Page 84 of Marked By His Hunger

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Another was hurled off the side by something—I wasn’t sure what.

And the other was already retreating.

Cowards.

They fed only where prey was easy.

I spread my wings and roared, letting my voice roll across cliffs and forest alike.

Let every minor deity within earshot understand my truth.

She is guarded.

She is not yours.

The last Algea hissed once before slithering over the cliff edge into the black churn below.

Silence followed.

Only storm and breath.

I turned slowly.

Serena was still on her knees.

Shaking.

Weakened somehow.

But alive.

Uninjured.

And I closed my eyes for one moment in gratitude for that one blessed fact.

Thank the gods she did not bleed.

I forced my DeathFace back.

Bone receded. Flesh returned.

Fangs shortened—though not completely. Not yet.

Control.

Slow.

Measured.

Approach.

I crouched several paces away so I would not tower over her.

“Serena.”

Her name tasted different now.

Not scent.

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