His heart hammered in his chest as he burst through the door of the lair, his eyes immediately locking on to the scene before him. Lorian stood over Kyra, who was still bound, her eyes wide with fear. The sight made Keal's blood boil.
"You," Keal's voice was a low growl, his fists clenched at his sides. "Release her."
Lorian turned slowly, the same cold smirk on his face. "Ah, Keal. Always so predictable. You really do care for her, don't you?"
Keal's eyes flashed with fury, but he kept his voice steady. "Let her go, Lorian. This is your only warning."
Lorian laughed, the sound hollow and mocking. "My only warning? Keal, you should know by now—I don't take orders from you. Not anymore."
Kyra watched in horror as the tension between the two men built to a breaking point. Lorian moved toward her, his hand reaching for the vial of blood in his pocket, ready to complete the transformation. Kyra's heart raced, and she struggled against her restraints, trying to free herself.
But just as Lorian moved closer, Keal lunged forward with inhuman speed, knocking Lorian back with a force that shook the walls. The two vampires collided in a furious battle, fangs bared, the sound of their fight echoing in the chamber.
Kyra's pulse quickened as she watched, paralyzed with fear. She had never seen Keal like this before—his raw power on full display. But she knew that time was running out. She had to act.
With a surge of adrenaline, Kyra broke free from her restraints, her mind focused on one thing: survival. She scrambled to her feet and dove for the nearest object—a sharp piece of stone—holding it out in front of her as if it could protect her.
The moment she moved, Keal's gaze shifted to her, his expression softening just for a moment. The distraction was enough to throw Lorian off balance, and with a final, devastating blow, Keal forced him to retreat.
Lorian's form disappeared into the shadows, leaving Keal and Kyra alone.
Keal rushed to her side, his hands trembling as he untied her. "Kyra," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You're safe now. You're safe."
Kyra could only nod, too shaken to speak. She was free, but she knew this was only the beginning. The danger wasn't over—not by a long shot.
Keal pulled her into his arms, his grip tight as if he could keep her safe forever. "I won't let him hurt you," he vowed, his voice fierce. "I won't let anyone take you from me."
Kyra leaned into him, trembling. The world was shifting around them, and she wasn't sure where she fit in anymore. But as she felt Keal's heart beating in time with hers, she knew one thing for sure: whatever came next, they would face it together.