Shadowed desires- Adrian thorn

Chapter 37: Unleashing the Beast

The sky over Barcelona seemed darker than usual, the weight of the coming storm pressing down on the city. Adrian sat in the study of their grand palace, the dim light casting long shadows across the room. His mind was racing, torn between the war he knew was coming and the woman lying just down the hall, recovering from the wounds she had sustained because of him.

Eva's life had always been at risk since she became involved with him. But now? Now it wasn't just Seraphina lurking in the shadows. It was Lysander Wolfe—the man Adrian had feared for years, the one enemy even his ruthlessness couldn't fully contain.

As he stared at the fire flickering in the hearth, memories of his past clawed at him—things he had tried to forget, things he had hidden even from Eva. His hands clenched into fists. There were powers within him, dark and ancient, passed down through his bloodline, that he had suppressed for years. Powers that, once unleashed, couldn't be controlled.

But Wolfe? Wolfe was no ordinary man. He was something more, something older. And Adrian wasn't sure if he could face him without tapping into the beast he had locked away inside himself.

The Awakening

Eva's soft footsteps drew him out of his thoughts. She stood at the doorway, wearing one of his shirts, her hair tousled from sleep. The bandage on her side was fresh, but the wound still haunted him. She was tough—tougher than most people—but she wasn't invincible. And the thought of losing her gnawed at his soul.

"You should be resting," Adrian said, his voice low but tender.

Eva crossed the room, her eyes never leaving his. "I couldn't sleep." She sat beside him, her hand finding his. "I know you're worried. I can feel it."

Adrian's gaze flickered to the fire. "I've been thinking. About what's coming. About Wolfe."

Eva frowned. "You've faced worse, Adrian. Together, we can—"

"This is different," he interrupted, his voice sharper than he intended. He sighed, squeezing her hand. "Wolfe isn't just another enemy. He's something... else. And I don't know if I can stop him without unleashing a part of myself that I've fought to keep buried."

Eva studied him, her eyes filled with concern. "What do you mean?"

Adrian hesitated. He had never spoken of this to anyone—not even her. But now, with Wolfe closing in, the truth had to come out.

"I come from a bloodline that isn't... normal," he began, his voice heavy with the weight of his confession. "My family has ties to ancient powers. It's why I've been able to build what I have, why I've been able to control so much. But those powers come with a cost. I've locked them away for years, but to fight Wolfe... I may need to use them."

Eva's eyes widened, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned closer. "What kind of powers?"

Adrian looked at her, his eyes darkening. "Strength, speed, control over people's minds. But it's not just that. There's a darkness that comes with it. A hunger for power that's nearly impossible to control. Once I tap into it, I don't know if I can come back."

Eva's hand tightened around his. "You're not that man anymore, Adrian. You've built this life, this empire, without becoming the monster you fear."

"But what if I become it now?" he whispered, his voice filled with doubt. "What if I lose myself? What if I lose you?"

Eva's gaze softened, and she reached up to cup his cheek. "You won't. I won't let you."

Adrian closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. He wanted to believe her, but the fear of losing control was too great.