Chapter 32. Masked

Derek approached the river, the eerie silence only heightening his unease. Raising his right hand, he motioned for his warriors to halt as his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, every sense heightened to the subtle sounds and movements around him.

From where he was standing, he could see the vampire’s hideout that Sara described—a small, ancient structure carved from the rocky cliffs by the water, it was hidden partially by a dense cluster of trees and overgrowth. If you don’t look closely, you wouldn’t notice it. Shadows draped across the entrance, and Derek noticed remnants of crude barricades and the unmistakable stench of vampire lairs—Which further proves Sara’s confession.

But then, he caught it—a trace of Ella’s scent, drifting faintly on the air. It wasn’t as strong as it should have been, which set his instincts on edge. Why was her scent so weak? Without wasting more time, he mind-linked his warriors, instructing them to fan out and proceed cautiously.