Franza.
The city of prestige. Of peace. Of silent wars beneath perfect smiles.
It was here that the sons and daughters of the elite came to study—not just the wealthy, but the powerful. Vampires, Lycans, witches, humans... all under one roof, all under a single, unshakable law: No conflict shall arise in Franza.
And into this city of tension disguised as harmony came a young woman whose very existence could shatter that fragile peace.
Vienna Carello.
Doctor. Sorceress. Heir of the ancient Carello bloodline—one of the most feared and respected names in the magical world.
But she wasn't here to make waves.
She came to study.
---
Vienna stepped out of the cab and into her new life with one suitcase and a heavy heart. The University of Franza stood tall in the distance, but for now, she focused on finding an apartment. It didn't take long—she chose a sleek, fully furnished studio just fifteen minutes from campus.
After unpacking her books and potions, she set off to explore her new neighborhood. With a subtle wave of her fingers, her sorceress senses awakened.
Thirty neighbors. Twenty-seven humans. Two vampires. One Lycan.
She narrowed her eyes.
Not uncommon in Franza. Still, she made a mental note of them. In her world, caution was survival.
---
Later that afternoon, after a long grocery run, she pulled into the driveway—just in time to nearly bump into her vampire neighbors.
Great.
As expected, they were heartbreakingly handsome—classic vampire traits: tall, pale, and perfect. One had a commanding presence, dark hair slicked back, his cold green eyes watching her with unreadable intensity. The other, slightly shorter, wore a grin that could disarm most women in seconds.
Vienna didn't stop. She walked right past them, pretending not to notice.
Until—
"Hey there!" the shorter one called, voice like melted sugar. "New neighbor, huh? I'm Arron, and this tall brooding statue is Valus."
Vienna turned slowly, polite smile in place. "Vienna. Nice to meet you."
Valus didn't speak. He only watched her with eyes that burned like emerald fire.
"Enjoy your stay, Miss Beautiful," Arron added with a wink.
She forced a polite nod and hurried toward her door. Only when she was safely inside did she let out a breath.
What was that feeling? That tension in the air?
She was a trained sorceress—top of her class, descendant of the Monarch line. And yet, under Valus's gaze, she felt like prey.
She clutched her chest. Stay away, Vienna. Just graduate and get out of here.
---
Outside, Arron was still dazed. "That's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Like an angel. I think I just fell in love."
Valus was still staring at the door Vienna disappeared through.
"She's not just a beautiful woman," he murmured.
Arron blinked. "What?"
"She has the sigil. Left wrist. She's not human. She's Carello."
Arron nearly choked. "You mean—that Carello? From the Monarch line?!"
Valus gave a slow, grim nod.
"Damn it! I was hoping to date someone from a high-class human family, not fall for a forbidden elite!" Arron groaned, dramatically pressing a hand to his chest. "Why do I even try?!"
Valus rolled his eyes and headed for the car.
"Let's go. We're here to study, not to flirt."
"Oh please! Easy for you to say—you're already arranged to marry some princess back home. Meanwhile, I'm out here suffering!"
Valus smirked, then casually stepped on Arron's foot.
"OW! You sadistic—!"
"You're lucky it wasn't your mouth I stepped on," Valus said coolly. "Get in."
They drove off, heading toward the university.
---
First day of class.
Vienna walked through the university gates wearing a simple cream blouse and fitted trousers, but heads still turned as if she wore a crown.
Whispers followed her like a shadow.
"Is she a model?"
"New student? What department?"
"She's too pretty to be real..."
Vienna kept her head down and walked faster. She wasn't here to be admired. She was here to study.
Her class was small—only twenty students, all humans, which helped her relax... until the door opened, and a tall figure strode in with slow, confident steps.
Valus.
He sat behind her without a word.
Vienna's shoulders stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.
Why is he here?
But she didn't look back. Not once. Not even when she could feel his eyes on her.
---
At lunch, she made her way to the cafeteria and ordered black coffee with a side of gingerbread. She sat down at a corner table, pulling out her laptop.
"Mind if I sit?" a deep, masculine voice asked.
Vienna looked up—and nearly gasped.
The man was stunning. Tanned skin, sharp jawline, charming smile that could melt glaciers.
"I'm Jacob," he said, already sliding into the chair beside her. "And you are?"
"Vienna."
Their eyes locked.
Her senses flared.
Lycan.
She smiled politely and looked back at her screen. "Nice to meet you."
---
Across the cafeteria, Valus was watching.
Staring.
Brooding.
Arron followed his gaze and groaned. "Oh no. Don't tell me you're jealous."
Valus didn't respond.
"That's Jacob Landon," Arron added. "Big name in the Lycan clan. Spoiled, flirty, cocky. You know the type."
Valus's jaw clenched.
"I don't like him."
"Well, you're not her bodyguard. Don't get involved."
Valus didn't answer.
But something about the way that Lycan smiled at Vienna made something dangerous stir inside him.
Something ancient.
Something possessive.
---
Vienna, oblivious to the tension across the room, sipped her coffee and tapped on her keyboard.
But deep down, she knew something had changed.
That stare… that presence behind her in class…
Valus.
And now, Jacob.
Two powerful men, from rival clans. Both drawn to her for reasons even she didn't understand.
But one thing was certain—
Her peaceful life in Franza?
Over.