They didn't make it to the elevator.
The man—no, the thing—moved with supernatural speed, appearing at the edge of the terrace in a blink. His skin shimmered with a faint pattern—almost scaled. His smile widened.
"Elara Monroe," he purred. "You've made quite the impression."
Nathan stepped forward. "Who the hell are you?"
The entity ignored him. "You wear the mark of Aldric Vale. That makes you his… consort. His liability."
"What do you want?" she asked, standing tall despite the icy fear in her blood.
"To test the limits of his investment."
The creature lunged. Elara's reflexes, enhanced by the bond, kicked in. She raised her hand—and for the first time, unleashed power.
The glyph over her heart flared. A shockwave of silver force erupted, sending the creature flying across the terrace.
Gasps echoed from stunned diners. Glass shattered. Waitstaff screamed.
Elara stood, panting, her hands still glowing faintly. Nathan stared at her, stunned. "What… what was that?"
She looked down at her hands. "That… was just the beginning."