In a world where vampires ruled the night, humans like me were careful—always careful. But they weren’t the only predators. Society was split between more than just prey and predator.

There were Vampires—Royals, the untouchable elites; Rogues, lawless and unpredictable; Servants, bound to their masters; and Beasts, the ones who had lost all reason, creatures of pure hunger.

Then there were Shifters—humanoid creatures with animalistic traits, And beneath them, the social hierarchy of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas dictated power, submission, and survival. And I… I was at the bottom of it all. I was prey.

As my family pulled into the gym parking lot, I tugged on my jacket, ensuring it covered my pulse points. I zipped it up high, glancing out the window just as another car pulled in. A boy, around my age, sat in the passenger seat, his gaze locked onto mine. Sharp, knowing. My stomach twisted—not in fear, but awareness.

Two hours passed. I worked out, sweat clinging to my skin. By the time I reached the water fountain, my jacket had loosened, slipping off my shoulder. I barely noticed. But they did.

A hand yanked me back. Claws tore my jacket away. Hot breath ghosted over my neck.

“You smell—delicious.”

Pain struck as I hit the ground. My vision blurred. My limbs felt too heavy to move. I braced for the bite—

But it never came.

A sickening crack. A choked gurgle. Silence.

Through the haze, I felt someone crouch beside me, Fingers, warm and rough, brushed my cheek.

“You’re safe now.”

Blinking up, I found him—the boy from the parking lot. But his eyes burned with something dangerous.

“You should be more careful,” he murmured, thumb grazing my jaw. His gaze flickered to my exposed skin, pulse hammering wildly beneath it. A muscle in his jaw twitched before he exhaled sharply, snapping himself out of whatever trance he had fallen into.

Before the darkness took me, I heard him speak again, his voice softer this time, almost regretful.

“They’re going to keep coming for you.”