Damon woke in the middle of the night, startled by faint sounds outside the window. He carefully stood up, glancing back at Kyra curled up in bed, wrapped snugly in her blanket. Approaching the window, he furrowed his brow as he peered into the darkness outside, but saw nothing amiss.
A strange unease settled over him, prompting him to close the windows tightly. He returned to Kyra's side, lying down next to her and holding her close as he drifted back to sleep.
Unbeknownst to him, a dark shadow hidding in the corner of the room.
As Damon instinctively pulled Kyra closer in his protective embrace, the shadow hesitated, its dark form recoiling slightly into the shadows.
Damon held Kyra tightly against him, his heart restless yet comforted by her presence. He kissed her forehead gently, savoring the softness of her against his chest, closing his eyes.
