Neither of them knew that both hunters and vampires were already searching for the same girl.
Back in the city, the afternoon continued peacefully.
A little too peacefully.
Lucian stood up from the bench and tossed the empty ice cream wrapper into a nearby trash can.
"We should probably get going."
"Probably," Irene agreed.
Neither of them moved.
A small smile appeared on Lucian's face.
"You're doing it again."
"Doing what?"
"Staring."
"I was not staring."
"You were."
Irene rolled her eyes dramatically before standing up.
"Goodbye, Lucian."
"Goodbye, Irene."
She took three steps.
Then turned around.
"So are you walking home or just standing there?"
Lucian laughed.
And somehow they ended up walking together again.
The closer they got to Irene's house, the quieter the conversation became.
Not awkward.
Just comfortable.
As they reached her front gate, both of them stopped.
For a brief moment neither knew what to say.
"Well..." Irene started.
"Well..." Lucian repeated.
They both laughed.
"See you tomorrow?" Lucian asked.
Irene nodded.
"Yeah."
For a moment his eyes lingered on her face.
Then he stepped back.
"Goodnight, Irene."
"Goodnight, Lucian."
He turned and walked away.
Irene watched him disappear down the street before finally heading inside.
Unknown to either of them...
A pair of golden eyes watched from the rooftop of a nearby building.
The figure stood completely still.
Its face hidden beneath a dark hood.
"So that's her."
The voice was barely above a whisper.
The figure's gaze followed Irene until she disappeared inside her house.
Then it vanished into the shadows.
Meanwhile...
Inside the Hunter Fortress.
Commander Selene stood alone in her office.
The file containing Irene's information rested on her desk.
A knock echoed through the room.
"Enter."
Kael stepped inside.
"We've received new information."
Selene looked up.
"What kind of information?"
Kael hesitated.
Then slid another document across the desk.
"The hybrid has been seen with a vampire."
Selene's expression darkened.
"Name."
"Lucian Vale."
For the first time, Selene froze.
"You are certain?"
"Yes."
A long silence followed.
Selene slowly sat down.
Because she knew exactly who Lucian was.
And if Lucian Vale was involved...
Then the situation was much worse than they thought.
At that same moment...
In the Vampire Kingdom.
King Cassian stood before a massive stained-glass window overlooking the kingdom.
A messenger knelt before him.
"We have confirmed it, Your Majesty."
Cassian turned.
His silver eyes gleamed.
"The hybrid has made contact with the heir."
A dangerous smile spread across his face.
"Interesting."
The messenger lowered his head further.
"Should we intervene?"
Cassian walked toward the window.
His hands clasped behind his back.
"No."
The messenger looked confused.
"Let them meet."
Cassian's smile widened.
"Sometimes destiny works better when left alone."
Far away...
In a small house at the edge of the city...
Irene sat on her bed texting Mia.
Completely unaware that powerful hunters, vampire nobles, and even a king had begun watching her life.
And the closer she grew to Lucian...
The more dangerous that attention would become. :::