The no-man’s land was still as dead as the last time I had been here—just as I remembered from the day Adam and his brothers almost ended my life.Even though Makeh had hinted that the reality of that traumatic incident might be different, I had chosen to believe the same truth I had always known, until proven otherwise.I looked around slowly, my hand tightening around Diana’s smaller one as if the ground itself might try to claim her. Ahead of us, the others were already moving forward, fanning out in loose formation toward the denser part of the pack’s forest.And yet, I didn’t hurry to follow them as would have been my custom. No. I continued to take in the details slowly as if studying it.The no man’s land stretched in every direction, flat and without mercy. No trees clawed at the sky, no wild grass swayed under invisible wind—just brittle, yellow-gray stalks that crumbled when you brushed them. Even the air seemed thin here, robbed of proper oxygen, so each breath carried the
Not many people from our community were going over to the Lycan region for their once-a-year celebration. In fact, from what I knew, it was just Raul and me. At least, that was all I was aware of. Us, and the Queen’s brother, Hendel. The Queen herself would be staying back to keep the beasts on a leash—her words, not mine—making sure nothing spiraled out of her control while a portion of her court was away. A handful of elders were going too, though more for politics than enjoyment.My parents hadn’t seen the need to accompany me, trusting that I would be able to take care of myself. Diana had wanted to come along, of course, but Laura had refused, citing her age and her own need for help at home. That didn’t stop Diana from sulking like it was a full-time occupation.I watched her now as she picked through the clothes I’d selected for the trip, her nose wrinkling at some of my choices as though my wardrobe was a personal insult. But what does she mean? These were my best clothes.
Mr. Lethon looked so heartbroken at his daughter’s betrayal—betrayal of me, of him—that for a fleeting moment, I considered patting his shoulder, offering the usual hollow reassurance that everything would be fine, that this was simply the stuff of life. The fickleness of human nature was no strange phenomenon to me. People’s loyalties shifted with the seasons, sometimes without warning, and more often without shame. But I swallowed that impulse, letting out a tired sigh instead.Sliding into one of the chairs opposite his desk, I crossed one leg over the other, resting my elbow lazily on the armrest and my cheek against my palm. I studied the two of them—father and daughter—locked in their silent standoff.“So why did you bring me here?” I asked finally, breaking the uncomfortable quiet.It was directed at Levina, and the way she startled—like a guilty child caught sneaking sweets—told me she had nearly forgotten I was in the room. She shrugged, all casual defiance.“For him to give
Two weeks later, and the talk of the strange vampire still hadn’t faded from the community.It didn’t matter that there hadn’t been another sighting since that night. Fear had a way of lingering, growing teeth in people’s minds. You could almost taste it in the air—thick, metallic, and stubborn.As I had predicted, night movements and activities were banned. The decree had come swiftly, like a blade in the dark. The beasts were released earlier than usual; unlike before, they weren’t just patrolling our own community—they were making rounds in others too.Even school hours had been clipped short. No more lingering for extracurricular activities until twilight. Everything had to be done before five o’clock, no exceptions, so that everyone could be home before the sun slid behind the horizon.Because that was when the vampires came.Or at least, according to the books Diana and I had stolen from the library.Under the watchful eyes of our parents and the beasts of the night, Diana and I
“What did the vampire say to you?” Queen Aliana asked me, eyes filled with unrestrained curiosity, her hands shaking—almost unseen—maybe in fear?We were in another section of the palace after confirming with each guard, stationed in groups, to escort our guests to the guest houses, and the citizens to their houses for the night. And when I say “we,” I meant the Queen and her family, including Rachel and Duke, whose journey out of the community had been stalled until the next day. There was also the Lycan King and his sons—no friends this time around. Then there was my family, and some of the trustworthy elders of the community, Dim inclusive. There were also the rulers of the neighboring communities.“Nothing much.” My voice was yet to recover from the earlier shock, even though it had been hours now. I didn’t think I would be recovering anytime soon either… that face… the filth, the venom.I shook my head, inhaling sharply when I felt a presence behind me. Sharply, because my back
MAYA The night air in the forest was cold enough to bite, but I barely felt it. My own thoughts were gnawing at me far worse.“Idiot,” I muttered under my breath, pacing along the narrow path between the trees. “Utter, reckless idiot.” No other name would have fit me at that point. I had made a stupid mistake. An idiotic one.I should’ve walked away the moment Noah’s lips touched mine. I should’ve shoved him back, thrown a sharp word in his face, and left him standing there to puzzle over my absence. But no—I’d stayed.And for what?Because he’d smiled that lazy, knowing smile and said my face reminded him of Aerya Lune from The Star of Thranor—a heroine I’d adored since childhood? Because I couldn’t resist correcting him when he got the plot wrong, and before I knew it, we were trading lines and theories like two old friends in a library instead of… whatever mess we’d just made?I didn’t even know why I’d lingered. I just knew it had been a mistake. A stupid mistake that had painted