Chapter Thirty: The Hunter's Realization

Leon's fingers traced the rim of his glass, the amber liquid inside untouched. His mind was elsewhere—on her.

Elena.

She had been too quiet after his confession. Too thoughtful.

He had seen that flicker in her eyes before—curiosity turning dangerous.

A low sigh escaped his lips. He should have expected this.

She wasn't the type to stay still.

Something in the air shifted. A wrongness.

Leon straightened. Too quiet.

His heightened senses flickered outward, scanning the house. No heartbeat.

His gaze snapped toward the hallway. She was gone.

The Chase Begins

The glass in his hand cracked as he set it down.

His movements were calm, controlled—but his mind was already racing.

Where would she go?

He moved swiftly through the halls, his steps silent. No signs of struggle. No forced exits.

But then—

A draft.

Leon stilled, his eyes narrowing.

The hidden passage.

His lips parted slightly, tasting the air. Faint traces of her scent.

"Elena," he murmured, more to himself than anything.

She had no idea what she was walking into.

A muscle in his jaw twitched. She wouldn't get far.

With one fluid motion, he turned toward the passage.

And then—he vanished into the darkness after her.