The figure at the entrance was tall, shrouded in a cloak that seemed to blend with the shadows, their eyes burning red as they locked onto mine. A chilling smile spread across their lips, revealing sharp fangs that gleamed in the dim light.
Fear gripped me, but I swallowed it down, gripping the silver blade hidden beneath my robe. I couldn’t let the terror show. Not now. Not with Kieran at my side, and the pack counting on me.
Kieran growled low in his throat, his muscles tensing as he prepared to shift. His wolf was at the surface, ready to tear apart anyone who dared threaten me.
The vampire stepped forward, his voice like silk over glass. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment, Princess Aylin. Do you know how much blood has been spilled for your sake?”
The weight of his w
