The air in the kitchen felt thick and heavy, just like the storm raging outside.
Lightning flashed through the broken window, casting weird shadows all around the room.
Daemon stood in front of Aurora, protecting her from the intruder who had burst into their home.
Aurora crouched in the corner, her heart thudding so loudly it felt like it might jump out of her chest.
She watched Daemon and the intruder, her breath caught in her throat, terrified for him—for both of them.
The intruder moved first, lunging at Daemon with a wild swing.
His fist whistled through the air, aimed right at Daemon's face. Daemon stepped back just in time, the punch missing him by an inch.
He used the momentum to pivot, grabbing the intruder by the arm and twisting it behind his back.
The intruder let out a sharp grunt, but he was tough. He elbowed Daemon in the ribs with his free arm, hard enough to make Daemon gasp and loosen his grip.
