83. Unfinished Business

“Wait,” Ryanne’s voice cut through the night like a blade, sharp and urgent. He grabbed Jayden’s arm just as he moved to leave. Without hesitation, he bit down hard on his wrist, teeth sinking into his own flesh until blood welled up. Jayden recoiled in horror, watching as he cupped the blood in his palm and smeared it across Jayden's face and hands in swift, practiced motions. Jayden flinched, repulsed. “What the hell are you doing?” “Masking your scent,” Ryanne replied, his voice strained but focused. “I tracked you by it—and if I could, so can they.” Jayden opened his mouth to respond, but the urgency in his eyes silenced him. He wasn’t being dramatic. He was protecting Jayden. Meanwhile, inside the ancient, crumbling church, Hawkbone and Rose were already preparing for the ritual. The air was thick with incense, and shadows flickered across the cracked stained-glass windows. Hawkbone guided Rose to lie down inside a narrow casket tucked beneath a larger, more elaborate one in the c