Percival's POV
Protective runes.
The realization hit me like ice water flooding my veins. These weren't just any magical barriers. These were the ancient kind, the sort that powerful supernatural houses hoarded like precious secrets. The Nightshade family possessed a handful, but they were weak compared to what had just struck Julian down.
If someone was using protection spells this advanced, this violent, I needed answers immediately. What nightmare had my daughter stumbled into?
My hands trembled as I unlocked my phone, scrolling frantically until I found Kaelen's contact. Without hesitation, I pressed call.
The phone rang endlessly in my ear.
Once.
Twice.
Three agonizing times.
A full minute crawled by with nothing but that hollow, maddening sound echoing in my skull.
"Answer the damn phone," I growled through gritted teeth.
Still nothing.
