Edmund's eyes narrowed as his hand tightened around Mara's arm protectively. "Victor," he said evenly. "Step aside. I've already got one of the humans. You don't need to interfere."
Victor chuckled as flames flickered around his hands. "Oh, but you see, I do. You think I'm going to let you walk away with my prize? No, no, Edmund. I'm afraid I'll have to insist."
Mara, sensing the hostility between the two vampires, tried to back away, but Edmund's grip kept her in place. "I won't let you kill her," he voiced with a firm tone.
Victor's smile widened, his expression turning cruel. "Oh, how noble of you, Crown Prince."
Without warning, Victor launched a stream of fire from his hand, the flames roaring toward Edmund and Mara. Edmund reacted instantly, pulling Mara behind him and dashing away.
The flames rammed into a nearby tree.
"You want to play this game, Victor?" Edmund growled as his eyes glowed with gold and crimson. "Fine. Let's play."
