The Vampire's werewolf mate

Chapter 5

Face to Face

Lyra POV

The next morning, the peaceful Nightfang Territory was overflowing with guests.

Banners from different packs fluttered proudly in the breeze. The Moonshadows, Frostclaws, Stormfangs, Silvermists, and several smaller allied packs had all arrived.

Across the courtyard stood the vampire clans.

The Dravens.

The Nightshades.

The Blackthorns.

The Morvains.

Seeing vampires inside our territory felt wrong.

Every wolf looked tense.

Every vampire looked equally uncomfortable.

One wrong move, and the hall would become a battlefield.

Father stood from his throne.

"For generations, our people have lived in hatred," he began. "Yet every battle only brings more bloodshed. Our borders grow weaker while enemies beyond our kingdoms grow stronger."

Murmurs spread throughout the hall.

King Viktor rose next.

"The vampire kingdom has also suffered attacks. We believe someone is using our conflict for their own gain."

An elderly werewolf stood immediately.

"Are you accusing us?"

King Viktor's expression didn't change.

"If I wished to accuse you, I would do so directly."

Several wolves growled.

Several vampires smirked.

Wonderful.

The meeting had barely begun, and everyone already wanted to kill each other.

Then Alpha Rowan Stormfang stood.

"If neither kingdom benefits from these attacks... then perhaps someone else does."

Silence filled the hall.

For the first time that morning...

Everyone agreed.

Father nodded thoughtfully.

"Then we will investigate together."

Although judging by everyone's faces...

Nobody actually liked the idea.

Father cleared his throat.

"There is another matter."

My stomach sank.

"Political alliances strengthen kingdoms."

Oh no...

"Prince Darius has expressed interest in courting Princess Lyra."

I nearly choked.

Beside me, Aria's eyes sparkled.

Marcus quietly looked away to hide a smile.

Across the room...

Lucien's expression didn't change.

But I noticed his jaw tighten ever so slightly.

Unfortunately...

I noticed.

King Viktor spoke next.

"Prince Lucien has also received a proposal."

Princess Valeria smiled proudly.

Lucien looked like he'd rather fight another war than continue this conversation.

I almost felt sorry for him.

Almost.

A moment later, our eyes met.

The noise around us faded.

The hall disappeared.

Then the bond stirred again.

Mate.

I quickly looked away.

Absolutely not.

Marcus leaned closer and whispered,

"Remember the plan."

Right.

The plan.

Operation: Pretend Prince Darius is interesting.

---

After the meeting paused for a short break, everyone separated into smaller groups.

Werewolves spoke with werewolves.

Vampires stayed with vampires.

Lucien sat alone near one of the windows.

Trying very hard to look uninterested.

I walked toward Prince Darius.

"Would you like to talk somewhere quieter?" I asked.

He smiled.

"It would be my pleasure."

Together, we left the hall.

---

We walked through the castle corridors, each holding a glass of wine Darius had offered earlier.

"So," he said, "how does it feel to become Luna so soon?"

I sighed.

"It's exhausting."

He laughed.

"You'll get used to it."

I smiled politely.

After a few minutes, I glanced toward the hall.

"We should head back."

"The meeting will start again soon."

He didn't move.

"Let's stay a little longer."

"I'd rather not."

Something about the way he looked at me made my skin crawl.

"I should go."

I turned to leave.

He stepped in front of me.

"Prince Darius..."

"Please move."

He didn't.

Instead, he smiled.

A cold feeling settled in my chest.

My wolf growled.

Every instinct screamed that something was wrong.

I tried to walk around him.

He blocked my path again.

Suddenly, dizziness washed over me.

The wine glass slipped from my fingers and shattered against the floor.

My legs gave out beneath me.

"What..."

My vision blurred.

Before I could react, Darius caught me.

Everything felt heavy.

He carried me into the nearest room.

I recognized it.

My bedroom.

I tried to move.

I couldn't.

Fear gripped my heart.

This wasn't the charming prince everyone believed him to be.

He had been hiding his true nature all along.

My breathing became uneven.

The room slowly faded in and out of focus.

There was no one nearby.

No guards.

No servants.

No one to hear me.

My thoughts raced.

Then...

One face appeared in my mind.

Cold crimson eyes.

The vampire prince I was supposed to hate.

With the last of my strength, I whispered,

"Lucien..."