Damon's POV
We soon slipped into the outskirts of the vampire territory. The moment we crossed into their domain, the stench of vampire blood and dark magic grew stronger.
I slowed my steps and raised a hand, stopping Noah and the witch behind me.
They were close. Very close.
Rhein's senses stretched to their limit as he searched the darkness. They're here.
Noah crouched beside me and peered through the trees. "I can see movement."
I followed his gaze. At first, I saw nothing but shadows shifting between the trees. Then one of those shadows stepped forward.
A vampire. Another appeared behind him. Then another. My jaw tightened. There were dozens of them.
I studied the clearing more carefully. These weren't ordinary patrols. They were assembling. Weapons were being distributed. Blad
