The silence that followed Callum's disappearance was deafening. Marcus and Kai exchanged a look that spoke volumes - a mix of concern, confusion, and barely contained frustration.
Samantha remained motionless, her mind replaying the intensity of that final kiss. The lingering sensation of Callum's lips felt like a brand, marking her in ways she couldn't quite comprehend.
"Well," Kai broke the silence, running a hand through his hair, "that was... something."
Marcus approached Samantha, his hand hovering just above her shoulder. "Are you alright?"
She turned, her vampiric composure slowly returning. "I'm fine," she said, her voice steady despite the internal tumult. "But something's different. Callum - he's not the same as before."
Kai snorted. "When has he ever been predictable?"
