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The glamour had been effortless, smoother than any other time I’d done it. I looked like I belonged at an event hosted by the Willows, blending right in with Seattle’s most elite and corrupt.

Just like one of them, I mused.

The thought made my stomach turn, but I reminded myself of why I was here.

As I made my way towards the wooden steps, the pull in my chest lurched me forward, and I had to brace myself against the railing.

Layne’s voice echoed in my mind. You need to feed, Evelyn.

Yes, I’m aware, working on it, I replied, not yet used to communicating like this.

I can sense one close by, as I'm sure you can too, Layne said.

The pull of darkness tugged hard at my chest, guiding me up towards the Marina. Definitely one of Preston’s guests. I could practically taste it already.

Making my way up the wooden steps, my heels clicked against the salt-worn planks. As I emerged onto the dock, the marina was already bustling with activity—and darkness. A lot of darkness.

The world slowly spun around me. I hadn't been around this much darkness at one time, and my senses were overwhelmed. Saliva pooled in my mouth, desperate for it. In the same breath, I felt I could retch at the thought.

I need to find a good one, I thought, my gaze darting around the crowd, the tug in my chest growing stronger as I ambled about.

My pace quickened as I moved through the sea of bodies. There were no suspicious glances, just the usual hungry eyes on me. The glamour was doing precisely what I needed it to—drawing them in.

As I rounded the corner, I spotted him. His darkness called to me like a beacon as he was making his way toward the docks. Tall, dressed in an expensive black tuxedo, his face plastered to his phone.

Yes, he’s perfect, darling, Layne whispered in my thoughts.

Quietly, I trailed behind, my heels clicking softly against the gravel pavement. He turned down an alley, and the rotten memories were already filtering in through his darkness as I took in the scent. Hands being pinned, muffled screams, and a woman’s lifeless body in a bathtub.

It hadn’t been his first, either.

Disgusting piece of shit.

My nails bit into my palms as I looked around, ensuring we were alone before calling out to him.

“Excuse me, sir?” My voice was sweet and coy, the glamour’s disguise working perfectly. “I think I’m lost…could you help?”

The man turned, annoyed and dismissive. He paused when he saw me, his eyes raking over every inch of my body.

He smiled slyly. “Absolutely, sweetheart.” He stepped closer towards me, the stench of his darkness overwhelming.

That’s right, a little closer, I thought.

He reeks of depravity. Devour all of it, Layne’s voice snarled in my mind.

“With pleasure,” I muttered, a grin spreading across my face.

The man tilted his head. “Sorry, what was⁠—”

The glamour faded from my hand, scales rippling across my skin. Obsidian claws gleamed in the low light, dripping with shadows. Hungry.

The man stared back, horrified. “What—What the fuck?” he stammered, pressing himself against the brick wall of the alley.

“Don't move.” The words left my lips, the golden song woven through them, commanding and binding.

His eyes glazed over in the golden haze of compulsion, his body slack.

That’s it, my queen, Layne's voice growled.