Damien was still hours away, but Isabella couldn't sleep. She stood at the window of Damien's study, watching the glowing eyes in the forest. They hadn't moved closer, but they hadn't left either.
"They're waiting for something," Damien said from behind her.
Isabella didn't turn around. "What are they?"
"Different things. Some are creatures drawn to power - they want to see if you're strong enough to serve or if you should serve them. Others are hunters sent by various courts and councils. And some..." he paused, "some are things that have been sleeping for centuries, awakened by what you did tonight."
Isabella finally faced him. In the lamplight, she could see exhaustion in his features, but also something else - worry.
"You're afraid," she said.
"Terrified," he admitted. "Not of you, but for you. Isabella, the power you used tonight - it takes most of our kind years to build up that much energy. You did it instinctively, without training."