Ava held his gaze for a moment, her expression was a mixture of admiration and amusement. "Ambitious and determined," she purred. "I like that in a mortal."
She glanced down at the locket in her hand, her fingers brushing over it lightly, and for a brief second, her expression softened—just a flicker of something that resembled understanding.
But it vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced once more by her cold, calculating smile.
Adrian couldn't help but feel the loss of the locket as though a piece of himself had been taken away.
But he knew this was the price for what he desired, and he was willing to pay it.
Ava's golden eyes glowed with power as she stepped back, her gaze now focused on Adrian with newfound intensity. "The means to your vengeance will come, but understand this," she said, her voice growing cold, "once you accept this gift, there will be no turning back."
