RICHARD

Funny how a memory can snap into sharp focus when least expected. That old fear returns without warning, cutting through calm like cold water. Protecting her never needed discussion - it just was. My feet moves before thought catch up. The past pulls me back without asking.

She was never in danger, not really, but the body remembers differently. Something about shadows changed that day. Six years vanished in a breath. Running toward her felt less like choice, more like gravity.

Out of nowhere, while we stood by the gym doors debating if vanilla or chocolate powder can be swallowed easier, whispers spread - every guy nearby suddenly mouthing Evelessa like a secret they'd just learned.

"Where the hell is she?" I mutter, pacing.

Emmanuel eyes me nonchalantly "You'd get brain aneurysm if you don't calm down. She's probably on her way to us already as we speak."

"She's been gone too long."

"Or you're being dramatic."

I glare at him. "You didn't see the way people stared at her in there. The girls looked like they wanted to skin her alive and the boys-"

"Wanted to climb into her skin?"

I punch his arm. "Can you not be creepy for five seconds?"

He laughs... but it's tense. I know he's worried, too.

She's our baby sister. Our tiny hellcat. Our sunshine-covered-in-spikes.

We've survived five high schools, two states, and countless supernatural threats protecting her. We can smell danger before it even walks into a room.

But today?

Today, something felt off. Sinister. Thick. Like eyes tracked her from the shadows.

"I'm going in," I say.

"Richard-"

I ignore him and head toward the hallway leading to the bathrooms. I raise my knuckles to knock-

And then I hear her.

"Evelessa?" I call, voice sharp.

The door swings open in the next second.

She steps out fast. Too fast. Like she's escaping.

Her hoodie is crooked, her eyes are wide, and she looks like she's been sprinting for her life.

"What happened?" I demand.

"Nothing." She tries to walk past me.

I grab her wrist gently. "Eve."

Her pulse is racing.

Her scent is wrong-fear and adrenaline buried under her perfume.

"Richard, I said I'm fine."

"No, you look like you just saw a-"

"Please," she whispers. And something in that tiny plea... guts me.

I let go instantly.

"Okay. Let's go home."

She exhales shakily, nodding.

And I walk her out silently, shielding her body with mine like every threat in the world has suddenly located her GPS.

THE CAR

Emmanuel is already in the driver's seat, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.

When he sees us, he frowns. "What happened?"

"She's tired," I lie.

Evelessa climbs into the back and immediately curls against the seat, closing her eyes. The exhaustion is instant-like her body is running on fumes.

In my mind, I shove the link open between us.

Richard: She's shaking.

Emmanuel: I noticed. What the hell happened?

Richard: She's not saying. But something scared her.

He grips the wheel tighter.

Emmanuel: Day one, and this already feels wrong. There are too many eyes on her. Too much attention. We need to set up protections. We need cameras around-

Richard: Agreed. And we shouldn't let her walk around campus alone anymore.

Emmanuel: Or let guys approach her. Or look at her. Or breathe near her.

I snort aloud.

"She's our sister, not a demigod."

But even as I say that, I know it's not that simple.

Evelessa... draws attention. Always has. Her beauty is just a piece of it. There's something else-magnetic, dangerous, supernatural-that's always drawn eyes to her like moths to a flame.

Dad says it's our legacy. Our mother's blood. Our destiny we're supposed to hide from.

But suddenly, it feels like destiny is hunting us.

I shift to look back at her.

Her breathing softens.

She's asleep.

And that scares me more-because Evelessa NEVER falls asleep in cars.

"Let's just get home fast," I say, trying to steady myself.

Emmanuel nods and turns the key.

The engine sputters.

Then coughs.

Then dies.

He tries again.

It does the same damn thing.

"You've got to be kidding me," Emmanuel mutters, pounding the wheel. "We serviced this car last week!"

"Try again."

He does.

Nothing.

I open my door to get out-and freeze.

Because walking toward our car...

Like he owns the universe...

Like gravity bends for him...

Is a man.

Tall. Dark-haired. Built like a damn god.

And his eyes...

His eyes are locked on Evelessa.

I don't need to smell him to know.

I don't need to ask his name.

Because I recognize the aura.

That suffocating, powerful, ancient presence.

Supernatural.

Dangerous.

Deadly.

"Emmanuel," I say through the link, my blood going cold. "We've got company."

My brother peers out the windshield.

"Holy shit."

Yeah. That about sums it up.

The man stops at my window, expression cool but eyes molten-like a starved man who has finally found his meal source.

"You need help?" he asks.

Smooth voice. Deep. Confident. Too confident.

I know that type.

I hate that type.

"No, thanks," I say curtly.

He ignores me completely.

His gaze moves past me.

To the back seat.

To her.

Evelessa shifts, murmuring in her sleep.

His jaw clenches.

His eyes flicker-gold, then darker, then back to human.

Oh, hell no.

"Who are you?" I demand.

He looks at me then. Slowly. Like I'm an annoying fly buzzing near his ear.

"Cassain."

Emmanuel chokes. "The hockey god?!"

I kick his seat.

This is not the time to fangirl.

Cassain glances at our dead car. "You won't be going anywhere with that engine. I can give you a ride."

"No," I say instantly.

Emmanuel hesitates. "But-"

"No."

Cassain raises an eyebrow. "Your sister is exhausted."

My entire body stiffens.

"How do you know she's my sister?"

He doesn't answer.

Just keeps staring at her.

And the possessiveness in his gaze makes my skin crawl.

I open the back door and see that Evelessa is slumped sideways, breathing softly, completely unaware.

Shit.

She really is exhausted.

I lift her into my arms gently. She barely stirs, resting her head on my shoulder.

And Cassain watches.

Every. Damn. Move.

"You can ride with me," he says quietly.

I want to say no.

I want to punch him.

I want to throw holy water at him and pray he combusts.

But we're twenty minutes from home, her weight is limp against me, and Emmanuel's car is officially a corpse.

I grit my teeth. "Fine. But we're watching you."

He smiles.

Actually smiles.

And it's not friendly.

It's the smile of a creature who knows he already won.

THE RIDE

Cassain's black SUV looks like it costs more than our entire apartment. His driver-a silent, stone-faced guy-opens the door.

I settle Evelessa in the back seat.

And Cassain... sits right next to her.

No.

I yank him back by the shoulder.

"You're sitting in the front."

"I'm not," he says calmly.

"Oh yes, you are."

We stare at each other.

And I'm not ashamed to say my legs feel numb.

There are beings in this world who dominate the air they breathe.

He's one of them.

He finally sits in the middle row.

Not because I made him.

But because he chose to.

The car starts.

Evelessa's head slips sideways and falls onto my lap. I gently reposition her so she's comfortable.

But Cassain's gaze follows her like a shadow.

I see every twitch in his jaw. Every inhale. Every flicker in his eyes.

He's not looking at her beauty.

He's looking at her soul.

And that alone confirms what I feared.

Emmanuel... he knows her. Or recognizes her. Something's off.

Do you think he's supernatural?

I KNOW he is.

Then why isn't he hiding it better?

Because he doesn't give a damn.

I glance backwards.

Cassain's eyes meet mine.

It's like staring into the heart of a storm.

I swallow hard and break the gaze.

The ride feels like an eternity.

Finally, the car stops outside our apartment building.

I open the door, pull Evelessa into my arms again, and step out.

Cassain steps out, too.

Of course he does.

Emmanuel immediately stands between him and us.

"I don't know who you think you are," Emmanuel says, voice steady, "but stay away from our sister."

Cassain looks at him with mild amusement. "Is that so?"

"Yes," I add. "We don't want trouble."

His smile is slow.

Dark.

Dangerously soft.

"Trouble," he murmurs, holding my gaze, "arrives whether you want it or not."

I don't like the way he says that.

I don't like the way he looks at her.

I don't like him.

"Stay away," I repeat.

He turns.

He starts walking back to his SUV.

But before he enters, he pauses and glances over his shoulder.

And he says, almost gently-

"Goodnight, brothers."

The door closes.

The SUV drives away.

And a chill runs down my spine so violently I almost drop my sister.

Emmanuel exhales shakily. "Rich..."

"I know."

"That wasn't human."

"I know."

"And he was looking at her like-"

"I KNOW, EMMANUEL."

We both go silent.

I carry Evelessa up the stairs, tuck her into her bed, and watch her sleep for a moment.

She looks peaceful.

But something in her scent...

Something in the tiny mark on her neck...

Something in the way her magic swirls faintly...

My hands curl into fists.

She's still connected to the supernatural world.

She still has enemies.

And somehow...

Cassain is at the centre of all of it.

I step back, close the door softly, and stare at Emmanuel.

"We need to protect her," I say.

"From him?" he whispers.

But another thought hits me.

Hard.

Cold.

Devastating.

What if she doesn't want protection from him?

I don't say it.

Because speaking, it makes it real.

Instead, I say-

"We watch him. We watch her. Every second."

Emmanuel nods.

But neither of us sleeps that night.

Because for the first time since we escaped that hellish world...

Something has found us again.

And its name is Cassain.

EVELESSA

I wake up enveloped in cosiness and the gentle fragrance of roses stretching contentedly like a fulfilled cat. Something feels off. My bed is neither this cosy nor this warm. I open my eyes in alarm. The first thing I spot is the decor of an extravagantly luxurious room. I attempt to rise. I'm quickly pushed back down, and it finally strikes me that this isn't my room and I'm not alone. I start to panic. Just as I'm about to shout, a smooth and confident voice speaks to me while holding me close from behind. "Ugh...baby it's too early for you to be yelling, especially since I'm not the one causing it. Good morning, darling." He grips me firmly. "Cassain?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"How on earth am I here right now?"

"I transported you through teleportation."

I breathe out slowly to remain composed.. "Alright... You're a wolf. How is it that you possess the power to teleport? And my family must be worried now so let me go." I attempt to free myself. He refuses to release me.

"Darling I'm a tribid and there's a version of you, at home I swear they won't detect the difference but I told you at night that I'd never sleep without you on my bed I meant it." He finally spins me around. We look at each other face to face.

I attempt to talk. My wolf Aretha abruptly takes control, growling softly like a cat in heat. It's so irritating. "Hey buddy."

Cassain laughs softly. "Hey wolf, Evelessa isn't going to be pleased with you. She's not prepared yet."

She grins, "Yeah, she's angry, but we aren't going to do anything. Still, I just want to see my mate."

He nods, "Alright. When it comes to me you're dealing with three persons, and you're not permitted to reject me." His wolf finally emerges. "Hello darling, I'm Ares, your mate, and I'm eager to claim you."

Aretha clears her throat. "So nice to meet you, babe. You can't mark me just yet. Evelessa will be furious. We have to return control to our humans immediately so things don't spiral out of control."

Ares sneers, "I need something to maintain my sanity, and my human does well."

Aretha kisses him. "Believe me, they will both receive what they need." She at last returns control to me, and I instantly attempt to pull away from him, but he doesn't allow me even though Cassain has regained control.

"You have to give me something to ease the tension, darling. I regained control from Ares. Then he began kissing me. All my senses became blurred.

I shortened the space separating us, the wool of my pajamas touching the air as he took them off my hands, discovering the rough texture of his nightclothes gliding over the firm surface of his chest underneath.

Abruptly, I shove him away. Drop to my knees in front of him, sensing the plushness of the push bed under me. My gaze remained locked on his as I released him, my breath hitching when his rigid length slipped into my hand, warm and smooth, against my skin. Evelessa he moaned, the noise guttural, as I bent down and enveloped him with my mouth.

The first flavour was utterly captivating. I savoured every moment, my tongue circling the tip exploring the tender ridge before I breathed in deeply accepting more of him. My lips pulled tight, forming a firm seal as I started to move in at a gradual, purposeful pace that caused his fingers to knot in my hair. He wasn't dominating, nor compelling, simply holding on to his grasp, showing a request for more.

"Damn Evelessa I'm on the verge of losing control," he whispered, his hips making a powerless push.

A jolt coursed through me. I moaned around him, the trembling drawing a groan from deep in his throat. I quickened my rhythm, one hand encircling his base, moving in sync with the glide of my mouth. My other hand drifted between my legs, my fingers tracing desperate tiny circles over the throbbing swollen bud. The feelings were intense, the pressure of him, against my tongue, the aroma of his skin, the mounting twisting tension within my belly.

Allow me to taste you. He abruptly growled, his tone heavy, with longing.

With a graceful movement, his hands slipped beneath my arms, raising me and setting me down at the bed's edge. He dropped to his knees, spreading my thighs. Then his lips touched me.

His tongue was like nicotine, leaving me addicted.

A slow broad lick from my entrance up to my clit caused my back to arch away, from the bed a fractured moan escaping my lips. He gripped my hips tightly, holding me in place as he pressed his face between my legs, his tongue flicking and sucking at my core with a fervour that took away my sense of reason.

Yes! Cassain, like that! I exhaled sharply, my head tilting backwards.

He showed no mercy, his tongue tracing circles around my clit before pulling it into the warmth of his mouth, sucking softly at first more intensely. One finger, two glided inside me curling perfectly to stroke that exquisite enchanted spot deep within. The climax struck me suddenly like a bolt of dazzling delight that trembled through my whole body, my thighs gripping his head as I moaned aloud as surges of bliss cascading through me again and again.

Before the final shake had completely stopped I was already slipping off the bed guiding him into a sitting position. I craved having him in my mouth. My turn I gasped, mounting his thighs and reclaiming his fullness, between my lips savoring my essence on him a briny earthy taste that spun me with desire.

Once more. Come for me more little wolf he insisted, his fingers exploring my breasts, thumbs gliding over my sensitive nipples. His order, the nickname triggered another surge deep inside me still pulsing from the first climax.

I took him in deeper, drawing him fully to the back of my throat until I sensed him press against it and I eased, swallowing him down. The sound that escaped him was raw and wild. His grip on my hips grew firmer, his motions turning wilder. I sensed his tension mounting, the wound-up coil of his pleasure about to burst.

My body was ascending more, my fingers moving wildly between my legs, driven by the flavor of him, the noises he produced, the pure intense force of delivering him this delight. The second climax started to rise, an electrifying heat that soon exploded into an unstoppable fire.

I'm... I'm about to... I groaned softly around his shaft, the trembling stirring him deeply.

He moaned. "Cum for me. Immediately."

His utterance acted as the spark. My body convulsed, a moment later a stronger wave of climax overwhelmed me, his fingers moving inside me as my screams were stifled against his flesh. The feeling of my throbbing climax was the last straw, for him.

Evelessa! His shout resonated throughout the room as his climax spilled into my mouth, warm and briny. I swallowed him eagerly, taking in each beat every trembling surge until he was exhausted falling back onto the bed with breaths.

I pressed my forehead onto his thigh, my body vibrating with lingering tremors. The sole noises were our ragged breaths blending together. The faint murmur of the air conditioner, in the room. His hand settled softly on my head, fingers caressing my sweat-soaked hair.

I sat down. Pull on my dress again. "Cass, please take me home. I have to get ready for class and return before my family realizes I'm not the one at home."

He spreads his hands behind his head. I at last observe the many tattoos on the body covered with details about me. Birth date, favorite flower, preferred color and I'm unsure whether to feel worried or amazed. "I can do that. We need to have a conversation. I'd mark you eventually you know that. You can't continue dodging me in public and you're welcome to mark me now. I swear I'd appreciate it and never resent you for it."

I exhale. "I can be civil in public Cassian. There's absolutely no chance our relationship becomes public. I'm a first-year transfer student. You're a third-year student, a hockey player, a billionaire and essentially an attention magnet and at this moment I want none of that spotlight."

He runs his fingers through his hair. "So in essence you're turning me down for all the things that make me appealing to others?

"I'm not turning you down. I simply want us to remain private."

I keep kissing him over and over to persuade him to bring me, and after another hour, he eventually teleports me back.

"I'm happy we managed to clear up a few things, darling," Cassain mentions while standing, his gaze sweeping the area as though looking for leftover traces of our meeting. "However, I must confess I'm somewhat let down. I was certain you'd be prepared to mark me at this point."

I flush, sensing a pang of guilt for not being more open to his proposal. "As I mentioned Cass I have to keep our relationship under wraps for the time being. I'm not prepared for that level of exposure."

Cassains face grows pensive as he nods. "I get it. However I must caution you I won't surrender without a fight. I'm already in love with you Evelessa and I believe we could share something extraordinary."

His words cause a flutter in my chest. I attempt to brush it off. "Cass, I...I care about you well but we should take it slow. Can we simply enjoy discovering each other for the time being?"

My face brightens with a grin. He gives a nod. I promise to be patient.. May I ask you something?"

"Anything," he answered, intrigued.

"What does it feel like to live inside the mind of three personalities?" I inquire, my eyes gleaming with curiosity.

He pauses briefly before answering. "It's... Complex. At times, I sense I'm slipping away in all the personalities, yet simultaneously, it's comforting to have them to support me. And with you now Eve, it's like... Have you ever experienced that feeling of being home as if you're precisely where you're supposed to be?"

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at his words, and I know that I'm in trouble. I'm already falling for this guy, and I don't know if I'll be able to resist him for much longer.

EVELLESSA

Cassain insists on taking me to school.

Of course he does after it's taken me roughly thirty minutes of continous persuasion before my brothers and dad finally agreed to me taking the bus but here I am with Cass getting another choke holder.

Even though I told him five times that I can walk. Or bus. Or teleport via sheer frustration. But no. The man is glued to me like a husband on a mission.

"I said I can portal you," he says as he opens a shimmering blue doorway in front of us.

"I didn't agree to that."

"You slept in my bed, I made you cum, you're my mate." he says. "We're past disagreements."

I make a strangled noise and step through before he can see my blush.

We arrive behind the gym building.

I stumble a bit. He steadies me with one hand on my waist.

"Stop doing that," I mutter.

"No."

I want to punch him. Affectionately. Maybe.

"Good luck today," he murmurs as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "Ares says your wolf is in a good mood."

"She is not."

Inside, Aretha is humming like she drank battery acid.

Aretha: Let him touch us again. Let him-

"Shut UP," I hiss.

Cassain smirks knowingly. "I'll pick you up after the game."

"You don't have to."

"I'm going to."

I swear I hate him.

And also... don't.

Our school is loud, chaotic and unbelievably packed.

The college team with Cass as quarterback are early and of course they look incredible.

They have no business looking that good in jerseys.

Especially Cassain.

"Focus," I whisper to myself as I slide into my seat in the front row, the one accidentally reserved for "VIP supporters."

Meaning: Cassain forcefully put my name there.

The game starts. They demolish the other team. They don't even break a sweat. Magic isn't allowed in school games, but supernatural stamina? Untouchable.

Cassain looks up at me twice mid-play.

I ignore him.

Aretha doesn't.

Aretha: Mate looks good when he's sweaty.

"I'm going home."

"You're staying," she says.

The cheerleaders arrive behind us after halftime, shaking pompoms and self-esteem.

Their captain, Marissa-long legs, long hair, long history of being annoying-spots me instantly.

"Oh," she says loudly, "why is she here?"

Her squad laughs.

I smile politely. "Duh I'm a student, this is a school it's just logic."

She sneers. "Cassain looked at you twice."

"Criminal behavior," I say flatly.

Her eyes widen at my sarcasm. "You think you're funny?"

"I know I am."

The squad gasps.

Marissa steps closer. "You think he likes you?"

"Are you auditioning for an insecurity Olympics, or...?"

Her jaw drops.

Aretha is cackling inside me.

Aretha: Push her.

"No."

"Trip her."

"No."

"Throw her."

"NO."

Marissa's eyes flash with jealousy. "I mean... look at you."

I blink. "I am literally looking at me every day. What are you on about?"

"You're... plain."

"You're wearing five pounds of makeup for a school game."

Her squad gasps again.

This time louder.

Marissa smiles sweetly but her eyes scream homicide.

"Come with me," she says. "Coach needs you to help fold uniforms."

"Why would I do that?"

"Because she said so."

I sigh, annoyed but fine. "Fine. Quick."

Two of her girls-Kayla and Megan-lead me to the changing room.

Coach is nowhere.

Doors slam.

Locked.

I stare at them.

"Seriously?" I ask.

Kayla smirks. "Since Cassain's paying attention to you, we figured we'd humble you-"

I grab her by her ponytail so fast she doesn't see it coming.

She SCREAMS.

Then I grab Megan by hers.

She SCREAMS harder.

Aretha takes over with joy.

Aretha: YES. VIOLENCE.

I slam them together like two badly-behaved Barbie dolls.

They slide down the lockers whining.

Kayla tries to stand.

I drag her back by her hair.

Megan tries to bite me.

I slap her lightly.

She cries.

"You two," I say calmly while adjusting my uniform, "picked the wrong girl to mess with."

Kayla whimpers, "Let go!"

"No. Apologize first."

"We're sorry!"

"Say it like you mean it."

"WE'RE REALLY SORRY!"

I release them.

They crawl away, fixing their hair dramatically like I scalped them.

I roll my eyes. "Drama queens."

The door unlocks.

A teacher stands there.

Her mouth drops at the sight.

"Miss Evelessa... admin's office. NOW."

I sigh. "Of course."

I walk into the admin's office calmly.

Kayla and Megan are already seated, both acting like I put them in a hospital.

Their parents are there too.

I haven't even sat when Kayla's mom shoots up.

"SHE ATTACKED MY DAUGHTER!"

Megan's dad points at me. "Arrest her!"

I blink. "Arrest-? This is a SCHOOL."

Kayla sniffles. "She grabbed my hair."

"You locked me in a room," I say.

"No we didn't!" Megan cries.

"She STOLE the key," her mom says dramatically. "She has a criminal look."

I stare.

A criminal look?

What does that even look like?

The chancellor rubs his forehead. "Let's all calm down-"

The door opens.

And in walks...

My father.

He looks furious.

Not at me.

At everyone else.

He sits beside me, pats my hand, and says loudly:

"My daughter does not pick fights. Whoever got hurt provoked her."

Kayla's mom gasps. "Are you calling our daughters liars?!"

"Yes," he says calmly. "I am."

I choke back laughter.

Megan's dad yells, "Your child assaulted ours!"

Dad looks at me.

"Evelessa," he says, "did they touch you first?"

"Yes."

"Then she defended herself," my dad says. "Case closed."

Kayla's mom jumps up again. "THIS ISN'T A COURT!"

Richard shrugs. "Sure feels like one with all the shouting."

The chancellor raises his hands. "Everyone, please. We must hear all parties-"

Kayla sniffles loudly. "She dragged us like- like-"

Her mom sobs. "MY BABY!"

Megan fake-faints onto her father.

He doesn't catch her.

She hits the floor.

Hard.

I try not to laugh.

My father does not try.

He laughs.

Out loud.

The room explodes again.

Everyone talking over everyone.

The chancellor presses a button. "SECURITY-"

Before he finishes, his phone rings.

He freezes.

Looks at the caller ID.

Then straightens.

"Everyone quiet."

He answers.

"Yes sir... yes... yes I did... the incident... no- no, she's not at fault- yes- oh- OH. I see. Yes. Immediately."

He hangs up.

Stands.

Adjusts his tie.

Looks at us.

Then points at Kayla and Megan.

"You two are suspended."

The whole room freezes.

"What?!" Megan squeaks.

"No! No! NO!" Kayla cries.

Their parents stand. "THIS IS UNFAIR-"

"Sit down," the chancellor snaps. "Your daughters locked another student in a room with the intent to intimidate her."

Kayla sputters. "Who said that?!"

The chancellor folds his arms. "Doesn't matter I've just received a footage of what really happened ".

He glances at me.

Then my father.

Then back at me.

"Miss Evelessa," he says, clearing his throat, "on behalf of the school, we apologize."

My dad tilts his head. "As you should."

The parents sputter like broken sprinklers.

"This isn't over!" Kayla's mom screams.

The chancellor gestures toward the door. "It actually is. Please escort your daughters home."

Security shows up.

The parents are pushed out.

They scream dramatically like they're being exiled from a kingdom.

When they're gone, the chancellor turns to us.

"Miss Evelessa," he says, a little pale, "please... keep being... uh... yourself."

"I plan to."

He nods nervously.

Dad stands. "Come on, baby girl."

We exit the office.

As soon as the door closes behind us-

"Evelessa," my father whispers, "tell me the truth. Who was the person that resolved this?"

I blink. "I don't know."

He narrows his eyes.

"Your wolf is suspiciously calm."

Aretha purrs.

I grab my dad's hand. "Can we go home?"

"Not before someone tells me what-"

A portal opens beside us.

My father jumps back and reaches for his concealed dagger.

Cassain steps out.

Black coat. Hands in pockets. Expression dark.

Dad bristles. "YOU."

Cassain nods politely. "Sir."

"What do you want?"

Cassain's eyes shift to me.

"Your daughter."

Richard growls. "For what?"

Cassain steps closer.

"Evelessa," he says quietly, "someone is coming."

My stomach drops.

"Who?"

He shakes his head once.

"I need you to come with me. Now."

Richard moves in front of me instantly.

"My daughter is NOT going anywhere with you."

Cassain looks him dead in the eye.

"This isn't a request."

I gasp.

"Cassain-"

He reaches out his hand to me.

A portal cracks open behind him, glowing violently, unstable.

My dad pushes me back.

"What's going on?!"

Cassain's voice drops.

Low.

Urgent.

"Your daughter's life is in danger."

The hallway lights flicker.

The floor trembles.

Someone screams down the corridor.

Cassain's eyes flash wolf-gold.

"Evelessa, you are free to come with me sir but she's coming with me now." he growls, "TAKE MY HAND."

I stare at him.

At my dad.

At the shaking hallway.

At the shadows forming at the end of the building.

And I discover I'm frozen to the sane spot in fear.