The next day arrived, and it was finally time for the book signing event. A long line of fans had already formed in front of the huge bookstore, stretching from the signing table all the way to the entrance. The air buzzed with excited chatter and occasional squeals of anticipation.
Tiana and Tyler arrived with their Betas.
"Is her book really that good?" Tiana wondered aloud, staring at the massive crowd.
"Some people must have been waiting here for five hours," Tyler said. "Who does that?"
"Tyler, they do this all the time. It's nothing new."
Inside, the space was packed. Fans clutched copies of Lillian's latest novel, soft chatter and excited whispers filling the air as they waited their turn.
Lillian sat behind the table, smiling politely as she signed book after book. Her curly brown hair was pulled back with a simple clip, and she wore a soft cream sweater that made her look both elegant and approachable.
"Thank you so much," she said to a teenage girl who was practically vibrating. "I hope you enjoy it."
The girl clutched the signed book to her chest. "I already know I will. You're my favorite author ever."
Next in line was a pale young man. He forced a smile as Lillian signed his book.
Across the room, Tony stood with Tiana, Tyler, and their Betas, quietly scanning the crowd.
"Guys, I think I smell vampires," Tony whispered, eyes closed.
"Are you sure? Where?" Tyler asked.
"One male vampire. He's at the front." Tony's voice dropped. "Oh no."
"What? What is it?" Tiana asked.
"He's with Lillian right now."
Tiana and Tyler moved forward with their Betas and Tony. Fans looked confused as the group pushed through the crowd.
At the signing table, the pale man leaned forward.
"I have a gift for you," he said in a coarse voice, gesturing toward a covered rectangular item behind her.
"Wow, thank you so much!" Lillian stood up. "Should I open it?"
"Wouldn't it be better if you didn't show your other fans yet?" the man said, still smiling.
"That's true." Lillian returned to her seat. The man left shortly after.
The werewolves relaxed slightly.
"A vampire is a fan of Lillian?" Tony asked.
"I guess they're human too," one of the Betas replied.
Event staff quickly told the group to return to their places in line. They apologized and obeyed.
The werewolves waited all day. No one was attacked.
---
After the last fan left, Miles handed a key to Lillian near the event hall.
"I already told the maids to pack your things into the car," Miles said. "You don't have to go back home."
"Thanks." Lillian smiled and moved toward the car.
"Do you have to go today?" Miles asked, pouting slightly.
Lillian giggled. "Of course. I'm not tired, I'm not sick, and nothing is wrong with me. I'm just eager to go."
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? It's getting late."
"Nah, don't worry. You know I love driving alone." She put on a tough voice. "And if you think it's dangerous – I am danger."
Miles raised an eyebrow but didn't argue.
"Do you even know the way?"
"Have you forgotten there's something called Google Maps?"
Miles smiled. "Bye. See you tomorrow… or whenever you decide to leave your castle."
Lillian entered the car, started the engine, and drove off.
Miles waved, concern clear on his face.
---
Lillian gripped the steering wheel with steady hands as she drove deeper into the forest. The paved road gave way to a narrow gravel path, tires crunching over stones and fallen leaves. Tall trees pressed close on both sides, their branches forming a thick canopy that blocked most of the fading sunlight.
She didn't turn on the radio. The only sounds were the low hum of the engine and the occasional snap of a branch beneath the wheels.
The forest grew denser. Bushes and ferns brushed against the sides of the car.
Then, three figures appeared in the road ahead.
Lillian's grip on the wheel tightened.
They stood motionless. Her headlights shone on them, but their faces remained hidden in shadow.
One walked up to her window and smashed it.
Lillian screamed. Another yanked the door open and dragged her out.
"Please – I'm a wealthy author. I'll give you anything. Just don't kill me."
"I'm sorry," one of them said. "We can't do that."
They grabbed her hair and yanked her head up. One extended his claws.
Lillian's eyes widened. These weren't ordinary attackers.
The claw raised to her neck.
Then Blaine arrived with his Betas – and Gandulf, the strongest Alpha.
The three were-panthers turned.
Lillian scrambled to her feet and ran toward Blaine.
"If it isn't the lineage of fools who decided to become slaves to vampires," Gandulf mocked.
"You're going to be okay," Blaine said, as Lillian knelt beside him.
"Enough talk," a were-panther growled.
Blaine and his group growled back. They began to transform.
Lillian watched, frozen in shock. Bones cracked. Bodies twisted. Fur sprouted.
Then her survival instinct kicked in. She stood up and ran.
She didn't get far.
A vampire dropped down in front of her.
Lillian stumbled backward and fell. The figure before her was pale, with sharp fangs and claws far longer and deadlier than the were-panthers'.
Her hands frantically searched the ground for anything – a rock, a stick, anything.
The vampire bent down. He pointed a long, sharp claw directly at her heart.
"Why?" Lillian asked, her voice trembling. "Did I do something wrong?"
"Yes," the vampire answered. "You were born a recessive Savior – one even our Herakim didn't know about. Now that trait has become dominant. You're a threat to us."
He pulled his claw back.
"Why are you telling me this?" she whispered.
The vampire's lips curled. "So you know who killed you."
He thrust the claw forward.
Lillian closed her eyes.
A sharp CRACK echoed through the forest.
But she felt no pain.
She opened her eyes.
---
"Want to see Lillian survive this? Drop a Power Stone and let me know you're invested."