THE HIDDEN CROWN

Chapter 72

Victor moved swiftly through the city streets, a blur in the darkness. His newfound power coursed through him, every sense heightened, every shadow a potential threat. The city he had protected for centuries now seemed smaller, more fragile than ever. He could feel the pulse of the city’s life, the distant echoes of mortal hearts beating, unaware of the storm that was about to descend.

His mind, though sharper, struggled to reconcile the torrent of ancient memories and power with the part of him that had once been human. He could hear Elara’s words, a constant reminder: “Do not forget who you once were, or you may lose yourself completely.”

But what if that part of him was already gone?

Victor shook the thought from his mind. There was no time for doubt. Lucien had to be stopped. As he approached the heart of the city, the sky above began to darken unnaturally, thick clouds swirling into a storm. Lightning cracked in the distance, and the air grew heavy with the scent of blood.

In the