Chapter 2 The Prince Of Shadows

The flames of Silverpine still danced behind Luca Blackthorn's eyes long after the battle had ended.He stood at the edge of the burnt forest, the night wind tugging at his black cloak, the metallic scent of blood lingering in the air. Around him, his soldiers celebrated victory fangs gleaming, laughter sharp as broken glass. But Luca felt nothing.Victory? No. It was slaughter.

And it sickened him.

"You've done well, my prince," said Commander Vale, bowing low. "The werewolves will think twice before crossing us again."

Luca didn't answer. His gaze drifted toward the horizon, where smoke still curled like dying ghosts. He could still see her that girl with silver eyes and a blade that shimmered like moonlight. She had fought like a storm, fierce and unyielding.

A werewolf princess. Brave. Beautiful. Deadly.

"Prince Luca," Vale continued, his voice hesitant now, "the King expects your report before dawn."Luca turned away. "Tell my father the war is over."

"But-" "I said it's over." His voice dropped, cold as frost. "No more blood tonight."The commander bowed again and retreated, leaving the prince alone beneath the red moon.Luca sank to his knees, pressing a hand to the black earth. He could feel it the pulse of something old beneath the ground, restless, awakening. The war wasn't ending. It was beginning.A rustle behind him. "You're disobeying your father again," said a soft, mocking voice.Luca didn't turn. "You shouldn't sneak up on vampires, Cassia."Cassia his cousin and closest ally stepped out of the shadows, her long coat brushing the dirt. "You looked lost. Brooding suits you, cousin. Almost like you care.He gave her a faint smirk. "Maybe I do."

She raised a brow. "About the werewolves? Or about the silver-eyed girl who nearly slit your throat?"

He froze. "You saw her too?"Cassia nodded. "Hard not to. She fought like she wanted to die or to make sure everyone else did first." Her voice softened. "You spared her, didn't you?"Luca didn't answer. He didn't need to. The memory of that moment her defiance, her trembling fury, the pain in her eyes burned brighter than the fire itself."She's not our enemy," he murmured.

Cassia frowned. "You're starting to sound like your mother."

That made him look up sharply. "Careful, Cassia."She sighed. "I'm only saying compassion is dangerous here. The King won't forgive another mistake. He already suspects you're hiding something."Luca's eyes darkened. "He should."

He stood and turned toward the blood-red moon once more. "Something's wrong with this war. The wolves didn't strike first. Someone wanted this chaos."Cassia folded her arms. "And you think you'll find the truth before your father does?"

He smirked faintly. "I don't need to find it. It'll find me."

As the wind howled through the dead trees, Luca looked back at the burning forest unaware that somewhere beyond those ashes, the same silver-eyed girl was whispering his name with vengeance on her tongue.

Two enemies.

Two heirs.

Bound by fate neither could escape.