The Brotherhood Of The Damned.

She noticed my hesitation and tilted her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Then she gestured subtly to the seat across from her.

I wasn't sure if it was curiosity or anger that pulled me forward, but before I knew it, I was standing at her table. "You," I said, unable to keep the edge out of my voice.

The woman regarded me coolly, her smile deepening. "Hello again, Kyon. Sit."

"Not until you tell me what you're doing here."

She arched a brow, her amusement clear. "You've always been stubborn, haven't you? Sit. You'll want to hear what I have to say."

Against my better judgment, I slid into the chair across from her, my muscles coiled tight, ready for anything. "What's your game? Last time I saw you, you were trying to kill me."

Her expression didn't waver, but there was something in her eyes—a flicker of something almost human. "I wouldn't say I was trying to kill you," she replied, her tone casual. "That night was… complicated. And it wasn't personal."

"Sure felt personal when Lawrence killed your friend," I shot back, watching for any reaction.

For a moment, her gaze darkened, the faintest hint of tension in her posture. But then she exhaled softly, leaning back in her chair. "That's the past. I'm here for the future—your future."

"What does that mean?" I asked warily.

"It means I have a message for you," she said, her voice steady. "From someone who values what you could become."

My mind raced. "Elijah Gerard," I guessed, her silence confirming it.

She didn't flinch, didn't confirm, but the lack of denial was enough. My pulse quickened. Elijah was the most dangerous vampire in Sharman, and the idea that he was interested in me made my skin crawl. "Why would he send you?"

"Because you need guidance," she said simply. "And because time is running out."

I frowned, leaning forward. "Guidance for what? You think I don't know how dangerous Conrad is?"

She let out a soft laugh, low and unsettling. "You have no idea how dangerous Conrad is. You've never faced an elder vampire, Kyon. You don't understand what they're capable of. I'm here to make sure you survive tonight."

My breath caught. "Why would Elijah care if I survive? If that's even who you're working for."

Her smile was infuriatingly calm. "Because your survival serves a greater purpose. That's all you need to know."

I clenched my fists under the table, forcing myself to focus. "Fine. Then talk. What's this guidance?"

Her expression sobered, the playfulness evaporating like smoke. "Conrad will test you. He'll prod at your weaknesses, your fears. He'll try to unnerve you, to see what makes you tick. You cannot let him see anything. Whatever you do, do not show fear."

I swallowed hard, my mind already racing. "And if he tries to compel me?"

"He will," she said bluntly. "That's why you must shield your mind. Keep thinking of irrelevant things—something mundane, repetitive. Numbers, lyrics, anything. But don't give him an opening. He'll take it."

Her words sent a chill through me. I thought of the moments when I'd felt my thoughts slip under another's gaze, the subtle tug of compulsion that left me vulnerable. "Easier said than done."

"You'll have to learn quickly," she replied, her tone leaving no room for argument. "And there's more. Do not let him touch you."

I blinked. "Touch me?"

She nodded. "Physical contact can strengthen his influence. Even the briefest touch can be enough for someone like Conrad to slip past your defenses. Keep your Flux active on your skin at all times, like a barrier."

I glanced around the club, the weight of her warnings settling over me like a lead blanket. "What else?"

Her violet eyes narrowed slightly, studying me. "Conrad is ancient. His patience is limitless, and his cruelty even more so. He will offer you something—something tempting, something you'll want to accept. Whatever it is, you cannot take it."

"Why not?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"Because accepting it will bind you to him," she said, her voice low. "It would be akin to selling your soul. And trust me, Kyon, Conrad never gives without taking far more in return."

My stomach twisted. "And what if I refuse?"

She tilted her head, her smile faint but knowing. "Then you'll be showing strength. But refusal alone won't be enough. You'll need to keep him guessing, to make him believe you're more formidable than you are. Bluff, if you have to. But whatever you do, don't let him see how inexperienced you are. Conrad preys on weakness."

The weight of her words pressed against my chest, making it hard to breathe. I wanted to ask more, but the clock in my mind wouldn't stop ticking.

"Why are you helping me?" I asked, my voice quieter now.

"Because your survival is… necessary," she said, her gaze flickering with something I couldn't quite place. "You may not understand now, but the choices you make tonight will ripple far beyond this meeting."

I stood, my hands trembling slightly at my sides. "I don't trust you."

Her smile returned, faint and almost sad. "That's smart. You shouldn't. But trust this: Conrad is not someone you face lightly. He is very old. He will test you in ways you aren't prepared for. If you show weakness, it's over. If you lose focus, it's over. If you agree to his terms… you're as good as dead. Remember what I've told you. It might just save your life."

I stared at her for a moment longer before turning and walking away. The crowd swallowed me, but her words stayed with me, carving themselves into my mind like a brand.

As I stepped outside into the cool night air, Sia and Lawrence were waiting nearby, their expressions tense.

"Well?" Sia asked, her eyes searching mine.

I took a deep breath, glancing at my phone: 7:52 PM. Eight minutes left.

"Let's go," I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

The path ahead felt like walking into a trap, but there was no turning back now.