Following my lead, I stalled for time, negotiating with the vampire leader who held Elena hostage.
My goal was to keep them focused on me while Carlosâ team maneuvered undetected.
âWeâre in position.
â Through the mind link, Carlos confirmed their success.
Relief washed over me.
Seizing the opportune moment, I yelled the prearranged signal.
On cue, the werewolves erupted from the bushes behind the vampires, launching a surprise attack.
Disoriented, the vampires were swiftly overpowered, some of them pinned to the ground.
This was my chance.
I lunged towards the leader, determined to rescue Elena.
But fate intervened yet again.
The leader, anticipating my move, raised Elena high, ready to slam her against the ground.
âSince Iâm done for, Iâm taking her with me!â he cackled, his voice laced with malice.
âElena!â I roared, my vision burning with fury.
As she plummeted through the air, time seemed to slow.
An unexpected memory surfaced-Debra.
Despite believing my feelings for her had faded, her image flashed in my mind.
In that instant, I knew what Debra would do.
Regardless of her health, she wouldnât hesitate to use her time manipulation power to save the child.
Fueled by this thought, I managed to catch Elena just before impact.
The impact with the ground sent a jolt of pain through me, Leaving me winded and covered in a cold sweat.
Quick to react, the vampire leader lunged.
I couldnât dodge in time as I held Elena.
A blow slammed into me.
âAh!â A searing pain erupted in my shoulder as his claws tore through flesh.
Blood welled up.
The agony jolted me back to focus.
I tried to fight back, but the vampire vanished in a blur.
His fangs bared, he charged again, aiming for a killing blow.
I was already grievously wounded and burdened by Elena.
I was practically defenseless, with no way of fighting back.
His imposing figure loomed over me.
Gritting my teeth, I braced for impact, but a figure suddenly intervened, absorbing the attack with a heavy thud.
It was Carlos.
Relief flooded me.