Caius's POV
The smell of fire and magic hung in the night air. I stood on the ridge overlooking the burning cabin, my five special vampire guards spread out behind me like shadows.
"Looks like we missed the party," I said, studying the scene below. Syndicate troops looked through the rubble, their black uniforms blending with the darkness.
Viktor, my oldest guard, pointed to fresh tracks in the mud. "They fled less than an hour ago."
I closed my eyes, focusing on the weak pulse that had been getting stronger in my chest for weeks. Sienna. Each beat of her heart called to me like a light.
"She's alive," I whispered, relief washing over me. Then anger replaced it. "The Queen nearly had her."
My fangs lengthened at the thought. Four centuries of vampire royalty ran through my blood, but I'd never felt this protective urge for anyone before. It was... unsettling.
"Your Highness," Elena said, touching my arm. "Movement in the trees."
