CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY ONE – LEADING THE CHARGE

With that, she attacked, moving with inhuman speed and strength. Logan met her charge, the two supernatural beings locked in a deadly dance. Laura circled the fight, looking for an opening, for any way to help. As Logan and Báthory grappled, Laura noticed something – each time the spectral countess touched the chalice, she seemed to grow stronger, more substantial. An idea formed in her mind, dangerous but potentially their only chance. "Logan!" she called out. "The chalice! It's her anchor to this world!" Understanding flashed in Logan's eyes. With a burst of strength, he managed to push Báthory back, creating a small opening. Laura didn't hesitate. She lunged for the chalice, her fingers closing around its cold surface. The moment she touched it, pain lanced through her body. She could feel the chalice's dark power trying to overwhelm her, to corrupt her very essence. Báthory screamed in rage, lunging for Laura. "No!" Logan roared, intercepting the spectral countess. "Laura, des