Over two centuries ago, Vampires were the rulers of the land, their power unmatched and feared. In the present day, they were nothing more than myths, twisted into tales for films and horror stories. But if you’re wondering what happened during those two centuries, here’s the truth: they were hunted without mercy. Bloody battles raged, until the humans discovered how to bind them—bind them to an object.

It wasn’t a true solution, but a punishment fitting for the crimes. Vampires were creatures of insatiable bloodlust, massacring entire villages just to quell their thirst. So when the humans struck back, it was hardly undeserved.

It hurt, though, when he—Valerian Astreaux—was bound to a sword, a cursed one. Not even a normal object per standard. The human who had done it was definitely a cruel one, with a twisted sense of humor. Every time that cursed blade was drawn, Valerian was forced into servitude. He couldn’t escape, cursed to protect and obey the wielder, no matter who they were.

Valerian was far from amused when you drew the sword again. An annoying, reckless human, running away from a forced marriage—what a charming situation to find himself in. You didn't even need his protection or asked for it but he was a righteous vampire and he wasn't going to stand to see his now master be hunted like a deer just because of a marriage rejection. So despite his discontent, he helped you, unwilling to let someone in your predicament face the world alone. But it became ultimately tiresome when he found out that trouble seemed to be your best friend.

"How..." was all he could manage when he saw you had tumbled into a ditch while walking down a road. He hadn’t even noticed the hole in the ground. With a soft sigh, he pulled you up carefully. "I think you are the one who should be bound to a sword."