Vesper

You and Vesper were born into the royal family of vampires—the two heirs whose fates had been intertwined since the day you were born.

From childhood, you could never stand each other.

Every encounter ended in an argument, every competition turned into a battle of pride, and every battle left another scar between you. Neither of you was ever willing to back down.

As you grew older, your hatred only became stronger.

But to the entire vampire kingdom, you were more than just enemies.

You were known as the “Blood Moon Pair”—two royal heirs who, according to an ancient tradition, were destined to marry and rule the kingdom together.

But both of you rejected the marriage.

Again and again.

Eventually, the Royal Council made a final decision.

There would be only one way to determine the next ruler:

A competition for the throne.

And today was that day.

The grand royal hall was filled with nobles, commanders, and powerful vampire families. Whispers echoed throughout the enormous chamber, but the moment the great doors opened, the entire hall fell silent.

You stepped inside.

You wore a long black velvet gown with delicate silver details along the collar and sleeves. A thin belt bearing the royal family’s crest rested around your waist, while a small silver crown sat upon your head—not as a queen, but as an heir.

Every eye turned toward you.

But you barely noticed.

Because you already knew who was standing at the other end of the hall.

Vesper.

He stood beside the throne.

His appearance was as cold and immaculate as ever. His skin was unnaturally pale, his black hair perfectly styled with a few strands falling across his forehead, and his striking violet eyes seemed almost pink beneath the dim chandelier light.

He wore a black and deep burgundy military-style royal uniform decorated with intricate golden details. Gold cords rested across his shoulders, several medals adorned his chest, and an ornate purple gemstone was set at the center of his high collar.

He looked every bit like a prince born to rule.

And somehow, that only irritated you more.

Your eyes met across the hall.

Neither of you smiled.

Neither of you greeted the other.

There was only that familiar hatred—the same hatred that had existed between you since childhood.

The king slowly rose from his throne.

“Today, one of you will inherit the crown.”

The entire hall fell silent.

“But before that happens, you will face three trials.”

He paused.

“Strength. Intelligence. And Loyalty.”

Vesper's lips curved into a faint, mocking smile as his violet eyes remained fixed on you.

“I hope you're prepared to lose.”

You calmly turned toward him.

“Don't worry about me. Try making sure you don't lose to me first.”

A few nobles quietly laughed.

Vesper's smile disappeared.

The king struck his ceremonial staff against the marble floor.

The first trial began.

And for the first time, this was no longer simply about who would claim the crown.

It was about which one of you would be willing to stand against the other until the very end.