Page 168 of Dark Fate

Dani's anger flares, her eyes blazing, as she turns her fiery temper toward all of us. "He's your brother! How could you treat him like he's disposable?" She spits the words, "He made mistakes, sure, but he was trying to fix them!" Dani is beside herself with anger and sorrow, yelling and crying as her words tumble out. "Why couldn't you listen to me? Azrael wanted us to react—to hit first. And you fed right into his trap! He didn't need to die." The torrent of her emotions, raw and unfiltered, leaves me reeling as I struggle to come up with an answer that could ease her pain.

I observe the scene unfolding before me, my heart heavy with worry and exasperation. Lucian gathers a struggling, swearing Dani into his arms, her anguish and fury spilling out in a stream of creative profanities.

I knew damn well what the consequences of my lashing out would be, but in that moment, I didn't give a fuck. My sense of betrayal and the white-hot anger consuming me took the reins, dictating my every move.

"Whoa there, Spitfire!" Lucian grunts, narrowly avoiding a fist to the face. "Let's get you inside before you go full 'Woman on a Warpath' and start laying waste to the innocent landscaping."

Danisnarls, her eyes blazing with a heartbreak and terrifying fury. "Fuck you,Lucian! Put me down before I scorch your dick off!"

ButLuciantightens his grip, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Not gonna happen, sweetheart. You're hurt, you're pissed, and you're about two seconds away from going nuclear. So why don't you take a deep breath, let me get you inside, and we can figure out how to make that bastard pay?"

I can see the fight drain out ofDaniat his words, her anger giving way to a bone-deep exhaustion that makes my heart ache. With a shuddering sigh, she slumps againstLucian's chest, silent tears streaming down her face.

As they disappear into the club, I run a hand through my hair, feeling like the world's biggest asshole. I should be the one comforting her, the one helping her through this nightmare. But instead, I'm out here, wallowing in my own guilt and self-pity like a fucking coward.

Her sobs become distant as I stay kneeling on the cold concrete, my mind racing to make sense of the chaotic shitstorm that just went down. The fucking lightning answered my call again, and now I've lost one of my own in a battle that could've been goddamn prevented! My emotions are reeling—that son of a bitchAdrianscrewed us over royally! Now, Azrael is aware ofDani's blood and the goddamn power it holds—I can only imagine how many vampires will be hunting her down when Azrael decides to let the bastards loose.

AsLuciantakes care ofDani, the intense pressure of guilt and responsibility crashes over me. I'm left to face the grim reality of the dangerous implications ahead.

"Come on. We can't spend all goddamn night out here,"Erikurges, extending his hand to help me up. As my brother, he's always been a steadfast presence in my life. With a heavy heart, I reluctantly tear my gaze away from him and glance down the deserted alley, whereAdrian's lifeless form lies—grayed and decomposed, as is the fate of our vampire kin in the throes of true death.

I can't shake the disappointment and anger simmering within me, and as I takeErik's hand, I let out a heavy sigh. We have more pressing matters to attend to, and dwelling on Adrian's loss won't bring him back or protectDanifrom the grave danger that awaits her.

"I need to take care ofAdrian's body and..." I begin, feeling a deep sense of responsibility toward my younger brother despite his betrayal. I can't help but feel a heavy burden weighing on my shoulders.

"Don't worry about it,Rhyland. I'll handleAdrian,"Erikreassures me, his voice steady and resolute as he steps forward to take on the grim task. "Go inside and be withDani. I'll join you as soon as I'm finished," he adds, giving me a reassuring nod.

At this moment, I am grateful for Erik's support, and with a curt nod, I turn my attention toward the looming challenge ahead: facing the wrath of my Angel.

Rhyland

77

As I barge into Karma, the relentless pulse of the bass beats against my skull while strobes slice through the dim like a blade. I'm here for one reason—to track down Dani after that clusterfuck in the alley.

I walk into Lucian's office. "Where is she?" The words come out sharp, like a cracked whip.

"Relax, Rhy!" Lucian chuckles, holding up his hands in a placating gesture as I practically vibrate with barely contained rage. "Take a chill pill before you pop a blood vessel. Your little spitfire is safe and sound, probably scrubbing the crazy off in my deluxe shower as we speak."

I shoot him a glare. "You think this is fucking funny, Lucian? Dani just watched our shitstain of a brother get murdered by that psycho. She's probably scarred for life!"

Lucian rolls his eyes. "Cry me a fucking river, Rhy. We both know Adrian got what was coming to him after the stunt he pulled. Karma's a bitch, and so was he."

I clench my fists, barely resisting the urge to punch the smirk off his face. "That's not the fucking point. Dani wanted to save that ass—him—to free his family's souls—her mother's. She's too goddamn good for all this."

Lucian snorts, shaking his head in disbelief. "Yeah, well, I hate to break it to you, but I don't think 'negotiating' was ever on Azrael's to-do list. Fucker is crazier than a shithouse rat on crack."

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my temper. "I don't give a flying fuck what Azrael's agenda was. All I care about is making sure Dani's okay."

Lucian waves a dismissive hand, his trademark smirk slipping back into place. "Then go check on her, oh great and powerful alpha. I've got shit handled here—already working on scrubbing some of the security footage. Can't be too careful."

I shoot him one last glare before I'm hauling ass afterDani, my heart threatening to beat right out of my damn chest. I'm praying to every fucking deity out there thatDani's okay, that her unbreakable spirit and fiery resolve are still burning bright. Because if she's not... there'll be hell to pay, and I'll be the sorry son of a bitch footing the bill.

My fury at my screw-ups burns hot, but I can't deny Lucian's knack for slicing straight to the heart of the matter. And damn him for it. Adrian had it coming after what he pulled. There were no two ways about it, but I wanted to be the one to dish out his dues, not to watch him take the true death.

I prowl down the corridor, every footfall heavy with intent, toward Lucian's private sanctuary. Echoes of that night when I ended Max and his friends resurface like some twisted déjà vu. Without hesitation, I shove the door open and step into the dim. My eyes cut through the shadows, scanning for any trace of Dani.

"Dani?"

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