Chapter 4 The whispering veil

The blood pact sealed, the silver crescent pendant now pulsed softly between Lysandra's fingers, a steady heartbeat syncing with her own. The forest seemed to shift around them, shadows stretching and recoiling as if aware of the new bond forged beneath the bleeding trees.

Silvano's crimson eyes scanned the dark woods. "We don't have much time. The Whispering Veil is thinning tonight-our worlds are bleeding together."

Lysandra frowned. "The Veil?"

He nodded. "The barrier between Belladonna and the fae realm. When it weakens, creatures like those beasts slip through. And worse things come with them."

"Great," Lysandra muttered. "So basically, I'm stuck with you to keep me alive."

Silvano smirked, lighting another cigar. "Don't sound so disappointed. Besides, you're not exactly a damsel in distress."

"No, but I'm definitely not a mafia Don's bodyguard either," she shot back, the corner of her mouth twitching.

Their banter was a fragile shield against the growing weight of what was to come.

Suddenly, the pendant flared brighter, humming with a strange energy. Lysandra's vision blurred, and a whisper echoed in her mind-a voice soft, ancient, and urgent.

"Find the Raven's Tear... before the Thorn consumes us all."

Silvano's eyes narrowed. "The Raven's Tear... It's a relic. Said to hold power that can either save or destroy both our worlds."

"Why are you telling me this now?" Lysandra asked, heart pounding.

"Because," he said, stepping closer, "you're the only one who can find it. And I'm the only one who can keep you alive long enough to do it."

A sudden rustle startled them both. Silvano reached out, pulling Lysandra behind a fallen log just as a shadow streaked past, faster than any human.

Lysandra's pulse hammered, but instead of fear, she felt a fierce surge of something else-trust. In Silvano. In this dangerous, infuriating man who'd stormed into her life like a tempest.

"Looks like we're not alone," he muttered, eyes sharp.

She met his gaze, a flicker of determination igniting between them.

"Then let's give them a show," Lysandra said, tightening her grip on the pendant.

Silvano laughed softly, his crimson eyes glittering with something wild and fierce.

"Welcome to Belladonna, seer."

Together, they vanished into the night, shadows chasing their every step.