Aria's POV
Our wolves surged after them. The forest erupted again as claws tore through the undergrowth and snarls echoed between the trees.
But the vampires were already disappearing into the darkness, moving with unnatural speed. One by one, their figures vanished between the trees until even their scents began to fade.
Then silence slowly returned. I stood motionless, staring at the faint red mark on my arm.
Damon approached me. His hands settled gently around my shoulders.
"Look at me."
I raised my eyes.
"I'm here." His voice was steady, completely different from the fury that had filled it moments ago. "We'll figure this out."
I wanted to believe him. I really did. But beneath my skin, I could feel it. The vampire bloodline was awakening. And this time, I knew it wasn't happen
