RPOV

As the train finally arrived at its destination, I quickly sent a message to Nik, informing him of my arrival. Stepping out onto the platform, a tantalizing aroma of food filled the air, instantly teasing my senses.

Hey I am just saying, if you think that me before becoming pregnant was bad check again. My cravings were all over the place, at times, it felt like I wanted to devour everything while simultaneously feeling the urge to vomit.

However, something felt off this time. The queasiness seemed different from the usual pregnancy symptoms I was getting accustomed to.

Trusting my training, I heightened my awareness of my surroundings. Just as I was about to dismiss my apprehension as paranoia, a figure lurking behind a pillar caught my eye. Almost invisible to the naked eye, but my sharp dhampir reflexes allowed me to spot their presence.

Instinctively, my hand sought the weapon hidden beneath my coat. A foreboding sense gripped me, convincing me that this encounter would not end well. I hurried into an empty alley, and it became apparent that I was being followed. Initially, I assumed it might be a guardian, a foe I would have to face.

However, upon closer inspection, I noticed the pallor of their complexion.

A strigoi.

My heart skipped a beat as I locked eyes with the stranger, their crimson gaze etching into my memory. The haunting memories of Eddie, the famished Mia, Christen, and Mason hearing the snap of his neck. The horrible thoughts flooded my thoughts.

During our time living here, I hadn't heard of any Strigoi presence. Nik and his family had taken care of any vampires who dared step out of line, and Strigoi, lacking control, either met a painful demise or fled in fear.

I snapped back to reality, mustering the strength to face this imminent danger.

"Well, well, look what we have here," the Strigoi sneered. "A young dhampir, all alone with no one to protect you. I promise, I'll make it quick."

He lunged at me, but my reflexes, honed by my unyielding training, allowed me to evade his attack effortlessly.

"Not as weak as you thought, huh?" I retorted, catching my breath.

"Now you've really made me mad," he grumbled, preparing for another assault.

Although unprepared for his second attack, I managed to break free from his grasp, albeit with a probable bruise to remember him by.

Yet, in that moment, my focus was solely on protecting myself and my unborn child. Nothing else mattered.

Suddenly, as if emerging from the shadows effortlessly, a savior appeared, swiftly ripping out the Strigoi's heart as if it were a trivial task.

Looking up at my unexpected ally, I recognized the familiar, devilish smirk paired with cunning eyes.

"Hello, Love," came the all-too-familiar greeting before the world around me faded into darkness, drowned out by the echo of bleating ghosts and the intense pain that consumed me.

To be continued...