75. Ashes And Shadows.

Adrian’s POV

I was in my study when the door opened without warning.

Caleb walked in fast, his face tight, his steps urgent. That alone told me something was wrong. He never rushed unless it was serious.

“Adrian,” he said. “A club is under attack. Vampires.”

I stood up immediately.

“Where?” I asked.

“Downtown. Packed place,” he replied. “They didn’t even hide it.”

My jaw clenched.

“They’re getting bold,” I muttered.

I didn’t waste another second. I moved past Caleb, already heading out. He followed close behind me. I could feel the rage building in my chest. Vampires attacking openly, hurting humans, drawing attention. They were either desperate or stupid.

Either way, I have to step in.

I have been ignoring vampires attack lately.

As we stepped out, I felt another presence behind us.

Lucy.

I didn’t turn, but I knew she was there.

She had followed.

Lucy’s POV

I saw them rush out of the study.

Caleb first. Adrian right after.

The tension in their movements was impossible to miss. Something bad was happening. Something big.

I didn’t ask questions.

I followed.

The moment they used super speed, I did too. My heart raced as the wind rushed past me. The streets blurred, lights flashing by like streaks. I pushed myself harder, refusing to fall behind.

I wasn’t weak.

I wouldn’t be left behind again.

The smell hit me before I even saw the place.

Blood. Smoke. Panic.

The club was loud, lights flashing wildly, music still playing even as chaos unfolded. Humans screamed. Glass shattered. Tables were overturned.

And everywhere—

Vampires.

Werewolves.

Fighting.

Caleb’s POV

The moment we arrived, everything exploded.

Vampires were everywhere, moving fast, striking without mercy. Werewolves fought back, claws out, teeth bared. The club was a mess. Humans were running, screaming, hiding wherever they could.

“This is insane,” I growled.

“They wanted a scene,” Adrian said coldly.

He stepped forward.

And then—

He unleashed his magic.

I felt it before I saw it.

The air cracked. Power burst outward from him like a wave. It was raw. Ancient. Terrifying.

The vampires didn’t even scream.

They turned to ashes mid-movement.

One second they were there.

The next, they were gone.

Dust fell to the floor like dark snow.

The room went silent.

Adrian’s POV

I scanned the club quickly.

“Clean this place,” I ordered the wolves. “Erase human memories. Move fast. Before the police arrive.”

They nodded and moved immediately.

I turned to leave—

Then I felt it.

Lucy.

She wasn’t with us.

My eyes narrowed.

Lucy’s POV

I hadn’t gone inside the club.

Something pulled my attention to the side.

Movement.

I saw her just as she tried to slip away.

A vampire.

Female.

Fast.

I chased her without thinking.

She ran into a darker alley, away from the noise, away from everyone. I lunged at her, but she twisted sharply, dodging with skill.

Too much skill.

She wasn’t some random attacker...a leader.

She smiled at me.

“So,” she said calmly, circling me. “You must be the wannabe Luna.”

My chest tightened.

“Shut up,” I snapped.

She laughed softly.

“You want to be noticed so badly,” she continued. “Power. Position. A crown that doesn’t belong to you.”

“Shut up!” I yelled, charging at her.

We clashed hard.

She was trained. Strong. Every move calculated. She blocked, struck, kicked me back. I stumbled but stayed on my feet. I attacked again. Claws, magic, anger.

We fought for what felt like forever.

I finally gained the upper hand.

Pinned her.

My hands shook as I raised my power to end it—

She smiled again.

“Does it hurt?” she asked softly. “Knowing he doesn’t want you?”

My heart stuttered.

“You don’t know anything,” I whispered.

“Oh, I know enough,” she said. “You’re just a tool. Nothing more.”

Something inside me cracked.

“Shut up,” I said, my voice breaking.

I froze.

She saw it.

She moved fast.

Too fast.

Adrian’s POV

I felt it.

Danger.

I moved instantly.

I reached Lucy just as the vampire struck.

I caught the vampire’s neck.

Twisted.

Ended it.

Her body fell lifeless to the ground.

Her body turning into ashes.

I turned to Lucy.

She was on the floor now, shaken, breathing hard, eyes wide and lost.

“Be careful,” I said quietly.

Then I turned and walked away.

Back to the club.

Lucy’s POV

I didn’t move.

I sat there on the cold ground, staring at nothing.

My chest hurt.

My thoughts were loud.

Her words echoed in my head again and again.

Tool.

I hugged my knees to my chest.

For the first time, I didn’t feel powerful.

I felt small.

(Mali) Vampire’s POV

I had watched everything.

From the shadows.

The Alpha.

The girl.

The fight.

The hesitation.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

I stepped back quietly.

No one saw me.

I have to report this to Lord Damien.

And I disappeared into the night.