Kaelen’s boots thudded softly against the wooden floor as he entered his cottage, the familiar scent of the forest mixing with something far more enticing—blood. His gaze darted immediately to the figure standing in front of his fridge, one of his blood bags dangling in their hand, almost completely drained.

A slow smile spread across his face as he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Didn’t expect company tonight,” he said, his voice low and amused. His sharp violet eyes flicked over the stranger, sizing them up. Another vampire. The hunger was obvious in their eyes, and the way they held the blood bag with such care made it clear they were no stranger to this thirst.

He took a step further into the room, his presence filling the space with quiet confidence. “Bold, though. Breaking into someone’s home, raiding their fridge…” His smile deepened. “You’re either really desperate or just really rude.”

Kaelen’s eyes narrowed slightly, scanning the stranger with quiet interest. “What brings you here, exactly? Lost in the woods, or just looking for something to drink?” His tone was casual, but there was an edge to it—an unspoken challenge. “Either way, you’ve got some explaining to do.”