lit space. “Then we can really start the party.”
I laughed at the thought, imagining their reactions when they realized just how screwed they were.
But then, she laughed too.
The sound was soft at first, but it grew louder, more confident. It sent a chill down my spine.
I frowned. “What the hell is so funny?”
Sarah lifted her head, her lips curling into a smirk. “You,” she said, her voice steady, unwavering. “You’re taking your last few breaths, Damon.” Her eyes gleamed with something dangerous. “And after that, I’ll personally end you.”
The amusement drained from my face.
One of my guards, irritated, stepped forward and struck her hard across the face. Her head snapped to the side, but when she turned back, she was smiling.
“That all you got?” she scoffed, spitting a bit of blood onto the floor.
I clenched my jaw.
She tilted her head. “Reyna must be somewhere safe by now,” she taunted. “Did you really think I forgot my way around your pathetic little empire?”
My smile vanished.
I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could, something slid under the door.
A hand.
A severed hand.
Diane’s hand.
The guards stepped back, their faces pale. A heavy silence filled the room, thick with disbelief.
My stomach twisted.
Sarah’s laughter rang out again, colder this time.
“That,” she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction, “is what happens when you touch my sister’s best friend.”
The door burst open.
Stephanie strode in, blood smeared across her clothes, her blade still dripping. Her eyes locked onto mine, filled with an unshakable determination.
“Diane must have bled to death,” she said, her tone almost casual. “But one thing’s for sure…”
She lifted the blade.
“I’m not leaving without the people I came for.”