she had no concept of time, but the warm orange glow outside hinted at the a

ted branches stretching towards the sky like nature's cathedral The Bayou's mysteri

room. Come in Leila called out. The door swung open, and Kade stepped

We have a lot to do. Here, get showered and dressed, he handed her t

d with that he turned to leave but not before his ga

, dresser, and even under the pillows, but it was nowhere to be found. A pang of unease settled

nveloped her in warmth, with soft gray marble covering the walls and floor. A larg

ill felt surreal – the creature, Vera's sacrifice, and Kade's sudden appearance. Questi

er racing mind. She let the water was

aled a face she barely recognized – refreshed, yet haunted. But something caught h

closely. The gashes on her cheek and forehead had shrunk, n

s words echoed in her mind: "You're safer here with me

searching for an answer but knowing she w

d leather jacket Kade had provided. She braided her hair i

th ancient tapestries, oil paintings, and ornate mirrors seemed to whisper secrets. Soft, g

hed leather. Leila's footsteps echoed through the silen

ood leaning against a counter, his black edgy clothing simil

ds with precise movements. He then lifted a slice to his mouth, eatin

ed, his expression unreadable. "Ready?"

ed, her voice steady despite

or a moment before he slammed the dagger

e off that is Leila's heart raced as Kade walked past her, his movemen

scent of gasoline and leather. Leila's eyes widened as she

, a beast waiting to be unleashed. Kade already

t was decked out in black leather as Kade turned the key, and the muscle car's engine roared

the Bayou enveloped them. Cypress trees loomed like

linting in the moonlight. Alligators and god knows what els

swamp, the car's headlights castin

above a whisper. Kade's gaze flicked to the rearvi

he car hurtled down the deserted road, the onl

They soon they turned onto the highway, Kade's foot pressed down on th

with expert precision. His hands moved with a f

hing you like?" he asked, his voice low and husky. Lei

before focusing on the roa

enveloped them. Mardi Gras celebrations filled the stree

ned as they passed her hotel. Police tape surrounded

away tears. Kade's gaze flicked to he

his deep voice reassuring. Leila nodd

pped outside a bar, its neon sign reading "The Black

she asked as Kade opened the trunk, revealing an arr

weight balanced in her hand. "You're a very dangerous man, do

now let's go, he said simply as he walked towards the bar, Leila f

la's senses went on high alert. But as she stepped deeper into the smoke-fi