The impound lot was eerily silent, the air thick with the scent of gasoline and rust. I tightened my grip on the vial of vampire blood in my hand, my heart pounding as I stepped forward. The headlights of the evil car flickered on, its engine revving like a growling beast. It had taken the bait.

"Okay, just a little closer," I whispered, my pulse hammering in my ears.

Benny stood a few steps behind me, his hands already glowing with swirling blue magic. "I really hate this plan," he muttered.

"You hate every plan that involves me doing something dangerous," I shot back, sparing him a quick grin.

"That’s because every plan you come up with is dangerous," he argued, his eyes darting between me and the oncoming car. "And also, you literally have vampire blood in your hands. So yeah, extra dangerous."

The car let out an unnatural screech and surged forward, headlights blazing like demonic eyes. I braced myself—

But before it could get close, a shimmering barrier flashed to life in front of me. Benny had thrown his hands out, his spell forming a glowing blue shield that absorbed the impact. The car slammed into it, tires screeching as it fought against his magic.

I turned to him in shock. "Benny—"

"I’ve got you!" he shouted over the roar of the engine, his voice firm but tinged with worry. His fingers twisted in the air, reinforcing the barrier, his face contorted in deep concentration. "Just… don’t move, okay?"

"But the trap—"

"I don’t care about the trap! I care about you!" Benny’s voice cracked slightly, and my breath caught. His magic pulsed, pushing the car back inch by inch.