EIRA POV:
I stood in front of my wardrobe, biting my lip nervously. What should I even wear? If Peter saw me, he'd recognize me instantly. I needed something that would hide me, something that wouldn't draw his attention. But… I didn't own anything like that.
Wait. Andy! She might have something.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Hi! Come inside," Andy said warmly.
"Sorry to disturb you but… do you have any cool dresses for a party?" I asked hesitantly.
She tilted her head, smiling. "Don't be silly—we're friends. No sorry needed. Wait, I'll show you."
She began pulling out one dress after another, each more beautiful than the last. Still, none of them felt right—until I saw it. A white, knee-length dress with a mask attached. Simple, elegant… perfect.
"That one," I whispered, almost breathless. "This one is perfect."
Andy hesitated, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you sure? Don't you think it's a bit—"
"No!" I cut her off, clutching it tightly. "It's perfect. I love it."
She just nodded slowly.
I hurried back to my room, slipped into the dress, and ordered a cab. As I sat waiting, my mind spiraled. What will I even do there? Record a video, get proof. This time, no one would delete it.
An hour later, I stepped out of the cab. My breath caught. The club loomed before me, intimidating. Guards stood at the entrance, tall and cold. My heart hammered against my ribs, but I forced myself to walk straight, pretending confidence I didn't feel. They didn't stop me. Relief poured through me as I exhaled.
The second I pushed open the door, my ears rang. Music blasted so loud it rattled my bones. Are these people deaf? I thought bitterly. Inside, chaos reigned—people danced, drank, kissed as though the world outside didn't exist. My stomach twisted. I wanted to run, to leave, to never see a place like this again.
But Tessy's face flashed in my mind. I clenched my fists. No. I can't let her marry that brute.
I searched for Peter, scanning every corner. An hour passed. Nothing. Just when I was about to give up, I saw him—Peter—in the corner, locked in a kiss with a girl who clearly wasn't Tessy. My chest tightened with disgust. I pulled out my phone, hands trembling, and hit record. Proof. Finally, proof.
I slipped the phone into my purse and turned to leave.
Then an arm snaked around my waist.
I froze. The sour stench of alcohol burned my nose. I turned my head to see a boy about my age, his eyes glassy, his grin sloppy.
"Let's dance!" he slurred.
"N-no, excuse me, I need to go," I stammered, pulling his hand off me.
I tried to walk away, but he grabbed my arm and yanked me back, slamming me against the wall. My back hit hard, pain shooting up my spine.
"Not so soon," he sneered, pressing closer.
Terror ripped through me. God, please… please save me.
I shoved at his chest, but he was too strong. His hands pinned mine above my head, his grip crushing. Panic surged. I tried to kick him, but he blocked me, trapping me completely.
He leaned in, his lips an inch from mine. I shook violently, every muscle screaming in fear. My heart felt like it would burst.
Then—
A hand clamped onto his shoulder and ripped him back with brutal force.
I gasped, whipping my head to see who it was.
Adrain.
The drunk staggered, glaring. "What's your problem, man?"
"She's with me," Adrain growled, his voice deadly, his jaw tight with fury.
Before I could say anything, his hand closed around my arm—hard. He dragged me out, cutting through the crowd, his silence more terrifying than shouting.
ADRAIN POV:
I had climbed into Andy's room, irritation still burning in my chest. Her room was a mess. "What were you doing?" I demanded.
She blinked. "Oh, Eira needed a dress for a party."
I froze. Eira. A dress. A party. My blood ran cold.
"What?" I snapped, standing instantly. "Where is she?"
Andy frowned, confused. "She didn't say. Why? Is there a problem?"
But I didn't answer. My heart hammered with dread. I leapt back out of the window and tore through the forest at vampire speed.
This girl! She'll be the death of me.
EIRA POV:
Adrain dragged me across the parking lot like a storm, his grip bruising my arm. He shoved me against his car, caging me in with his furious presence. His whole body vibrated with restrained rage, his eyes wild.
I swallowed hard. I'm in big trouble.
"Wh-who are you, sir?" I whispered, trying to disguise my voice.
His lips curled into a humorless smile. "Don't you dare." His voice was low, venomous.
And then—he ripped my mask away.
His eyes locked onto mine, blazing like fire.
"What the hell were you doing in there?" His voice thundered, raw and sharp.
"I… I could ask you the same!" My words trembled, but I forced them out.
He leaned closer, his breath hot, his anger scorching. "Don't play with me, Eira. Do you have any idea what could have happened if I wasn't there? Do you?"
"I—I'm thankful… truly," I whispered, my throat tight.
"I don't need your thanks." His hand slammed against the car beside my head, making me flinch. "I need the truth."
"It's none of your business," I said, forcing defiance I didn't feel.
He leaned in so close our foreheads almost touched, his eyes a storm ready to swallow me whole.
"Don't test my patience, Eira," he hissed.
My lips trembled. My chest heaved. And finally—I broke.
"I came… to collect proof against Peter," I confessed, my voice breaking.
His eyes widened before narrowing into rage. He raked a hand through his hair, groaning. "Are you insane? You came to a place like that—alone—for proof?" His voice cracked with fury. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? What if I hadn't been there?"
I couldn't answer. My throat burned.
Before I could even breathe, he flung open the car door, shoved me inside, and slammed it shut.
I turned, gasping for air—
And froze.
Peter was standing nearby, his eyes narrowed in confusion as they fell on me.
And then the car roared to life, speeding us into the night.