A week had passed since Victor's revelation about the Council of Light. Thornfield was transformed into a fortress and an intelligence hub. Guards patrolled in triple rotations, magical wards were strengthened around every entrance, and Victor along with his spies worked tirelessly to gather information about the traitors. Everyone knew enemies walked among them, but identifying them felt impossible.
Meanwhile, Lyanna was slowly gaining control over her vampire senses through constant practice and focus. She could now filter out most of the background noise, walk through torch-lit corridors without squinting, and pick up objects without breaking them. But Azrael insisted she needed more than just control over her enhanced senses.
"You've been only feeding from willing donors." Azrael said one evening as they got ready to leave the castle. "But tonight, you'll hunt."
