Chapter 2: Blood Ties

Evangeline’s heart pounded as she grasped Lucian’s outstretched hand. His grip was strong, grounding her in a reality that felt more like a nightmare. The moment their fingers intertwined, he pulled her forward, guiding her swiftly through the winding alleyways of the city. The air was thick with the scent of rain and something else—something metallic, like blood.

"We can’t stay here," Lucian murmured, his voice low but urgent. "They’ll send more."

"Who are they?" Evangeline demanded, her breath coming in shallow gasps. "And why did he call me ‘princess’?"

Lucian hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering. "Because that’s what you are."

The words sent a shiver down her spine. "That’s impossible. My father—he’s just a businessman. My mother—"

"Your mother was no ordinary woman," Lucian interrupted. "She was vampire royalty. And that makes you their greatest threat."

Evangeline felt the weight of his words settle over her like a suffocating blanket. Her mind raced, trying to piece together a truth that had been hidden from her for so long. She wanted to deny it, to push away the impossible revelation, but deep down, something inside her stirred—an instinct she had long ignored.

The sound of approaching footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. Lucian tensed. "They found us."

Before she could react, Lucian pulled her into the shadow of a nearby building, pressing her back against the cold brick wall. His body was a barrier between her and whatever danger lurked just beyond the alley’s entrance.

A group of figures emerged from the darkness, their crimson eyes glowing like embers. Their leader, a woman with long, raven-black hair, stepped forward. She smirked, revealing sharp fangs. "So, the little dhampir finally awakens."

Lucian’s muscles coiled, ready for battle. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his voice a growl.

But Evangeline wasn’t sure she could. The hunger that had begun stirring inside her earlier now clawed at her insides, demanding release. Her vision sharpened, her senses expanding beyond anything she had ever known. And as the woman lunged, fangs bared, Evangeline realized one thing with terrifying certainty.

She wasn’t powerless anymore.

A rush of energy surged through her veins. Before she knew it, her body moved on instinct. She ducked beneath the attack, her movements faster than she had ever imagined possible. A primal growl escaped her lips as she twisted, landing a solid kick against the vampire’s side. The woman snarled, staggering back but regaining her footing with eerie grace.

Lucian glanced at her, surprise flashing in his crimson eyes. "You’re adapting faster than I expected."

Evangeline barely had time to process his words before another vampire charged at her. Her body reacted again, her senses heightened to an unnatural level. She sidestepped, her hand instinctively shooting out, claws extending from her fingertips. The moment her nails raked across the attacker’s flesh, a searing pain ignited in her chest.

She gasped, stumbling backward. The vampire sneered, licking the blood from his wound. "Your transformation isn’t complete," he taunted. "You’re still weak."

Rage flared inside her. Weak? No. She refused to be weak.

Lucian struck, his speed a blur, slamming the vampire against the alley wall with bone-crushing force. "You underestimate her," he hissed, his fangs elongating. "And that will be your downfall."

The raven-haired woman chuckled darkly. "She’s not ready yet, but she will be. And when she is, the entire vampire world will either bow to her… or burn." With a sharp whistle, she signaled the others. In an instant, the vampires disappeared into the night, leaving only their ominous words behind.

Evangeline stood there, her breath ragged, her body thrumming with unfamiliar power. She turned to Lucian. "What happens now?"

He wiped the blood from his knuckles and met her gaze with unwavering intensity. "Now, we prepare you for what’s coming. Because this is only the beginning."

Lucian took her hand again, his grip reassuring yet firm. "There’s someone you need to meet," he said. "Someone who can help you control your awakening."

"Who?" Evangeline asked, still shaken by the encounter.

"An elder," he answered. "One of the last who knew your mother. He’ll have answers. But getting to him won’t be easy."

Evangeline swallowed hard, knowing there was no turning back. "Then let’s go."

With one last glance at the empty alley, they disappeared into the night, the city stretching before them like an uncertain battlefield.

As they navigated the maze of dimly lit streets, Evangeline’s mind raced with questions. "Where is this elder?"

Lucian cast her a sideways glance. "He lives in the Old District, where the human and vampire worlds blur. He’s well-guarded, and he won’t see just anyone."

"Then how do we get to him?"

Lucian smirked. "By proving you’re worth his time."

Before Evangeline could ask what that meant, a shadow moved ahead of them. A lone figure stepped into their path, his golden eyes gleaming with eerie amusement.

"Well, well," the man drawled. "The lost princess and her knight. This should be interesting."

Lucian stiffened. "Dorian."

Evangeline could feel the tension between them. Whoever this newcomer was, he wasn’t a friend. And judging by Lucian’s reaction, meeting the elder would be far from the hardest challenge ahead.

Dorian took a slow step forward, the moonlight illuminating his sharp features. "The elder won’t be pleased that you’ve brought her unprepared," he said, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You know how he feels about surprises."

Lucian exhaled sharply. "She has a right to the truth. We don’t have time for the elder’s games."

Dorian smirked, crossing his arms. "Oh, but everything is a game to him. The question is—are you ready to play?"

Evangeline squared her shoulders, forcing down the uncertainty bubbling inside her. "If he has answers, then I’ll do whatever it takes."

Dorian studied her for a moment before nodding. "Brave words, princess. Let’s see if you can back them up."

He turned on his heel, motioning for them to follow. Lucian hesitated before gripping Evangeline’s wrist, his voice low. "Be careful. Dorian isn’t someone you trust easily."

Evangeline met his gaze. "Neither are you. But I’m still here."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Lucian’s face before he released her. Together, they followed Dorian into the shadows, the path ahead uncertain, but inevitable.

The night stretched before them, and with every step Evangeline took, she felt the weight of her fate pressing down. Whatever awaited her beyond the darkness, she knew one thing for certain—her life would never be the same again.