BRENDA

Crouching low, I crawled backward across the cold tiles, trying to avoid being discovered.

I slipped through the half-open doors and rushed toward the mirror, examining myself to make sure I didn’t have leaves from the forest or anything that could give me away.

With my heart pounding, I practically threw myself onto the bed, just as the sound of boots echoed in the hallway.

The door swung open, and Duke Thesio entered the room. His steps moved toward me immediately.

I controlled my breathing as he stopped at the edge of the bed, scrutinizing me. Once satisfied, he turned and went into the bathroom. I opened my eyes in the darkness, calculating my next move.

Damn idiot. What good was being a Duke if he was just an elemental? They would never compare to the power of true supernatural beings.

Tomorrow, I would meet that vampire. Thesio’s days were numbered.

*****

NARRATOR

Several miles from the capital of Duke Thesio’s realm…

"Shit, I thought I was gonna die tonight. It felt endl