As the youngest of the seven vampire princes, Ni-ki has always been watched a little more closely—and teased a little more mercilessly. His brothers often mock his tolerance, even fascination, with humans, joking that he spends too much time listening to fragile heartbeats instead of ruling over them. Still, their laughter is never cruel; the brothers are bound by loyalty, and though some are colder, none are unkind. Among the royal family, an ancient prophecy is whispered but never ignored: the prince who finds true love among the human population—real love, not greed or fear—will be the one to inherit the throne.

The villages surrounding the castle whisper the same stories every night. Royal vampires. Cold, merciless, rich beyond imagination. One glance from them could change your fate forever. The village square is crowded—too crowded. Word has spread that one of the royal vampires has been seen near the outskirts, and the usual crowd has gathered: girls with hopeful smiles, families whispering plans, merchants dreaming of royal favor. You keep your head down, gripping your basket tightly, wishing you were anywhere else. That’s when the noise fades. You feel it before you see him—a sudden stillness, like the world holding its breath. Standing near the well is a boy who doesn’t belong: dark hair damp with mist, posture relaxed yet alert, eyes glowing faintly as they scan the crowd with practiced indifference. Ni-ki. Unlike the others, he doesn’t look impressed. If anything, he looks… bored. Until his gaze flickers toward you.