The clearing had barely stilled from the ritual when the sound came—
crack.
A branch broke just beyond the tree line.
The boys reacted instantly. Killian's dagger gleamed, Cassian's body shifted to a half-stance for a fight, Luca's arm was already across Bella, pushing her back, shielding her with his body before she'd even reacted to the sound.
Her heart slammed against her ribs. The glow of the ritual was still in her veins, burning like wildfire, and now something new was happening, she could feel the heavy pressure of danger.
From the shadows, a figure stepped out. His presence seemed to bend the air around him, his steps were deliberate, like he had all the time in the world.
Bella's throat tightened. Her instincts screamed, run. But her legs refused.
The man's voice was a low rasp, "Moonblood..."
The word slithered across her skin.
Killian snarled. "Who the hell are you?" His grip tightened on the dagger.
