Veins Of Vengeance

evel interactions and the dangerous pull she felt toward Damon. The evening's festivities had continued without incident, but Zara could not shake the feeling of being trapped in a web of e

n the heavy air, but she could hardly focus on the sound. Her eyes had a mind of their own, drawn repeatedly to Damon, who was now engaged in conversation with a few of her f

e. Yet, every time their eyes met, it was as if some invisible force tethered her to him, pulling her deeper into a dangerous g

re you a

ulder, but there was something in his touch that felt possessive, like a leash

she replied, her voice flat despite

ng his usual arrogance. "We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow,

nce, but hearing them tonight-after everything that had happened-felt suffocating. He spoke as though

more. The words felt like an anchor, dragging her down fur

ave you to get some rest, then." He kissed her lightly on the cheek, the touch

ped out for her, but now, more than ever, she felt the weight of it pressing down on her. Each ste

e quarters. But her footsteps faltered when she saw him again-Damon, standing alone by the tall windows that overlooked the estate's

rom the dangerous pull she felt toward him. Yet, her feet moved before her mind could prote

le tugging at the corner of his lips. His gaze was as piercing as ever, unrea

s voice low and steady, but the h

didn't come. She had no defense, no excuse for the sudden pull she felt toward hi

d, her voice barely a whisper. "I

re's nothing you need to say, Zara. I know what you're feel

ckened. "What

could deny. Damon's eyes softened, and for the briefest moment, Zara saw a flicker of something other than the cold, calculating man who was

e filled with quiet conviction. "Not with him. Not in this

throat. "You don't know

d, Zara. You're playing a role, following the script your father

she was suffocating, trapped in a gilded cage of her father's making. But hearing it from Damon, heari

lt this way for as long as she could remember, but had never dared to act on it? That she ha

ds slipping out before she could

eaching out to gently touch her arm. "Y

er. She could feel the weight of the decision pressing down on her, the crossroads between th

is isn't just about me. It's about my family, my legacy. I c

t?" Damon's voice was low, compelling. "You're not a pawn, Za

ition, of family honor, felt like an invisible chain around her neck. "I can't ri

"I never said you had to risk everything. But if you don't take a step toward

at wanted to believe him, that wanted to throw caution to the wind and embrace the unknown. But another

o do," she admitted,

ly. "But don't let fear keep you in a life yo

eniable pull Damon had on her heart. Could she really walk away from the life she had been ra

a felt the walls around her closing in, the choices she h