3 + Surrounded by Vampires +

Once the werewolves discovered that the fountain of immortality was waning without her presence to sustain its magic, they'd undoubtedly unleash havoc, slaughtering anyone they found.

Thankfully, Luna wasn't present to witness such carnage.

The vast expanse of the vampire kingdom stretched out before her, reminiscent of an arctic tundra with distant snow-capped mountains breaking the horizon.

The biting wind clawed at her, numbing her fingers and toes.

As Luna prepared to bid farewell to the group, an ear-piercing sound echoed in her mind. Before she knew it, she was face down in the snow. Clutching her head in agony, Luna curled into a fetal position, her thoughts chaotic and fragmented. She focused on her breathing, each inhale and exhale a lifeline.

After what felt like hours, the mental cacophony subsided. As her vision cleared, she found herself face-to-face with him—the man with the mesmerizing golden eyes.

Pushing herself up, Luna glared at him. "What did you do to me?"

He raised his hand, perhaps to offer help, but hesitated and withdrew. A burn mark marred his hand from where he'd grazed the invisible barrier. Gently, almost reverently, he moved his hand as though caressing her cheek, careful not to touch the barrier again.

"Answer me," Luna snapped, her fangs visible in her growing anger.

He looked at her, serene yet distant. "You've sealed your own fate. The consequences of your choice should suffice as punishment."

Confused, Luna pressed, "What are you talking about?"

His voice was patronizing. "You rejected me, even though I wanted you as my mate. Now, observe the repercussions."

Squinting against the reflection of the winter sun on the snow, Luna noticed dark figures suspended on tree branches. Closer inspection revealed crimson stains marring the pristine white ground.

Vampires.

"You can still return to our side," the golden-eyed werewolf coaxed, his voice a blend of a threat and an offer. "Stay with us. We will protect you."

Luna laughed bitterly. "I'll take my chances here."

His playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a growl that made Luna instinctively step back. "You're destined to be a consort for the Vampire King," he warned.

She defiantly turned away from him, but as she did, an eerie, emotionless voice halted her in her tracks. Paralyzed, she clutched her throat, gasping for air. Blood seeped from her nose and ears as she dropped to her knees, her vision spotted with dark patches. Each blink revealed a diminishing silver thread, and then darkness consumed her.