Vera

When the light exploded through the estate, I woke with a scream caught in my throat. The room trembled, shadows flaring against the walls as the golden glow spilled through every crack and corner like living fire.

“Nicolas!”

He was already on his feet, gun drawn, his eyes flashing between instinct and dread. The air felt charged—thick with energy that hummed against my skin. Every breath burned with a strange warmth, and the faint sound of whispering echoed through the halls, ...