Adrian Meets Isla and Draven
The pack brought Adrian to a sprawling village hidden deep within the werewolf territory. The structures were sturdy and primal, carved from stone and wood, blending seamlessly with the dense forest around them. Wolves patrolled the area in their human and lupine forms, their eyes sharp with suspicion as they watched the vampire in their midst.
At the heart of the village stood a large hall, its doors carved with intricate patterns of wolves and moons. The pack leader pushed Adrian forward, his grip firm. “You’ll speak to them, but if you lie, your death will be swift.”
Adrian nodded, his exhaustion evident but his resolve unshaken.
Inside, the hall was warm but tense. Two figures stood at the center, their presence commanding. Draven, tall and broad-shouldered, radiated authority. His piercing amber eyes locked onto Adrian, his posture rigid with suspicion. Isla stood beside him, her silver eyes softer but no less intense.
“What do you want?” Draven growled, his voice low and threatening.
Adrian met his gaze, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “I think I know where your children are,” he said.
The room fell silent. Isla’s breath hitched, and she stepped forward, her eyes wide. “Lyra and Eryon?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Adrian nodded. “They’re alive. But they’re not safe. They’re with someone who’s manipulating them—Seraphine.”
The name hit like a thunderclap. Draven’s expression darkened, and a low growl rumbled in his chest. Isla’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes glistening with tears.
“Seraphine,” Draven spat, his tone venomous. “That witch should be dead.”
“She’s very much alive,” Adrian said, his voice steady. “And she’s convinced them she’s their mother. She’s using them to execute her plan—something involving an artifact with immense power.”
Isla shook her head, her voice breaking. “They’re with her? And they believe her?”
Adrian hesitated, his gaze dropping. “Eryon does. Lyra… she’s conflicted. But they’re both in danger. Seraphine’s manipulating them, and they don’t see it.”
Draven stepped closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over Adrian. “Why should we trust you, vampire?”
Adrian straightened, his crimson eyes unwavering. “Because I care about them. Because I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them—even if it means coming here to beg for your help.”
Draven studied him for a long moment before turning to Isla. “We’re bringing them home,” he said firmly.
Isla nodded, determination hardening her features. “No matter what it takes.”
Adrian hesitated, his voice dropping. “There’s one more thing. They’re not just with Seraphine. They have someone else helping them—Eira.”
Isla’s face paled, and Draven’s growl deepened.
“Eira,” Isla whispered, her voice filled with dread. “This just got much worse.”
