Chapter 22: Darkness Descending
Vampire Leader, Cassius' POV
The shadows danced upon the walls as I stood before Ava, her beauty illuminated only by the faint moonlight.
"Ava, your defiance is ... intriguing," I whispered, my voice low and menacing.
Sabine's gaze met mine, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"But soon, you'll understand," I continued, my fingers tracing Ava's jawline.
"Your power will be ours."
Ava's eyes flashed with hatred, but fear lurked beneath.
"You'll never break me," she spat.
I smiled, revealing my fangs.
"Oh, but I already have."
My grip tightened on her chin.
"Kael will come for you," I hissed.
"And when he does, we'll be ready."
The darkness within me stirred, hungering for destruction.
Sabine's whisper fueled the flames.
"Cassius, the Bloodstone clan grows impatient."
I turned to her, my eyes blazing.
"Tell them to wait."
My focus snapped back to Ava.
"Soon, you'll beg for our mercy."
Ava's determination crumbled, replaced by despair.
The shadows closed in, suffocating her.
And I reveled in her terror.
Kael's POV
My pack and I crept through the forest, our eyes fixed on the vampire stronghold.
"We need to be stealthy," I whispered.
"We can't risk alerting Cassius."
My beta, Luca, nodded.
"We'll get Ava back."
We reached the perimeter.
Guards patrolled the walls.
"Luca, take care of them," I ordered.
Luca transformed, his wolf form sleek and deadly.
Ava's POV
Days blurred together.
Cassius' visits grew more frequent.
His words dripped with malice.
But one face brought me comfort.
Elian.
A werewolf slave.
He smuggled extra food, ensuring I ate.
"Stay strong, Ava," he whispered.
"I won't let them break you."
His kindness was a beacon in the darkness.
But even Elian's presence couldn't shield me from Cassius' cruelty.
Sabine's POV
Cassius was blind to my true intentions.
The Bloodstone clan wouldn't stop until Ava's power was theirs.
But I had other plans.
Ava's strength was key.
And I would ensure she remained unbroken.
For now.