I heard a laugh behind me.Slow. Deep. Amused.I turned.The man in the orange parka stood a few feet away—but the parka was gone now. His shirt clung to his body, soaked in thick blue blood. It streaked across his dark skin like war paint. Without the bulky coat, I could see how powerfully built he was—broad shoulders, carved arms, a body shaped not by vanity, but by centuries of violence.He wasn’t just any vampire.There was something ancient about him.Fast. Controlled. Dangerous.For a brief second, I wondered who would win in a fight between him and Juliet.He walked toward me calmly, like he owned the ground beneath his feet. When he reached me, he placed a firm hand on my arm—not aggressive, just claiming space—and looked at Juliet.“Cousin,” he said, voice smooth but commanding. “Where did you find this one?”Cousin?Juliet just chuckled.I stared at her. Cousin?Before I could process that, he gave my arm a light squeeze.“Come,” he said. “Let’s get you inside. You need a sh

After talking with Juliet for a while, she excused herself.“Will you be okay on your own?” she asked.I nodded.She searched my face for a second longer, then turned and disappeared down the hall.I sat there in silence.The great dining hall was almost empty now. Slaves moved quietly between the long tables, clearing plates, wiping wine stains, stacking goblets. Their footsteps echoed softly against the crystal floor.I looked toward the massive window.It was pitch dark outside.The kingdom that had looked so alive earlier now shimmered under the night sky, blue lights glowing faintly in the distance.I figured I’d sit for a few more minutes… then try to figure out where I was supposed to go next.Suddenly—Two soft hands covered my eyes.“Guess who?” a tiny voice whispered.I smiled immediately.“Ayara.”She removed her hands and slid into the seat beside me.“How did you know?” she asked, pretending to be offended.“You have the tiniest voice I’ve ever heard.”“It’s not that tiny

“Timi, you need to calm down, alright? I have no idea what you’re talking about!” I said as he chased me around the bed. “Ohhh, so which vampire was she with all through last night, huh? And now she’s half-dead!” he snapped. “Okay, I know what the situation feels like, but I didn’t do anything. I came here straight after we arrived!” “Liar!” He didn’t hesitate. Timi leapt. He launched himself from across the bed with terrifying speed, the wooden frame cracking beneath the force of his push. For a split second he was airborne, coat flaring behind him like dark wings. He slammed into me. We crashed onto the mattress. The impact drove the air out of my lungs, but instinct took over. I planted my foot against his abdomen and twisted, using his own momentum. I hurled him off me. He flew backward— Straight through the window. Glass exploded outward in a violent spray of shards. The heavy curtains tore from their hooks as he smashed through them. For a heartbeat there

We all gathered in the open field, our bodies painted head to toe in black. The night swallowed us whole, the snow around us a pale mirror to the darkness of our camouflage. Warriors braided their hair back tightly, black lines tracing sharp angles on their skulls. Weapons glinted under the moonlight—curved swords, throwing knives, spiked clubs, and crossbows. Even the smallest among us carried axes hidden along their belts. The air carried the sharp scent of snow and cold metal, heavy with anticipation. Timi’s boots crunched against the frozen ground as he paced before us. His eyes, precise and calculating, scanned each soldier. “Are you all ready?” he asked. “If something is wrong, speak now.” We remained silent, each heartbeat echoing in the quiet. “Very good, then let’s—” He cut off abruptly, a blur of movement at the field’s edge. Ayara came charging toward us, her oversized black cloak billowing, blue braid whipping against the wind. She skidded to a stop in front of Timi, pa

Daniel was completely unconscious by the time the canoe cut through the dark waters and reached the docks of Nhim. His breathing was shallow. Too shallow. The torches along the docks flickered violently in the night wind as warriors rushed forward to secure the boats. The moment the canoe scraped against wood, Timi jumped out. He didn’t wait for assistance. He lifted Daniel onto his back again, gripping his legs firmly and rising in one smooth motion. Daniel’s arm hung limp over Timi’s shoulder, blood dripping steadily from his fingertips onto the dock. “Timi—” I began. “Move,” he ordered. And he ran. Up the stone steps from the docks, across the sleeping streets of Nhim, through towering archways carved with ancient symbols of the kingdom. His speed was restrained now—not the full blur of a hunt—but still fast enough that servants flattened themselves against the walls as he passed. I raced after him, heart pounding. By the time we burst into the palace hall, Danie