As Thorne and Auron began their meticulous preparations for the ritual, the atmosphere in the room became increasingly oppressive. Thorne moved with precision, tracing intricate runes on the floor in crimson ink that Kole didn’t want to think too much about. Auron, meanwhile, arranged a series of ancient-looking artifacts on a nearby table, each one exuding an unsettling energy.


    Kole sat on the edge of the bed, his wrists now bound with chains to ensure he didn’t try anything foolish. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the ritual setup, dread coiling tightly in his chest.


    Laurent leaned casually against the far wall, watching his companions with a faint smirk. But as the minutes ticked by, his gaze shifted toward Kole, and something flickered in his expression—something almost imperceptible, but undeniably different.


    When Auron stepped out of the room to retrieve more materials and Thorne became engrossed in perfecting the runes, Laurent pushed off the wall and sauntered over to Kole.


    “Enjoying the show?” he asked quietly, his voice laced with mockery but tempered by a strange undercurrent of curiosity.


    Kole glared at him, his fear momentarily overshadowed by frustration. “What do you think?” he snapped.


    Laurent’s smirk deepened, but his eyes remained locked on Kole’s, studying him intently. “You’ve got spirit. I’ll give you that.”


    “Yeah, well, it’s not like I have much of a choice,” Kole muttered, his voice dropping to a bitter whisper. “You’ve made sure of that.”


    Laurent tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. Then, to Kole’s surprise, he crouched down so they were at eye level, his voice dropping even lower. “What if I told you there’s a way out of this?”Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Kole’s breath hitched. He searched Laurent’s face for any sign of deception, but the vampire’s usual smirk had faded, replaced by an unsettling seriousness.


    “What are you talking about?” Kole whispered, his heart pounding.


    Laurent glanced over his shoulder, ensuring Thorne was still preoccupied. “Thorne and Auron are too blinded by their ambition to see the risks. This ritual? It’s unstable. If it goes wrong, it could kill all three of us—and you.”


    “Then why are you going along with it?” Kole hissed, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation.


    “Because crossing Thorne isn’t exactly good for one’s health,” Laurent said dryly. “But let’s just say I’m not as invested in this power grab as they are. And unlike them, I don’t particularly enjoy killing unnecessarily.”


    Kole’s mind raced. Could Laurent really be offering him a way out, or was this just another cruel game? “Why would you help me?”


    Laurent leaned in closer, his voice barely audible. “Because if this goes south, I’d rather not be caught in the crossfire. And maybe I don’t hate the idea of ruining Thorne’s grand plan.”


    Kole stared at him, his pulse thundering in his ears. This could be his only chance, but trusting Laurent felt like walking into another trap.


    “What do you need me to do?” Kole asked cautiously.


    Laurent’s eyes glinted, a flicker of his smirk returning. “For now, just stay quiet and do exactly as I say. When the time comes, I’ll give you an opening. But if you betray me…” He let the threat hang in the air, his fangs glinting in the dim light.


    Kole nodded, his throat dry. “Fine.”


    “Good,” Laurent said, rising to his feet as Thorne turned toward them. His casual smirk was back in place, any trace of their conversation erased.


    “Laurent,” Thorne said sharply, his eyes narrowing. “What are you doing?”


    “Just keeping an eye on our guest,” Laurent replied smoothly. “Wouldn’t want him getting any ideas.”


    Thorne’s gaze lingered on Laurent for a moment before he returned to the runes. But Kole noticed the slight tension in Thorne’s shoulders, and he couldn’t help but wonder if the vampire suspected something.


    As Auron reentered the room, carrying a small black vial that pulsed with a faint red glow, Kole’s sense of dread deepened. The ritual was moving forward.


    But now, he had a glimmer of hope—however fragile—that Laurent might help him escape.