pte

t?" Thea asked, searching t

to go, I think he wants to get back together, but I don't t

ae's own immaturity level. "

hing her arm. "Whatever.

uld be a

light vanish behind the city's skyline. She was about to respond when she noticed two figures standing at the far end of the alley

grinned, nudging Thea as she tossed her hair over

a shiver down her spine. Her instincts screamed at her

e laced with concern. She reached for Shae's arm to ho

t familiar confident edge Thea always admired. Shae's free-spirited nature often led her

d her hair back seductively, greeting them with an exaggerated sw

nations, smirked. His eyes held an unsettling, almost predatory glint. "It's not you we were waitin

the throat, lifting her off her feet as if she weighed nothing. Shae gasped in shock, her fingers clutch

mace in her purse, her hands shaking as she fumbled with the zipper. Her brea

the wall, knocking the air from her lungs. The world around her spun as she gasped for breath, her hand

voice smooth but tinged with amusement,

ak out, confusion and terror bat

," he hissed, his cold eyes narrowing as he slammed her into the bri

t, exchanged a look with his companion. "Get rid

ttling crack. The sickening sound of bones breaking echoed through the alley. Shae crump

he blood drained from her face as her gaze locked on Shae's lifeless eyes. Ther

was

as real. Shae was dead. She had no way to save her, no way to bring her back. Her body went numb, her

detached, almost clinical interest. He barely see

le with a strange, searing energy. It was as if her entire body was charged with an electric current that only grew stronger with e

to fists. The tingling sensation spread through her body like wildfire, and be

und her hands, reaching toward the larger man who held her by the throat. The fire surged forward with an almo

rely comprehend what was happening as the fire continued to consume him. His screams echoed in her ears, a

mes. His movements were wild, desperate, but the fire refused to die.

st remnants of the fire on his body. "You little bitch!" he snarl

like this before-never even imagined she could do something like this. The flames had burned o

what had just happened. Her breath came in shallow gasps, her bo

me down like a hammer, aiming for her face. Thea closed her eyes, bracing

st, pulling her back against a firm, muscular c

w the dark, smoldering man from the bar standing in front of her, his face expressionless. With a swif

k man growled, his v

a. It was clear he hadn't expected anyone to intervene. "You... you're making a mi

t tightly, his eyes dark and unwavering. "You're the one

ually surprised. "What the hell is this?" he muttered,

ngerous smile. "I'm the one who's going to