Chapter 22: ghost in her eyes
They should've known peace never lasts.
Morning light filtered through the broken cathedral roof, casting long shadows over the three brothers as they packed up. The air smelled of wet stone and burnt embers. Birds chirped faintly, but even they seemed hesitant — as if the forest beyond knew something the boys didn't.
Lucien was tying his boots when he noticed it first — a flicker of movement beyond the archway.
A shadow.
A woman.
She stepped into the light like a painting brought to life — dark braided hair, long black coat, eyes that didn't blink often enough. She looked maybe twenty-something, but her presence felt ancient.
Ayden blinked. "Okay... either I'm still dreaming, or a hot vampire librarian just walked in."
Cain stepped forward, hand instinctively brushing the hilt of his blade. "Who are you?"
The woman's voice was velvet-smooth and cold. "You don't remember me, Cain?"
Lucien narrowed his eyes. "Wait. She knows you?"
Cain stared, then blinked once, twice, like he was rewinding a decade in his mind.