The Vampire Princess´s Forbidden Attraction to the Enemy Werewolf

A

t of duty pressing against my chest like a cold blade. My father hadn't bothered to say goodbye

stepped forward, chin high, eyes dry. A diplomatic hostage. Such a civilized

y bowed, his face a blank mask. "

skin, the cut precise. My blood dripped onto parchment, black in the dim li

My family's advisor stood rigid beside the carriag

s. To observe. To report." My voice rem

." She finally met my gaze.

dded and entered the carriage without another word. T

od at precise distances from each other, centuries of hatred creating invisible

expected, his face lined with the weight of command. His eyes

s voice carried across the cleari

was no longer addressed directly. My status had c

ppropriate respect," the Alpha cont

ood. Hostage. Not diplomat. Not envoy. Th

. The manicured forests of vampire territory gave way to wild growth, untamed and primal.

ide the carriage in animal form, two riding ahead in human sh

weakness. I ate little of the food they offered-not out of distrust, but because my appetite had

tains. The stronghold rose from stone and earth, as if the wolves had commanded the mountain itself to form walls and towe

ame from the lead guard, a woman with scars across h

stronghold's courtyard filled with wolves in human form, their expressions ran

ly that morning, choosing garments that spoke of my rank while offering protection-silk lined with thin, flex

her would have called me prepared. Neither of t

n my family's holdings. I felt small against its weight, though I kept my shoulders squared and my pace

he cold mage-lights of home. Pelts and weapons decorated the walls. The Alpha's thro

leather and sweat. So different from the cold, clean corridors of the vampire court. My sens

sat forward, elbows on knees, studying me like one might study an un

. Not challenging enough to provoke, but

to peace," I said, my voice carrying in the sud

the crowd. Someone laug

neither side wants war, but neither side trusts. Don't mist

alculated survival odds, escape routes, potential allies. None looked promising. I was alon

his place of stone and shadow. I would survive. I would

er let them see