chapter one: petals in the dark

A forbidden love unfolds between Elena, a young woman drawn to mystery, and Lucien, a centuries-old vampire burdened by guilt and loneliness. As their bond deepens, they are forced to navigate the fragile line between light and darkness, desire and danger. While Lucien fights to protect her from both his own nature and the shadows that hunt them, Elena must decide whether love is worth the risk of surrendering her humanity.