Preface

NORTHERN SPAIN

The cold night wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the distant echo of my pack's howls. 437 years… Centuries had passed since my transformation, and since then, I hadn't felt the warmth of my mate. At first, the wait hadn't seemed endless. But over the years, with each full moon that passed without finding her, with each dawn that rose without her presence by my side, hopelessness began to settle in my chest like a shadow that slowly suffocated me.

I stood in the gardens of my mansion, located in a remote area of northern Spain. It was a large property, surrounded by thick forests and hills that protected the pack's territory. From here, the city lights were barely visible on the horizon, reminding me how far away I was from humans… and yet, how close I was to giving up.

—What if we go out and look for her?— The deep voice of Brath, my wolf, echoed in my mind.

I clenched my jaw, my gaze fixed on the moon.

—We'd have to leave the pack alone, and it's weak now. You know that.

—I know, but if we find her, it'll all be worth it." His tone was firm, convinced. "They'll have their Luna, and you'll have your mate. The pack will be strong again.

I sighed, rubbing my temple in frustration. My pack needed stability, and I… I needed my mate more than ever. Without a Luna, an Alpha wears down over time. I'd been feeling it in my own body. Even though I kept up my daily training, my strength wasn't the same anymore. The connection to my pack kept me grounded, but the emptiness in my soul only grew.

—I suppose you're right— I muttered.

I stood up and headed toward the mansion. I needed to talk to Zack. If I was going to leave the pack, even for a while, I had to make sure everything was in order.

Zack walked into my office just a few minutes after I summoned him. He was my beta, my right-hand man, the only one I trusted completely. His dark blond hair fell in disarray over his forehead, and his expression was that of someone who already knew what I was going to say.

—What's it about?— he asked, crossing his arms.

—I'm going out to find my mate.

There was a silence. Zack didn't seem surprised, but his gaze hardened.

—There are many benefits if you find her, but...— He placed both hands on the desk and looked at me seriously. —What if I don't?

That thought hit me hard. My throat closed, and anguish I didn't want to admit coiled in my chest.

—I don't want to think about it—, I murmured, my voice breaking.

—You have to do it.

Zack held my gaze, and I felt the pressure of duty fall upon my shoulders. If I failed, the pack would continue to sink with me.

—Fine. Tell me what you propose.

—If you don't find her in a year and a half, you'll name Marissa Luna.

My reaction was immediate. I tensed, my eyes flashed with fury, and a threatening growl escaped my throat.

—Don't even think about it.

—Listen to me, damn it!— Zack slammed his jaw on the desk. "If you don't find her, the pack will follow you down. With a Luna, even if she's not your mate, at least we'll maintain stability."

—I'm not going to tie myself to someone I don't love.

—I'm not asking you to love her, Lucas. Just to think about your pack.

Zack's words pierced me like a dagger in the chest.

—She's right.— Brath's voice echoed in my mind. —It's the only way they'll let us leave without ensuring the fall of the pack.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment.

—Fine— I agreed, feeling defeated. "But no one must know about this deal."

Zack nodded.

—I understand.

My mind was made up. I would leave on April 1st.

(...)

NORTHERN EUROPE

Deep in the mountains of Northern Europe, in a region hidden from human maps, stood an imposing fortress. An ancient castle, built of dark stone, with towers that rose like claws tearing at the sky.

Within those walls, horror reigned in every corridor.

—Hurry, stupid, I'm hungry!— a cruel voice roared.

A sixteen-year-old girl ran through the cold corridors, holding a silver tray with five cups of blood. Tears didn't roll down her cheeks because she wasn't allowed to cry.

—I'm coming, Father...— she whispered, trying not to let her voice tremble. From rage or fear, whatever the reason. She couldn't allow it to falter.

As they reached the great hall, the air grew even heavier. Four figures sat at the long, dark wooden table, their gazes hungry and cruel. Vampires. Immortal beings who fed on the suffering of others.

The young woman handed over the cups, her head bowed. She mustn't look them in the eye. She mustn't speak more than necessary.

—I'm leaving...— she murmured, taking a step back.

But before she could move away, a cold, cruel hand grabbed her arm.

—Your blood...— King Henry Grayson smiled, baring his fangs. —This deer blood doesn't satisfy me.

The young woman's eyes filled with terror. She tried to stand firm, tried to fight, but something inside her stirred violently every time she even thought of hurting him, and it enraged her.

—No... please...

—I didn't ask you.

And before she could react, he pulled her tightly and sank his fangs into her neck.

Pain pierced her like a knife. Tears of helplessness streamed down her face.

—Father, let her go!— a female voice interrupted the act.

The dark-haired vampire sitting next to her banged the table angrily.

—You're going to kill her.

The vampire stepped back, licking his lips. The young woman fell to the floor, trembling.

—If it weren't for you, child... I'd take more than her blood.

The young woman felt her stomach churn. She knew what he meant.

—I won't allow it.— The other woman stood in front of her. —I'd rather see her dead.

The young woman tried to cling to her protector, but her vision blurred, and she fainted.