A Wolf's Heart, A vampire's Vow

heir shared quarters. She moved like mist, careful not to draw attention. Her cloak of illusion held steady, masking her from even the most sensitive noses among the staff. But inside

efore finishing. "You thought the Thornes were a whole dynasty," he said, giving her a faint, crooked smile. "They are. But it's a lonely seat at the top." There was a long pause. Then, he added, "You may go." Lydia bowed her head, backed away, and turned toward the door. But as she slipped out, she caught one final glimpse over her shoulder. He was watching her go, not with suspicion, but something gentler. Quieter. Don't be seen, she reminded herself. But part of her wondered: Why does it feel like I already have been? Duncan She moved like shadow. Duncan wasn't sure what it was about the new maid that drew his attention, but it hadn't dulled since the moment she stepped into his study the day before. Lydia. Small, neat, careful,like someone trying not to exist. But her silences said more than most people's words. He chewed on another piece of melon, eyes lingering on the door long after she left. He wasn't foolish, he knew the kinds of games some wolves played with the staff. But this wasn't that. It wasn't attraction, not exactly. It was... a question he hadn't yet figured out how to ask. Something about her didn't sit right. But not in a threatening way. More like a song he couldn't place the melody of. He finished his breakfast, wiped the sweat from his brow, and walked to the window. The forests stretched beyond the estate, green and endless. Somewhere out there, real threats still stirred ,rogue wolves, maybe even surviving vampires in hiding. Duncan had fought them before. Felt their desperation, their madness. And yet ,he'd always believed there were some who didn't deserve exile. Some who had been punished simply for what they were. He didn't say that out loud, of course. His father would call it naïve. His mother would sigh and caution patience. And now... this maid. Quiet. Careful. Watching everything. There was something under her skin that didn't match the surface. He didn't sense fear ..not the kind humans gave off when surrounded by wolves. She didn't smell afraid. She smelled like... rain. And he liked the scent far too much. Lydia By midday, Lydia was helping polish the silver in the east sitting room. She worked beside another maid, Tessa, a bubbly young human with warm brown eyes and a love for gossip. "So, what do you think of the Alpha's son?" Tessa whispered, scrubbing a fork. Lydia didn't look up. "He seems... disciplined." Tessa snorted. "Disciplined? That