Chapter four

Ziaani's POV

I woke up to a loud, metallic banging sound—like something was being slammed against metal.

Dazed, I opened my eyes to see who or what was making the noise. My breath caught in my throat.

The stranger from yesterday was in a cage, just like me. She was thrashing violently against the bars, trying to break free—as if she were trying to get to me. Her eyes were red as blood, her skin deathly pale.

Heart pounding, I instinctively shifted backward, but there was nowhere to go. Fear coursed through me as I watched her, her gaze locked onto me with an unsettling hunger.

Suddenly, a group of men rushed out. One of them raised a wooden pipe and shot something at her. The projectile struck her in the back, and slowly, she began to calm down.

Just as I thought things might settle, another group appeared—but they weren't like the men who had arrived first. They looked like her. Pale skin. Red eyes.

Before I could fully process what was happening, chaos erupted. The newcomers overpowered the first group with terrifying ease, cutting them down one by one.

What is happening? I whispered to myself, tears streaming down my face.

They moved to the other cage, unlocking it and pulling the woman out. Then, they turned toward me.

Dozens of red eyes locked onto mine.

I could feel their hunger, their confusion. Then, as if drawn by instinct, they started moving toward me.

One of them yanked the cage door open and dragged me out, tossing me onto the ground. A circle of them surrounded me, their presence suffocating.

One of them grabbed my arm, pulling me up forcefully. I flinched as he leaned in close and began sniffing me. My body stiffened when his breath ghosted over my neck. Then, I saw his mouth open, revealing sharp fangs.

He was going to bite me.

Wait, what?! My mind screamed in realization. These are vampires!

Tears filled my eyes as I squeezed them shut, bracing for the worst.

"Put her down."

A cold, commanding female voice cut through the tension.

I was too terrified to open my eyes, but I felt a hand touch my face. The sensation sent a jolt through me, just like before.

"Let's move out," the woman ordered.

Before I could react, strong arms lifted me into a bridal carry. I remained frozen, too overwhelmed to fight back.

The journey was long, every step filled with tension. I kept my eyes tightly shut, afraid of what I might see.

Then, I felt a rush of warmth.

We were inside.

A few minutes later, I was carefully placed onto something soft—a bed.

Slowly, I cracked my eyes open. I had been right.

I turned, searching for the one who had brought me here, but the room was empty.

Moments passed as I desperately tried to open the door, but no matter how hard I pulled, it wouldn't budge.

It was locked.

Frustrated, I finally gave up, letting my back slide down against the door until I sat on the floor.

"Giving up already, little human?"

A chill ran down my spine.

I looked up—and there she was.