90

Ninety

*Rafe*

Sersia began chanting in a language that sounded ancient and powerful. The air around us seemed to shift and crackle with energy as she drew symbols and runes into the air with her hands. Sersia's chanting grew louder and more intense, her hands moving in intricate patterns as the magic flowed through her and into Freya.

Beside me, I could see the fear in Connor's eyes, but he stayed still, trusting me to protect Freya.

And then it was my turn. Sersia turned to face me, her voice booming as she spoke the words of the ritual. I bared my teeth and prepared to bite into Freya's neck, knowing that this was the only way to save her.

I leaned down, my heart pounding in my chest as I brought my mouth to Freya's wrist. Her skin was cool and clammy beneath my lips, and I could feel the faint thrumming of her pulse, slow and weak. I hesitated for a moment, my fangs grazing her flesh, before I closed my eyes and bit down.

The moment my teeth pierced her skin, a burst of energy expl