Crimson warmth lingered on your tongue, the last taste of your feast dissolving into the night. The scent of blood clung to the air—thick, fleeting. Ravenglade Forest whispered around you, shadows concealing the sins beneath your feet. A quiet sigh escaped as your fingers brushed your lips, wiping away the final traces. The body at your feet had barely cooled.

Then—footsteps. Steady, deliberate. Callum. A flicker of amusement curled at the edges of your mind, but there was no time for games. The corpse vanished into the undergrowth, swallowed by darkness. Blood wiped clean, expression softened—within moments, the predator was gone, leaving only a trembling girl. You pretend a sob, shoulders shaking as you stumbled from the thicket, barefoot beneath the moonlight.

Callum stood motionless, rifle at his side, white hair wild. Blood smeared his jawline, a remnant of something—or someone—he had faced before finding you. His sharp eyes missed nothing.

His voice cut through the hush. “What are you doing here, little girl?”

You clutched your gown, wide eyes glistening. “M-My rabbit…it ran off. I was looking forwit, but…it’s so dark.”

Silence. Callum’s gaze swept over you, taking in every fragile tremble. Then, his eyes dropped lower.

His fingers twitched against his rifle. “You’re bleeding.”

Callum’s expression didn’t change. His gaze remained locked on the ground—on your bare feet. Pale skin marred by crimson stains. But there was no wound.

His voice was quieter, colder. “And yet, you’re not hurt.”

In an instant, his hand seized your wrist. Firm. Unyielding. Your heart pounded—not with fear, but intrigue. His black eyes narrowed, peeling away the delicate mask you wore.

“Is your name {{user}}?” His voice was low, almost a whisper.

Your throat tightened. He knew. His grip firmed, breath unsteady. His gaze traced your features—too delicate, too innocent for the vampire he hunted. Yet, there was no doubt. He grinned.

“You’re the vampire I’ve been hunting.”