Chapter 1

The scenery outside the car window shifted from Boston's bustling streets to desolate wilderness. I slumped back in my seat, watching the human city fade into the distance, my palms clammy with nervous sweat.

"Miss Thorne, we'll reach Silver Hollow in about twenty minutes," the driver said, catching my eye in the rearview mirror. "You holding up okay?"

"I'm fine," I managed a weak smile.

What a joke. I was basically a "peace offering" from the human government to the vampires. Who the hell would be okay with that?

Three days ago, some government suit had shown up at my door. They fed me this line about the "Moonlight Accord" requiring a pureblood human to serve as a "Friendship Ambassador"—living with vampire nobility to promote peace between our species.

It sounded diplomatic enough, but I knew what it really was: a hostage situation with fancy wrapping.

I didn't have a choice. In this world of genetic enhancement, being pureblood human was basically a death sentence. Your options were limited to becoming a lab experiment or a political pawn—and here I was, living proof.

At least vampire nobility would keep me comfortable... until they decided I'd outlived my usefulness.

The car wound through dense forest, passing beneath towering iron gates until a Gothic manor materialized from the shadows.

I took a shaky breath and stepped out.

The manor's massive doors swung open, revealing an elegant couple. The male vampire was tall and striking, with emerald eyes that seemed to hold centuries of secrets, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit. His companion was breathtakingly beautiful—silver-white hair cascading like moonlight, ice-blue eyes that held surprising warmth.

"Welcome to Ashford Manor, Elara," the female vampire said, her smile genuine as she extended a graceful hand. "I'm Lillian Ashford, and this is my husband, Draven."

I blinked in surprise but accepted her handshake.

"You must be exhausted," Lillian continued, guiding me inside. "I've had dinner prepared—all human cuisine. Do you enjoy Italian food?"

I was completely thrown off balance. This wasn't remotely what I'd expected. Shouldn't they be dragging me to some dungeon or going straight for my jugular? Why was she asking about my food preferences?

"I... I'm not picky," I stammered.

Draven's voice rumbled behind us, rich and commanding. "Elara, you are an honored guest in our home. Please, make yourself comfortable."

Home? I bit back a bitter laugh. I'd never really had one of those.

We passed through an opulent hall into a dining room that looked like something from a magazine spread. Prime rib, fresh pasta, lobster bisque... and sitting at the center, my absolute weakness—tiramisu.

"This is... all for me?"

"Of course," Lillian said, pulling out an ornate chair. "You're pureblood human. Those awful nutrient bars would be insulting."

How could she possibly know I survived on those things?

Before I could ask, footsteps echoed from the grand staircase.

A young vampire descended with fluid grace. Silver-gray hair caught the chandelier light, and deep blue eyes surveyed me with arctic coldness. Despite his casual black shirt and slacks, he was devastatingly handsome—and clearly wanted nothing to do with me.

"Cassian, come meet your new sister," Draven called.

Sister?

Cassian approached with predatory elegance, looking down at me from his considerable height. When he spoke, his voice could have frozen hell over. "Stay away from me."

He turned on his heel and stalked out.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.

"I apologize for that, Elara," Lillian sighed. "Cassian... has difficulty with new situations."

"It's fine," I said quietly, though relief flooded through me. At least one vampire was acting like I'd expected. The couple's kindness only made me more paranoid.

Dinner passed in uncomfortable silence. Afterward, Lillian led me to a second-floor bedroom that belonged in a fairy tale. Rose-colored velvet curtains, an elaborate canopy bed, and an entire wall lined with art supplies and blank canvases.

"I heard you were studying art," Lillian said warmly. "I hope these will suffice."

How did she know about my major?

"Lady Lillian—"

"Just Lillian, dear," she interrupted gently. "Or... you could call me Mom, if you'd like." She brushed a strand of hair from my face. "Sweet dreams, darling."

After she left, I leaned against the door, my head spinning. What the hell was happening here?

A soft knock interrupted my spiraling thoughts.

I opened the door to find a petite vampire with golden hair and cornflower-blue eyes. She wore a white nightgown and had the kind of sweet smile that belonged on greeting cards.

"Hi! I'm Seraphina, the Ashfords' adopted daughter," she chirped, stepping inside and crushing me in an enthusiastic hug. "Welcome home! I've been so excited to meet you!"

Her embrace was surprisingly strong—vampire strength, I reminded myself.

"Thank you..."

Seraphina released me and surveyed the room with apparent delight. "This is gorgeous! Mother and Father must have spent ages planning it."

Her tone was perfectly cheerful, but something flickered in her eyes.

"Seraphina, can I ask you something?"

"Absolutely!"

"Is this family... always so welcoming?"

Seraphina's expression shifted instantly. She glided to the door, closed it softly, and turned back with serious eyes.

"Elara, you need to be very careful," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "This family isn't what they seem."

Ice shot through my veins. "What do you mean?"

"Draven and Lillian appear gentle, but they're Council Lords. They've spilled more blood than you can imagine," she said, gripping my hands with surprising intensity. "And Cassian is the most dangerous of all. He's brilliant—a medical prodigy—but he's also..."

Footsteps echoed in the hallway.

Seraphina's demeanor flipped like a switch, her voice bright and cheerful again. "Anyway, Elara, get some rest! I'll show you around the academy tomorrow!"

She practically bounced out the door.

I stood frozen, my mind reeling. Was Seraphina trying to help me? Or was this some kind of twisted game?

I locked the door and collapsed onto the impossibly soft bed, but sleep was out of the question.

At 2 AM, I was still staring at the ceiling when soft footsteps drifted through the hallway. Light as whispers, but unmistakable in the dead silence.

They stopped directly outside my door.

I held my breath, watching the shadow beneath the door frame. Someone was standing there, motionless. The seconds stretched into minutes.

My heart hammered against my ribs. I clutched the silk comforter, ready to scream if the door so much as rattled.

But whoever it was never tried to enter.

After what felt like hours, I heard the softest sigh and a barely audible whisper.

"Don't be afraid... I'll protect you."

The footsteps retreated.

I bolted upright, rushed to the door, and peered through the peephole. At the far end of the corridor, a tall figure disappeared around the corner. Silver-gray hair gleamed like mercury in the moonlight.

Cassian.

He said he'd protect me?

But he'd been so hostile earlier.

I pressed my back against the door, completely lost. Seraphina claimed this family was dangerous. But Cassian promised protection.

Who was telling the truth?

What secrets lurked within Ashford Manor's elegant walls?

I touched my racing heart and kept my eyes open in the darkness. It seemed this "ambassador" position was infinitely more complicated than anyone had let on.