Ella and Valen stepped out into the hallway, where Dorian, Scottie, Derek, Morgana, and the two vampires accompanying her stood waiting. The air was thick with tension, and Ella felt the weight of their accusing gazes.

“We’re going to the crime scene,” Valen announced firmly. His words cut through the silence, commanding attention.

Morgana blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his decision, her confident smirk faltered for a split second, her surprise breaking through her mask of ...