My Vampire lover

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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.

Chapter 2: 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.

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Chapter 3: The Devil's Bargain

Evelyn's heart pounded as she stared at the vampire prince before her. His offer hung in the air like a whispered curse, tempting and dangerous.

"A bargain?" she repeated, crossing her arms. "You expect me to believe you'll just let me go if I agree to this?"

Valerian chuckled, a deep, velvety sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Let you go? No, little dove. You will belong to me-for as long as I desire."

Evelyn swallowed hard. She should have been terrified. Maybe she was. But there was something in his gaze, something unreadable, that made her feel like running was no longer an option.

"I don't even know what you mean," she said, shifting uncomfortably under his piercing stare. "Why would you need my blood? And why me?"

Valerian took a slow step forward, closing the space between them. His presence was overwhelming, the scent of him intoxicating-like cold midnight air mixed with something darker, something forbidden.

"You are not an ordinary human," he murmured, lifting a lock of her dark hair between his fingers. "Your blood carries an ancient power, one that has been lost for centuries. If what I suspect is true... you could be the key to saving my kind."

Evelyn's breath hitched at his touch. "And if I refuse?"

Valerian's smirk faded, replaced by something colder. "Then you will remain my prisoner, locked away in this castle. And I will take what I need regardless."

Her pulse thundered in her ears. "So those are my choices? Be your prisoner or be your... what? Your blood donor?"

A slow, dangerous smile curled his lips. "Oh no, my sweet. You would be much more than that."

He reached out and traced a finger down the side of her neck, lingering just over her pulse. She shivered, but not entirely from fear.

"You would be mine," he murmured, his voice a seductive whisper against her skin. "My willing consort. My bride, if you prove worthy."

Evelyn's breath caught. Bride? Was this some kind of sick joke?

She jerked away from his touch, glaring at him. "You expect me to just agree to this? To be your bride like some-some sacrifice?"

Valerian tilted his head, watching her with an almost amused expression. "Not a sacrifice. A queen."

Evelyn let out a bitter laugh. "And what if I say yes? What happens then?"

His crimson eyes darkened. "Then you will stay by my side. You will drink from me, as I will from you. Our bond will be unbreakable."

Her stomach tightened. "You mean I'd become like you?"

A shadow passed over his face. "In time, perhaps. If you choose."

Silence stretched between them. The weight of his words settled over her like a suffocating fog. He was giving her a choice-of sorts. But was there truly any escape?

Evelyn exhaled shakily. She had spent her whole life fighting to survive. Maybe, just maybe, she could survive this too.

Lifting her chin, she met his gaze. "Fine," she said, voice steadier than she felt. "I'll make your deal. But if you think I'm going to just roll over and be your obedient little bride, you're mistaken."

A flicker of something-pleasure? Amusement?-crossed Valerian's face.

"Oh, little dove," he murmured, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers barely brushed her skin, but the touch sent a shiver down her spine. "I wouldn't want you any other way."

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