Chapter 162

• Sophia’s POV
• Stepping outside the castle walls for the first time felt like stepping into another world. I had been to the vampire realm so many times before, but I had never truly seen it. Every visit had been filled with tension, political maneuvering, and danger. But now, with the council meeting behind us, I could finally take a breath and see what this place had to offer.
• Ian had insisted on coming with me, of course. He was always protective, especially now with everything going on, but I had managed to convince him that I needed some space. Just for a little while. I wasn’t entirely alone though—two guards shadowed me, keeping a respectful distance, as I walked down the winding cobblestone streets.