Caius's POV
I shouldn't have been living. The traitor's blood magic should have killed me. Black poison had spread through my blood, reaching for my heart.
But royal vampire blood doesn't surrender easy.
I staggered through the forest, putting space between myself and the others. The poison still burned in my system, but I had managed to slow it by drinking from a dead Syndicate soldier during the chaos. Not enough to heal—just enough to live.
Now I needed more blood. Royal blood.
The night was silent around me as I moved like a ghost between trees. My senses, dulled by poison, still picked up the faint metallic scent I was looking for. Blood. Vampire blood.
I had sent a message to my loyal court members days ago, asking them to meet me near the Crystal Falls. Elara had confirmed they were coming—five of my most trusted vampires, bringing supplies and knowledge. They should have reached the outer woods by now.
