Chapter 43

(Clara's POV)

I sprang into action, darting toward the group of vampires. My heart was pounding in my chest as I tried to think of a way to diffuse the situation.

"Stop!" I yelled, throwing myself between Alastair and the vampires. "There's no need for violence. We can talk this out."

The vampires sneered at me, their eyes cold and calculating. "What makes you think we want to talk?" one of them spat.

I stood my ground, determined to protect Alastair and prevent any further bloodshed. "We don't want any trouble," I said firmly. "We're just looking for answers."

The vampires exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. For a moment, I thought they might actually listen to reason.

But then one of them lunged at me, his fangs bared and ready to strike.

Alastair was on him in an instant, tackling him to the ground with a snarl. The other vampires joined in the fray and chaos erupted around me.

I fought with all my might, determined to protect Alastair and myself from harm. But the odd