The basement door bursts open with a crash, splinters flying. Flashlights sweep the room, voices shouting, 'Monster! Where is it?'

My heart hammers against my ribs. Audrey cowers behind the washing machine, her small hands clutching her knees, tears streaking her face. But it’s not just tears. Blood drips from her gums. Her eyes—once soft brown—are now blazing crimson, pupils slit like a cat’s. Fangs glint in the dim light.

I step in front of her, arms wide. 'She’s not a monster! She’s a child!'

A hunter levels a crossbow tipped with silver. 'That thing is a hybrid abomination. Step aside, Julia, or you die with her.'

Then the temperature drops. Wind howls through cracks that weren’t there before. Shadows coil like serpents across the floor.

A voice, deep and ancient, echoes through the walls. 'Who dares harm my daughter?'

Owen steps from the darkness—tall, cloaked in midnight, eyes glowing like embers. He doesn’t look at me. He stares at Audrey… and smiles.

He reaches out his hand. 'Come, little dawn. You are safe now.'

But I don’t know if he’s saving her—or claiming her.