Back in the present, Theashee pulled another scroll from the shelf before moving to a different one. Her fingers closed around a deep-green vial hidden among dozens of others.
With both items in hand, she returned to Leonard's motionless body.
Brosa remained silent as Theashee uncorked the vial and pressed its mouth against the vampire's lips. The liquid slowly poured into him while she whispered an ancient spell.
The words flowed steadily from her lips.
The cave itself seemed to listen.
When the vial was finally empty, she tossed it aside.
It struck the cave wall and shattered into countless pieces.
Without hesitation, Theashee wrapped her slender fingers around the stake lodged in Leonard's chest.
She continued chanting as she slowly pulled it free.
The spell grew louder.
More desperate.
More powerful.
At last, the stake slid free completely.
Theashee placed it on the boulder and stared down at Leonard.
Disgust flickered across her face.
