By now the air in the room was thick with the metallic tang of blood, the coppery scent clinging to every surface.

Julian’s parents groaned softly, the muffled sounds of their suffering echoing faintly against the cold walls. Their eyes, wide with panic and disbelief, searched for some trace of mercy—but it was too late. Serena had already stepped back, her face pale but resolute, the calm in her demeanor in stark contrast to the chaos surrounding her.

“Please… please, Serena…” ...