Chapter 16

Lucy's POV The park was empty as dusk settled, and most humans instinctively avoided the growing shadows. But I wasn't human anymore, and the shadows felt like home. Isabella's blood had changed me in ways I was still discovering—enhanced senses, stronger powers, and dreams that felt more like memories of futures yet to come. Felix waited by the old fountain, his silver eyes reflecting the last light of day. "You actually came." "You saved our lives in the desert." I kept my distance, remembering Rico's warnings. "The least I could do is hear you out." "Such nobility." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "How's the ancient blood treating you? Any interesting visions yet?" I stiffened. "How do you know about—" "Everything?" He began circling the fountain, each movement liquid grace. "Because I was there, Lucy. The night Isabella died. The night Rico made that blood pact." "That's impossible. That was three hundred years ago." "Three hundred and twelve, to be precise." He st