The night after the vampire king's departure was thick with unease. A cold wind brushed through the ridge, unsettling the howls that usually echoed from the outer parts of the forest. The pack went about their duties with practiced discipline, but uneasiness clung to them like the scent of blood.
Inside the Alpha's private chamber, the fire blazed, sending flickers of gold across stone walls and casting long, grim shadows over the figures gathered within.
Alpha Moonvale stood at the center of his chamber, one hand gripping the mantle as if anchoring himself. His face was unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders spoke volumes.
Calista lounged lazily on a plush seat, her pretty curly hair falling in waves over her ceremonial robe. Despite the joy and celebrations of her soon-to-be union with the Vampire King, her lips twisted in disdain.
Eric, the Beta's son , stood to the Beta's right, arms crossed, his gaze pinned to the fire.
The Luna sat on a chair, rolling her eyes from one angle to another.
"So," Calista began, swirling a glass of dark wine. "It's decided. Zoey will follow me to the Vampire's Court. The King gets his bride. We get what we want."
Alpha Moonvale said nothing at first. Then slowly, he turned, the firelight catching the sharp edge of his cheekbone.
"Not everything is as it seems."
The Beta raised a brow. "You're referring to Adrien or the girl?"
"Both."
Calista scoffed. "That vampire freak didn't even take a glance at me. He studied everything except me. Also, we don't know how loyal that maid is going to be."
"She's different," Eric murmured. "That's exactly why we'll keep her brother as a warrior until you succeed. She'll do anything to protect that Ryan of a boy."
Calista rolled her eyes. "I honestly don't like her. My father should've had her killed the day she turned."
"Enough," Alpha Moonvale growled. "This union with the vampires is necessary. We don't question the sacrifice."
"But what if he doesn't stop at just marrying me? What if he claims my soul too? I heard he kills girls he's not satisfied with?"
"If you notice he's not satisfied, call I'm Zoey immediately. He'll drain her blood. Don't forget I'm your mated and not him!" Eric said, his tone cold and precise.
Silence fell.
The fire popped and cracked.
Calista looked between them, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then she smiled.
"We're all in agreement, then. She goes to the Vampire Court... but she doesn't come back."
"Exactly," the Luna said. "The pack won't notice one lowly maid gone missing."
"And the Vampire's strong senses?" Eric asked. "If he suspects—"
"We'll handle him when the time comes."
Calista leaned forward, her voice gleaming with venom. "He may be a king, but even kings can be manipulated."
The Alpha frowned. "You're playing with a beast who doesn't play fair."
"Neither do I," she replied smoothly.
Alpha Moonvale turned back to the fire. "We'll send word to the contacts at the border. Once they cross into vampire territory, we'll have men in place. To ensure smooth entry "
Eric gave a sharp nod. "Understood."
Calista stood, walking to the window. Beyond the high stone walls, the forest was dark and endless. She pressed her fingers to the glass.
Elsewhere in the compound, Zoey sat on the edge of her cot, twisting the silver chain around her wrist. Her fingers were numb. Her thoughts scattered.
The memory of Adrien's voice echoed in her mind, unsettling her. His gaze had felt like it reached inside her—probing, searching for something she didn't understand.
The maid quarters were quiet now. Most of the girls had returned to their beds, too exhausted to do anything but sleep. But Zoey couldn't rest.
She felt uneasy.
Her instincts didn't sit right.
Back in the Alpha's chamber, they continued to plan.
As the hours passed, the cold outside turned to frost.
Zoey stared at her reflection in the cracked mirror.
Bloodlines lie more than kings.
Adrien's words haunted her. What did he see in her that no one else did? What truth waited beneath her skin?
Whatever it was, it had just become a death sentence.
An
d somehow, she needed to survive it.