Vale's POV
A shadow creature lunged at Sara before I could react.
"No!" I screamed, but Adrian was faster.
He appeared between the creature and Sara in a blur of vampire speed, his fangs bared in a snarl. The shadow creature's claws passed right through him, but his presence gave Sara time to roll away.
"They're getting closer," Adrian said, backing toward our group.
He was right. Despite my forgiveness breaking Vincent's corruption, the shadow creatures were still spreading. My power could close the portal, but hundreds of the invaders were already loose in our world.
"I need more strength," I said desperately. "The bonds with my friends aren't enough."
"Then strengthen them," Luna suggested weakly. "True forgiveness doesn't happen all at once. It grows deeper with time and choice."
