The beginning
Chapter 1
Dejon’s POV
I walked into a town I thought I would never set foot in again. Beautiful in its own way, yet just as destructive as it was magnificent. The last time I was here, the town was burning and crumbling, and I ran from it without looking back. I never thought it would rise again.
But now, word has reached me — someone is plotting to kill me here.
This was once my town. I was king here once, until Martin, my longtime friend — the vampire I myself had sired — claimed the throne in my absence.
Selfish as it may seem, I am, after all, the great Dejon: the mighty First Vampire, ruthless and wicked beyond measure. The only person I’ve ever truly protected, other than myself, is my sister Lila. Because family is power.
Lila is as ruthless as I am, a wicked strategist who never leaves my side. I love her more deeply than any brother should. We’ve walked this earth for over eight thousand years, each of us siring our own lines.
Now, I must find out who dares to hunt me.
Lurking in the city’s shadows, I compel mortals for information. Over the centuries I have gathered countless enemies. But who among them is foolish enough to come after me, knowing I cannot be killed? Neither I nor Lila can die. Only the vampires we sired are vulnerable.
Our father was a powerful warlock, too protective after our mother was executed by the human king for witchcraft. His spell was meant to shield us, but instead it cursed us — turning us into blood-lusting beasts.
I remember Lila’s first kill. She hesitated, trembling, but the hunger consumed her. When she saw the lifeless body, I watched the sparkle vanish from her eyes. My little Lila was gone forever.
Still, together we learned the truth of our curse — the gifts it gave us, and the ways to protect ourselves. From that day, we made a vow:
Together, forever.
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Mira’s POV
“Miraaaa!” My mother’s voice echoed through the house, sharp with urgency.
“Yes, Mum!” I called, rushing down the stairs.
She stood with the pack elders, her expression uneasy. That nervous look instantly made me tense.
“Mira,” she began, her tone heavy, “me and the elders have something important to discuss with you.”
My stomach twisted. “What is it, Mum?”
She drew in a deep breath. “Mira, baby, you know I love you. And everyone in this pack loves you too.”
The elders’ eyes bored into me, and I nodded slowly, though confusion built with every second.
“Ever since your father died,” my dad’s beta, Todd, said, “we’ve been without an alpha. He left no male heir, and our pack grows more vulnerable to attack each day.”
“Then let me lead!” I blurted. “I am strong, I am smart, and alpha blood runs in my veins!”
Elder Brad shook his head. “We know your worth, Mira. But… you are a girl.”
I stiffened. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
“Not to undermine you,” Todd said carefully, “but since the beginning of time, no woman has ever been alpha.”
“Then let me be the first! Mum, tell them we can change that!”
“Oh, honey…” my mother whispered, her face etched with sadness.
Todd pressed on. “If we did that, the other packs would see us as weak. Witches and vampires in Mystic Rise would sense blood in the water. With a female alpha, they’d strike — and we could not withstand them all.”
Fury boiled in my chest. “Then what do you suggest?!” I snapped.
Todd’s answer made my blood run cold. “We’ve spoken with the Alpha of Moonlight Pack. You are to marry his only son. Our packs will merge — and we will survive.”
I froze. “What? You were planning to sell me off behind my back? Mum… were you aware of this?”
My mother’s guilty eyes gave me all the answer I needed. Betrayal seared through me. Tears burned behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
