Niamh's darkness lingered, tempting her.
Eli's compassion flared. "Niamh, don't surrender to the shadows."
Niamh's eyes locked onto Eli's. "You don't understand...the pain...the pleasure."
Aethon's brow furrowed. "Niamh, we'll help you."
Kael's gaze burned. "Together, we'll heal your wounds."
Niamh's smile twisted. "You'll never heal me...but one of you might understand."
Her gaze drifted to Kael.
Kael's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Niamh's voice whispered. "You, Kael, know the darkness. You've walked its paths."
Eli's heart skipped a beat. "Kael, no..."
Kael's face hardened. "I'll do what it takes to redeem you, Niamh."
Aethon's grip on Eli's waist tightened. "We're in this together."
As Kael approached Niamh, Eli sensed a forbidden attraction.
"Niamh, don't manipulate Kael," Eli warned.
Niamh's laughter echoed. "I'll show him the true meaning of darkness...and pleasure."
Kael's eyes blazed. "I'll walk the shadows for redemption...and for you, Niamh."
Eli's heart ached. "Kael, don't lose yourself."
Aethon's voice whispered. "Trust Kael, Eli. He'll bring Niamh back from the brink."
As Kael and Niamh disappeared into the shadows, Eli's anxiety grew.