Lucien's POV

I try to push myself to my feet, but it's like my body has given up on me. I feel like I'm going to pass out, but then I feel a warm touch on my shoulders. "Lucien," a familiar voice says. I look up, and I see Natasha, standing over me. I'm surprised to see her here, but I'm also relieved. "What are you doing here?" I ask. "I can't just stay home while everyone else is fighting," she says, her eyes determined. "This is my mess too." Natasha helps me to my feet, and I feel a little better. Then she takes out a knife and slits her wrist, offering me the blood that flows from the wound. I know that drinking her blood will make me stronger, so I take a drop. But as soon as I do, the strength rushes through me so fast that I lose my balance and crash into the stone floor of the temple. It's a jarring blow, but I feel my strength returning. I look up at Natasha, and I see a determined look on her face. "We have to stop them," she says.

Before I can even get to my feet, I'm kicked in the sid