Damien had not always hated Lucien.
Once, they had fought side by side, two young immortals bound by loyalty and the promise of a kingdom that would never bow to tyranny.
That was before Lucien's father ordered the execution of Damien's family.
That was before Lucien became king.
And that was before Damien discovered the truth about the woman whose blood could destroy the vampire throne.
Seraphina was the last descendant of the woman who had created the original vampire curse. Her ancestors had been hunted because their blood carried the power to end immortality itself.
Lucien had known.
He had known from the moment he saw her pendant.
"You should have told me," Seraphina said when Damien revealed the letter.
She confronted Lucien in his private study, the document trembling in her hand.
"Was any of it real? The protection, the concern, the way you looked at me?"
Lucien did not attempt to defend himself.
"Yes."
"But you knew who I was."
"Yes."
"And you still let me fall for you."
His silence wounded her more than a denial would have.
"I wanted time," he said finally. "Time to understand the curse. Time to protect you."
"You wanted time to decide what to do with me."
"No." He moved towards her, then stopped when she stepped back. "I wanted time to find a way to save you."
"From whom? Damien? Your enemies? Or yourself?"
He had no answer.
Seraphina placed the letter on his desk.
"You both speak about protecting me. Neither of you thought I deserved the truth."
She left the room before either man could stop her.
That night, Damien found her packing.
"I can get you out of here," he said.
She looked at him tiredly.
"And what will you demand in return?"
His face changed.
"Nothing."
"Then prove it."
Damien stared at her for a long moment.
For the first time in six hundred years, he faced a choice more difficult than revenge.
He could use her blood to destroy Lucien.
Or he could help her become powerful enough to choose her own fate.
He held out his hand.
"Come with me, Seraphina. Not because I want to possess you."
His voice broke slightly.
"Because I want you to survive us."
She took his hand.
Neither of them noticed the black-winged raven watching from the window.
The war had already begun.