50. Desperation & Danger

(Salvatore's POV)

The night is long and restless. My mind keeps replaying the conversation with the cloaked figure, trying to piece together any clues that could lead us closer to the obsidian veil. I can hear the distant sounds of the city, the occasional car passing by and dogs howl in the distance. It's almost as if the world outside is oblivious to the danger that lies ahead of us.

I toss and turn in my bed, unable to find a comfortable position. Every time I close my eyes, I replay the figure's sinister grin as his gaze rakes over Quinn’s body again and again. Every time I close my eyes, I see his staring back at me, gleaming with malice. I can feel his presence lingering in the air, like a ghost of my past that refuses to leave me alone, yet I have no idea who he is.

It's almost midnight when I hear a soft knock on my door. I sit up, my heart racing as I make my way over to it. I open it slowly. In my sleepy state, I half-expect to see the cloaked figure standing before me. Inst