The alley was too dark, too quiet, the shadows shifting in ways that made my skin crawl. My breath came fast as I pressed myself against the brick wall, heart hammering in my chest. The vampire moved first, eyes glowing red as it lunged—only to be yanked back by a blast of blue light.

"Benny!" I gasped, barely believing my eyes.

He stood at the alley’s entrance, staff in hand, a cocky grin on his face despite the danger. "You know, if you wanted a late-night adventure, you could’ve just texted me."

The werewolf snarled, claws scraping against the pavement, and Benny’s smirk faltered for half a second. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he sent a burst of magic that sent it skidding back.

"Stay behind me," he muttered, stepping in front of me without hesitation.

"Benny, I—"

"Not now," he cut in, his voice unusually firm. "Let me be the hero for once, okay?"

The vampire lunged again, but Benny was faster, casting a shield between us. His magic flared, pushing both creatures back until they disappeared into the night.

For a moment, all I could do was stare, my heart pounding from something other than fear now. Benny turned, rubbing the back of his neck, suddenly shy. "Uh… so that was cool, right? Me saving you and all?"