The Chase
Adrian, Isla, and Draven moved swiftly through the dense forest, their senses attuned to the faint trail left by the twins. The scent of Seraphine’s magic lingered in the air, guiding them deeper into the unfamiliar terrain.
“We’re getting closer,” Isla said, her sharp silver eyes scanning the underbrush.
Adrian kept pace beside her, his crimson gaze flicking toward the shifting shadows. “She’ll know we’re coming,” he said grimly. “Seraphine’s not the type to let her guard down.”
Draven growled low in his throat, his muscles taut with tension. “She’s already made her first mistake by taking what’s ours.”
As they pressed on, Isla suddenly froze, her hand shooting up to signal a halt. “We’re being followed,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian tensed, his instincts sharpening as his gaze swept the area. “It’s her,” he said softly, his voice filled with quiet certainty.
A figure emerged from the shadows, moving with predatory grace. Misery stepped into the clearing, her smirk as sharp as the blade she carried. “Miss me, Adrian?”
Isla and Draven bristled at the sight of her, their wolves barely restrained. “Another vampire,” Draven growled. “Do they never learn?”
Adrian stepped forward, his tone firm. “Misery, what are you doing here?”
Misery’s crimson eyes flicked to Isla and Draven, her smirk unwavering. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m not here to kill anyone. Yet.”
Draven’s growl deepened, his stance aggressive. “Give me one reason not to tear you apart right now.”
Misery tilted her head, her gaze sharp. “Because we have a common enemy. And as much as it pains me to admit it, you’ll need me if you want to win.”
Isla exchanged a wary glance with Draven before turning back to Misery. “If you’re lying—”
“I’m not,” Misery interrupted, her voice calm. “And if I were, you wouldn’t stand a chance against me anyway.”
Adrian sighed, his exhaustion catching up with him. “Misery, this isn’t a game. What do you want?”
Her smirk faded, replaced by a rare seriousness. “To stop Seraphine. She’s not the only one with plans.”
Isla’s sharp gaze bore into Misery, searching for any sign of deceit. Finally, she nodded begrudgingly. “You can come. But if you cross us, I’ll be the last thing you see.”
Misery’s smirk returned, faint but undeniable. “Noted.”
