Torn between worlds

The guards dragged Aurora into the throne room, her boots scr ping against the polished obsidian floor as she resisted every step. She glanced up at the grand, gothic space, her breath hitching at the sheer magnitude of it. Massive chandeliers hung overhead, their candlelight casting long shadows that danced ominously on the walls.

Aurora's sharp gaze swept across the room, taking in the assembled vampires. They were a picture of otherworldly beauty and menace—predatory smiles, glowing red or gold eyes, and an air of dark elegance. Yet, her focus quickly landed on the three figures seated at the head of the room.

At the center sat Zach Darkhaven. Even lounging in his throne, there was an undeniable power to him, like a lion surveying its prey. His ice-blue eyes locked on her with a mix of curiosity and calculation, and that insufferable smirk played on his lips.

To his right sat Elian, his gaze cold and unyielding, like a blade poised to strike. His jaw tightened as he watched her with open disdain. On Zach's left, Cassius reclined lazily in his chair, but his sharp amber eyes gleamed with amusement as if he were watching an entertaining play unfold.

Aurora's stomach churned, but she forced herself to stand tall. She wouldn't cower.

Zach's deep, smooth voice broke the silence. "So, this is the infamous hunter who dared challenge my raiding party."

Aurora's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Infamous already? I must've made quite the impression."

A low chuckle escaped Cassius, and even Jaiden, standing behind the thrones, glanced at her with a mixture of surprise and approval. Elian, however, snarled.

"You'll regret that insolence, human," Elian spat, his eyes flashing red.

"I doubt it," Aurora shot back without hesitation.

The room fell silent. Gasps rippled through the gathered vampires. No one dared speak to the Darkhaven princes like this, especially a mere human.

Zach tilted his head, his smirk deepening. He rose from his throne with a slow, deliberate grace, the sound of his boots echoing ominously as he approached her.

Aurora's pulse quickened, but she refused to back down. When he finally stood before her, towering over her with his imposing frame, his cold gaze sent a shiver down her spine.

"You're either very brave or very foolish," Zach murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

"Probably both," Aurora replied through gritted teeth.

He studied her for a moment, his piercing eyes searching hers as though trying to unearth a secret she didn't even know she held.

"She's dangerous," Elian growled from his throne. "Kill her now, before she becomes a problem."

"No," Zach said sharply, his voice echoing through the hall. He didn't break eye contact with Aurora as he continued. "I decide who lives and who dies, brother. And this one…" He paused, his lips curling into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "This one lives."

Elian bristled but didn't argue, though the tension in the room thickened like a storm cloud.

---

Meanwhile, in the Human Kingdom

At the hunter stronghold, the absence of Aurora cast a heavy shadow over the usually bustling training grounds.

Prince Leo paced in his quarters, his dark, tousled hair falling into his eyes as he raked a hand through it in frustration. His usually composed demeanor was unraveling, his worry for Aurora consuming him.

He could still hear her laughter from their last training session—a rare sound in their grim world. She'd been more than his closest friend; she was his anchor, his reminder of what they were fighting for.

Lady Pearl's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. She stood in the doorway, her scarred face unreadable as she crossed her arms. "You're losing focus, Leo."

He turned to her, his jaw tight. "Aurora should've returned by now. You know something's wrong."

Pearl hesitated, her steely exterior cracking ever so slightly. "She's been in worse situations and come out alive."

"This isn't like before," Leo said, his voice softer now. "Something's different. I can feel it."

"She wouldn't want you to risk yourself for her," Pearl said, stepping closer. "She'd want you to lead—keep the hunters strong. That's what she believes in."

Leo shook his head, his fists clenching. "She's not just a soldier, Pearl. She's—" He stopped himself, unwilling to say it out loud.

Pearl's sharp gaze softened, and she nodded knowingly. "Then we find her. Quietly. We can't risk open war with the vampires, but I'll assemble a team. We'll get her back."