The forest of Noctumbra hummed with secrets, its ancient trees swaying under a sky bleeding red. The eclipse was coming, a rare crimson moon that pulsed with power and danger. Elara Veyne knelt before the Veilstone, a glowing crystal nestled in a circle of carved runes. Her hands trembled as she chanted, her voice soft but steady, weaving magic to strengthen the barrier keeping the shadow-born locked away. As a witch of the Crescent Coven, this was her duty, her life. But tonight, something felt wrong.
The air was too thick, too alive, like it was watching her.Her dark hair fell over her shoulders, catching the eerie light as she focused. The Veilstone pulsed, warm under her fingers, but a cold shiver ran down her spine. She froze mid-chant, her green eyes scanning the shadows. Someone was there. Not a sound, not a movement, but a presence, heavy and magnetic, pulling at her like a tide. Her heart raced, her magic sparking in her veins, urging her to run or to stay.From the edge of the clearing, he stepped forward. Kael Draven. His name wasn't spoken, but she knew him, felt him, like a whisper in her bones. A vampire lord, forbidden and dangerous, his silver eyes glinted under the crimson moon. His black coat blended with the shadows, but his pale skin caught the light, almost glowing. He leaned against an oak, casual but predatory, his gaze locking onto hers. Her breath caught, her body betraying her with a flush of heat. He was beautiful, deadly, and everything the Coven warned against.
You shouldn't be here, his voice was low, smooth like velvet over a blade. It sent a thrill through her, her skin tingling as if he'd touched her. Elara stood, her hands clenched, fighting the urge to step closer. And yet, you called to me, she said, her voice bolder than she felt. It wasn't true, not exactly, but something in her had stirred the moment she sensed him. Her magic, usually calm, danced wildly, drawn to him like a moth to flame.He moved closer, silent as a shadow, stopping just close enough for her to feel the coolness of his presence. His eyes traced her face, lingering on her lips, and her pulse thundered. I'm not the one breaking vows, little witch, he said, his hand reaching out, fingers brushing her wrist. The touch was ice and fire, sending a jolt through her. Her magic flared, a soft glow sparking where their skin met, and she gasped, caught in the pull of him. His lips curved, not quite a smile, but enough to make her want more.What do you want? she asked, stepping back, though every part of her screamed to stay.
The Veilstone, he said simply, his voice heavy with need. It's the key to my freedom. Elara's stomach twisted. The Veilstone was sacred, its power the only thing holding back the shadow-born, creatures of nightmare that haunted Noctumbra's edges. To give it up was treason. To trust a vampire was madness. Yet his eyes held her, promising secrets, truths about her magic she'd never dared to seek.Before she could answer, a shout broke the spell. Elara! Mira's voice cut through the night, sharp with worry. Her friend burst into the clearing, her blonde braid swinging, her eyes narrowing at Kael. Get away from her! Mira's hand glowed with protective magic, ready to strike. Kael's gaze flicked to Mira, then back to Elara, a challenge in his eyes.
This isn't over, he said, his voice a promise that curled around her heart. Then he was gone, melting into the shadows like he'd never been there.Elara's knees shook, her wrist still burning from his touch. Mira grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the Coven's sanctuary. What were you thinking? she hissed. He's a vampire, Elara. He'll ruin you. But Elara barely heard her. The crimson moon hung heavy above, and deep inside, a hunger stirred a hunger for Kael, for answers, for something she couldn't name. The Veilstone pulsed behind her, and in its light, she saw his face, calling her back.