In the kingdom of Noctis, where vampires rule the night and humans exist in fearful servitude, a daring young woman named Evelyn Cross finds herself entangled in a deadly game of power and passion. When she accidentally trespasses into the forbidden lands of the vampire elite, she is captured and brought before Prince Valerian Draven-a brooding, mysterious vampire who holds the fate of her life in his cold hands. Instead of killing her, Valerian is intrigued by Evelyn's defiance and courage, something he has not seen in a human for centuries. As she becomes his reluctant guest in the shadowy halls of Castle Draven, she begins to uncover secrets about the vampire world-and about herself. Unbeknownst to her, she carries a rare bloodline that could either save the vampires from extinction or doom them all. Torn between duty and desire, Valerian must decide whether to claim her as his fated bride or let the darkness consume them both. But as enemies plot in the shadows and a rebellion brews among the vampire clans, Evelyn and Valerian must fight for their forbidden love-before time runs out.
Chapter 1 The forbidden woods
---
Chapter 1: The Forbidden Woods
The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the towering trees of the Forbidden Woods. Evelyn's breath came in quick gasps as she sprinted through the underbrush, her heart hammering in her chest. She had heard the stories-humans who wandered too far into these lands never returned. But she had no choice.
The rustling behind her sent a shiver down her spine. She wasn't alone.
Before she could react, a cold hand gripped her wrist, yanking her back against an impossibly firm chest. The scent of nightshade and something darker-something alluring-filled her senses. She looked up into glowing crimson eyes, sharp and ancient.
"Running, little dove?" His voice was smooth as silk, yet laced with danger. "Do you not know that prey never escapes the predator?"
Prince Valerian Draven had found her. And her life would never be the same.
A Deal with Darkness
Evelyn struggled against the vampire's grip, but his strength was absolute. Her heart pounded as she met his piercing gaze, glowing like embers in the night.
"I-I didn't mean to trespass," she stammered, trying to sound fearless. "Let me go, and I won't return."
A dark chuckle escaped his lips. "Oh, little dove, it's far too late for that."
With effortless grace, Valerian lifted her off the ground. A cold gust of wind enveloped them as he leaped into the air, moving with inhuman speed through the shadowy trees. The world blurred around her, and before she could even scream, they had reached the looming gothic castle that stood atop a jagged cliff.
The iron gates creaked open as if sensing their master's arrival. Inside, the grand halls flickered with candlelight, the walls adorned with paintings of vampires long past-eyes that seemed to follow her every move.
Valerian set her down before a throne carved from obsidian. He sat gracefully, draping one leg over the other as he studied her with amusement.
"You are bold," he mused. "Most humans beg for their lives the moment they lay eyes on me."
Evelyn squared her shoulders, masking her terror. "And what do you expect me to do? Fall to my knees and worship you?"
His lips curved into a smirk. "Perhaps."
She clenched her fists. "If you're going to kill me, do it now. I won't be your plaything."
The amusement in his eyes deepened. "Oh, I have no intention of killing you, Evelyn Cross." He leaned forward, his voice dropping into a whisper. "Not when you may be the key to saving my kind."
A cold chill ran through her veins. "What are you talking about?"
Valerian rose from his throne, his presence intoxicating. "Your blood is unlike any human's. I sensed it the moment I touched you. There's something... different about you."
Evelyn took a step back. "You're lying."
"Am I?" He reached out, brushing a cold finger down her neck. She shivered but held her ground. "I could take what I need," he murmured. "But I prefer my prizes willing."
A thousand thoughts raced through Evelyn's mind. He needed her blood. But why?
"What do you want from me?" she asked, her voice steady.
His eyes gleamed with something dark and unreadable. "A bargain, little dove. Stay by my side, and I will grant you protection, power... and the truth about who you really are."
Evelyn knew making a deal with a vampire prince was madness. But something inside her whispered that walking away from him would be even more dangerous.
And perhaps, even more impossible.