Page 95 of Dark Awakening

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The door to the opulent suite slams closed, slicing through the quiet and dropping us into a pool of thick tension. I can feel my brothers' eyes, heavy and calculating, as they size up the fragile human I’ve dared to fold into our inner circle. The heavy drapes are drawn tight, shielding us from the lethal kiss of daylight, casting the room in a shadowed, almost mournful light.

"Brothers, this is Danica," I announce, my voice steady as I stand by her side, ready to take on whatever bullshit judgment or uncertainty they're gonna throw our way. She seems ethereal, standing quietly observant amid our imposing forms, golden gaze introspective yet undaunted. I straighten imperceptibly—her courage continues to impress me.

Erik steps forward first, "Danica, I am Erik. An honor to make your acquaintance." Respect glints in his silver eyes as she places her small hand politely in his formidable grip.

I nod shortly to my youngest kin. "Adrian." My eccentric brother materializes from the shadows, pale visage, dark brown eyes, and cryptic aura amplifying his ominous first impression. Danica shivers under that piercing stare but holds it unflinchingly.

"Interesting," Adrian muses, gaze clinical. "You are indeed the foretold one." His slight smile seems to unsettle Danica, but she stands resilient, spine straight.

Lucian circles her roguishly, lofty as a prince. "Well, well, miracles manifest—our lone wolf Rhyland snared by a mortal temptress. Nice to see you again, kitten."

His taunting makes me bristle with a quick warning. Lucian's grinning irreverence remains unchecked. But Danica appears unruffled by my brothers' intense assessment. Back straight, she returns his gaze directly, courage steeling her delicate form. As Lucian circles assessingly, Danica arches an eyebrow.

"A temptress, am I?" She addresses Lucian wryly. "Funny, I don't recall using any mesmerizing art on you."

Watching Dani stand her ground against apex predators like my brothers, I'm struck by a surge of pride. Adrian and Erik their expressions are a rare mix of surprise and respect; hell, even Lucian's shit-eating grin sharpens into something like genuine admiration.

When she tosses out a tease, and Erik actually cracks a laugh, I almost want to cheer. Adrian's got this look like he's sizing up a worthy opponent, and I can't help but smirk. But Dani, she just gives a casual shrug, cool as a fucking cucumber with my towering brothers looming over her.

"Anyway, pleased to meet you all, especially if you come bearing answers about glowy magical hijinks and destined soulmates or whatever." She gives me a pointed look. "Rhyland got a bit dramatic back there with talk of eternal bonds. But I'm reserving judgment until we figure this thing out."

I clear my throat, a little sheepish at how Dani's breezy demeanor lays bare the intensity of my own feelings. Adrian and Erik seem to get a kick out of it, their expressions edging into smirks. Lucian, well, he just lets out a full-throated laugh, the sound ripping through the air, making it crystal clear he's damn impressed.

"Well, now, she's a lively one! Rare to meet a human so brazenly cheeky around us." He winks roguishly. "I like this girl, Rhyland. Well played!"

Danica just smiles back. "I have my moments." She points at Lucian. "And your bullshit vague response regarding Rhyland's whereabouts could've been more forthcoming.

I watch Danica verbally hand Lucian his ass with zero fucks given and can't help cracking a smile.

"How 'bout we wipe the slate clean, and you boys spell this freaky nonsense out for me? I'm trying to understand why my life suddenly resembles an acid trip through a National Enquirer."

She settles into an armchair, gazing at us expectantly.

Lucian stands there looking like his manhood just turned to stone. "Sorry, kitten, I honestly didn't know jack shit until after I saw you."

My lips quirk. No timid waif or swooning maiden, but a woman of refreshing honesty and grit. What fascinating depths still await me to uncover?

Adrian, ever impatient, wastes no time delving into the heart of the matter. "What do you know of your powers, Danica?"

His voice drips with fascination. I can see the wheels spinning furiously in his mind, considering the possibilities.

"Um, well..." Danica hesitates, glancing at me as if seeking reassurance. I give her a subtle nod, hoping to instill confidence. After a bracing breath, she continues.

"I can summon light and heat...small flames, illuminating darkness. I don't fully understand it all yet.” Danica inhales unevenly before dropping the revelation casually. "I blasted Azrael with some energy sphere. It badly blistered his skin."

I nearly crush my crystal glass as horrified shock crashes through me. "You did? When?" I demand hoarsely. "You didn't think to tell me that earlier?"

"The night he ambushed me," Danica whispers, downcast eyes clouded with remembered pain. "And you sort of distracted me." After giving me a knowing look, she continues tonelessly. "Feeling his cruelty and your absence...something just erupted out of raw desperation."

Crushing remorse threatens to choke me. I pour a double shot of whiskey with an unsteady hand. I should have been there shielding my vulnerable mate. We all have much to reckon with in the aftermath of this extraordinary revelation about Danica's emerging gifts. But first, I must support her through the emotional fallout of chaotic upheaval.

"It wasn't your fault," Danica murmurs.

"Wasn't it?" I reply bitterly. "You endured that alone because I failed my duty."

Her golden eyes radiate fervent compassion, chasing back haunting shadows when she looks up at me.

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