*Lena*
I clutched Penny to my chest and released the full force of my powers of light. I prayed that the burst of sun and heat hadn't wounded her. I heard the Vampire King scream, his voice so shrill it made the entire castle tremble.
I opened my eyes, my breath catching in my throat as I pushed Penny away, holding her at arm's length to check her for injury. But then I felt it, that dark embrace, that blackened net only one person could cast.
I turned toward the doorway just as the Vampire King struggled to his feet, his skin reddened and blistered, some places black with burns. He held up his hands to his face, inspecting the damage with wide eyes.
His eyes turned to me, blazing with fury.
I held out my hand to send my powers forth again but felt them falter, weakened. I didn't
