The vampire prince

hing footsteps jolted Zit

er were unfamiliar, far too soft compared to the rough fabric she had known all h

ampires Zita had encountered, she moved with a calm grace, her demeanor one of quiet authority.

uriosity, not the hunger or c

" the woman said in a tone th

aching from both exhaustion

Celeste. I oversee Prince Ammar's household. That include

arri

d rose to her feet, determined not to appear weak

, as if amused by the question

otioning for

ings, the massive chandeliers dripping with candlelight, the deep red banners embroidered with the ro

s their

s trapped

este led her through a set of ar

stepped inside,

as full of

semi-circle. The figures seated in them radiated authority, draped in extravagant silks, their eyes gleaming un

roduction to know these

l, lounging with effortless

ded an air of unquestionable control. His dark hair framed his sharp

, leaning back in his

oulders, refusing t

" she asked, h

High Court of the Night born-my advisors, my council."

Zita's vein

tly, a silent warning. "The prince has decided

her eyes. "Tra

chuckled. "She's sharp. She

laything. A so

e forced herself to remain

nt flickering in his gaze. "Th

t, a crushing force w

tightening around her limbs. She couldn't breathe. It was as if

vision blu

voice smooth and composed, as if he were merely c

ta trembling. She barely caught herself before coll

ard her. He crouched, reaching out to lift her chin

e filled with dark certainty. "Defy me, and I w

hammered in

face, waiting, exp

ed back with unfl

be your pet,

tched between them. Then,

will be i

f Ammar's own quarters. The room was spacious yet cold, its stone walls lined with flicke

But not fr

ned, placing a neatly folded

r this," sh

garments suspi

cause you are no longer a nameless village girl-you are

clothes but made

oment before speaking again. "I w

care?" Zit

ened. "Because I have seen wh

ept down Z

respond, Celest

ng in her hands. Her first battle was lost

thought he cou

arn how wrong he