Selena asked her parents for permission to go out on a hunt.
"I've noticed you've been going out more often lately," King Armand said sharply. "You even ran off without your butler. How many times have I warned you, Selena? Someone is hunting you. Going out alone is dangerous. Just the other day, your butler reported that you locked him in your room. Enough of this! You're staying here. You're not going anywhere."
"Just listen to your father, Selena," Queen Aurelia added gently. "It's for your own safety. If you really must go out, at least take your butler with you for protection."
"But—"
"No buts," King Armand interrupted firmly. "No means no. Now go back to your room."
Selena stormed out of the living room, her frustration boiling over. She slammed the door behind her, ignoring her father's commands. As she reached the front door, ready to leave the house, her cousin suddenly appeared, stepping into her path.
"Hello, cousin. Where do you think you're going?" her cousin asked with a sarcastic voice.
"It's none of your business," Selena mumbled, trying to walk past her.
"Going for a little visit with your vampire slayer, are we?"
Selena stopped in her tracks, then turned around, walking toward her cousin.
"You're accusing the wrong person," Selena said firmly.
"Am I?" her cousin replied, raising a brow. "You might be able to fool your parents, but not me, Selena." She leaned in slightly, her voice lower. "Not me," she repeated, lips tightening around the words for emphasis.
"You don't have any proof, so stop acting like you know something," Selena said as she tried to walk away.
"Drake Nightwalker… isn't it?" her cousin said with a wicked smile.
Selena stopped and turned, anger flaring in her eyes. "What do you want?"
"Oh, nothing. For now," her cousin replied slowly. "Just a word of advice—be careful, cousin."
Selena returned the smile, raising a brow. "Here's some advice for you too—never make me your enemy. Or you'll regret it, cousin."
"Oooh, so scary," her cousin teased, chuckling as Selena walked away.
Selena left her cousin standing at the front door as she walked away, while Cassandra stepped inside the house. The two had never gotten along—not since they were children. Their relationship was a constant cycle of painful words and the occasional physical fight, often ending in hair-pulling whenever one started to lose an argument. The strained relationship between Selena's family and Cassandra's family stemmed from disputes over the throne. Despite this, Selena's parents held a deep affection for Cassandra, treating her as if she were their own daughter. Like Selena, Cassandra was also an only child.
Selena's father, King Armand, is the eldest child in his family and the rightful heir to the throne. His position brought him constant attention and praise from their parents, as he was the chosen one to carry on the Feral Bloodline. Lavinia Gale, Cassandra's mother and Armand's younger sister, had always felt overshadowed by him. No matter what she achieved—power, influence, or even earning her fangs—her efforts were neglected. Their parents remained focused on Armand, ignoring her accomplishments.
To make matters worse, Lavinia was forced into a loveless marriage with a man she barely knew, all for political gain and wealth. The bitterness she held grew over time, and that resentment was passed down. Lavinia poisoned Cassandra's mind with twisted tales about Selena and her family, shaping her into a rival from childhood.
Selena had always wished she and Cassandra could be like sisters—especially since neither of them had one. But Cassandra's constant hostility made that impossible. Selena couldn't just stand by and let her cousin mistreat or manipulate her. Still, something gnawed at her. How had Cassandra found out about her secret visits to Drake's house?
She hadn't told anyone. And every time she left the forest, she was careful—making sure no one saw her.
Maybe… Cassandra's been following me, she thought uneasily.
Shaking the thought from her mind, Selena pressed on, determined to reach Drake's house.