Azazel's heart hammered in her chest as she staggered into the open clearing, the last traces of moonlight flickering across the horizon. She had barely escaped the vampires' grasp, but the taste of freedom felt distant, almost unattainable. Every muscle in her body ached, and her breath came in ragged bursts, the weight of her own exhaustion beginning to drag her down.
Her thoughts were scattered, her mind pulling in two directions. On one hand, she still focused all her energy on summoning Lilith. The connection was faint but persistent, and she could feel Lilith's presence, a whisper on the edge of her senses, urging her on. But Azazel's immediate need was greater. She needed someone—anyone—who could protect her, someone who could stop the vampires from catching up.
And then she saw him.
