Chapter 2

"Who are you?" Serena hissed, her fangs elongating.

The silver-haired man didn't even glance at her. His golden eyes remained fixed on me, sharp and assessing.

"Interesting," he murmured again. "The little princess who vanished three years ago. Found playing house with vampires."

My heart pounded.

He knew.

"You must be mistaken." I kept my voice flat. "I'm just a human."

"Are you?" His smile widened. "Then why does my wolf recognize yours?"

Before I could respond, Serena stepped between us, her voice dripping with venom.

"I don't know who you are, mutt, but you're trespassing on Vampire King territory. Leave before I have the guards tear you apart."

The man's eyes finally shifted to her.

The temperature dropped ten degrees.

"Mutt?" He chuckled—a low, dangerous sound. "Little vampire, do you know who you're speaking to?"

"I don't care if you're—"

"I am Kael Silverbourne. Beta Commander of the Lycan Emperor's army." His voice turned to ice. "And you just put your hands on someone very... precious to our Empire."

Serena's face went pale.

Even she knew the name Silverbourne. The Lycan Emperor's most ruthless warriors. The wolves who had slaughtered entire vampire clans in the last war.

"I—I didn't know—"

"Clearly." Kael's gaze swept over her with disgust. "Run back to your king, bloodsucker. Tell him Commander Silverbourne sends his regards."

Serena fled without another word.

The moment she disappeared, Kael turned back to me. His expression softened—but only slightly.

"Your Highness. Your father has been searching for you for three years."

"Don't call me that."

"Would you prefer 'princess'? Or perhaps 'the Lycan Emperor's only heir'?"

I closed my eyes. "I gave up that title when I left."

"Titles cannot be given up. Only reclaimed." He stepped closer, his voice dropping. "Your father never stopped looking. When we heard rumors of a human woman married to the Vampire King... he refused to believe it. But I had my suspicions."

"It doesn't matter now. I'm leaving."

"Where will you go?"

I hesitated.

Kael's eyes dropped to my stomach. "You carry the Vampire King's child. Do you think he'll let you disappear? Do you think his mother will allow a potential heir to roam free?"

The truth of his words hit me like a blow.

Queen Celeste hated me. But she would never let a Blackwood bloodline slip through her fingers—even a half-human one.

"Come home, Your Highness." Kael extended his hand. "Let your father protect you. Let him protect his grandchild."

I stared at his hand.

Three years ago, I had chosen love over duty. I had believed Damien when he promised forever.

Now forever had lasted exactly until a pureblood vampire decided she wanted my husband.

"Fine." I took his hand. "But I'm not going back as a lost princess. I'm going back as Elena Volkov. Heir to the Lycan Throne."

Kael's smile turned fierce. "Your father will be pleased."

We left within the hour.

As our convoy crossed the border into Lycan territory, I allowed myself one final look back at the Vampire Kingdom.

Somewhere in that castle, Damien was celebrating his engagement to Serena.

He had no idea that the "weak human" he'd discarded was carrying his child.

He had no idea that the woman he'd deemed "unworthy" was the most powerful wolf bloodline in existence.

And he had no idea that by throwing me away—

He had just made the greatest enemy of his life.

"Damien," I thought coldly, "I hope you enjoy your perfect vampire bride."

"Because the next time we meet, I will be the Lycan Empress."

"And you will kneel."