The dhampir

the sound of distant laughter mixed with the hum of passing cars. Yet, within the walls of a gr

nd herself staring into the mirror, searching for an answer that never came. Her father, a cold and distant businessman, dismissed her questio

sharpened-the ticking of the antique clock in the hallway rang in her ears, and she could hear the rustling of leaves outside

re stood in the courtyard, his presence sending a jolt through her body. He was tall, imposing, and undeniably b

en, he

ront of her. Evangeline gasped, her

ed, his voice smooth as velve

stead, she could only stare, captivated by the stranger

nature was revealed

shallow gasps. "Who are you?" she w

who has been watching over you from the shadows," he said. "My name is

hat are you talking about?" Her voice wavered, c

lways has. Because you are not just human. You are dhampir-born of both

ord felt foreign yet eerily familiar, as though it had been buri

hrough her, sending a shiver down her spine. "Your body knows the truth, even if your mind resist

about herself, her family-her very existence-was crumbling around her. And yet, deep inside, she fe

as only jus

y, her pulse quickening. She could hear the distant shouts of the household st

ome for you," he said, his voice now edg

, Lucian wrapped an arm around her waist. In the next instant

her throat, her mind struggling to grasp what was happening. One moment she had been standing on

leased her. "Where-where are we?

ered toward the street beyond the alley. "But they won't

ed hard. "W

nswering. "Vampires who f

an cold. "And what e

pping to a whisper. "Something powerful.

trance caught Lucian's attention. He moved faster than she could follow, pre

mured, his breath wa

lley, slow and deliberate. A figure emerged from the shadows, cloa

her tightened.

d time to react befo

th erupted in front of her as she pressed herself against the wall, watching in stunned silenc

unlike anything she had ever felt. Her vision sharpened, the darkness peeling away to reveal every detail-Lucian's swi

g onto her. A cruel smile twisted their lips.

breath caug

k a final, brutal blow, sending the vampire crashi

is expression unreadabl

for his outstretched hand. Whatever was happening to he