Chapter 1

Eleanor’s POV:

Words fail to capture the grandeur and elegance emanating from the castle of the Nightshade Clan. As members of the superior species, vampires often possessed opulent mansions and sprawling estates, but this castle stood as a testament to unparalleled magnificence.

The elegantly crafted columns upheld the lofty arches, and the enigmatic twinkling lights seemed more daunting than mesmerizing to me, in contrast to the other girls who couldn't help but gasp in awe. I perceived this grand estate for what it truly was - a lavish prison.

It was unbelievable that the so-called royals had the audacity to require every young woman chosen to attend their ridiculous ball. My brother Aaron was furious when I received the invitation. It required the collective efforts of my parents and me to prevent him from taking actions that could have been fatal.

I stumbled on the last step as I went up the spiral staircase, but I was spared the humiliation of falling by a steadying hand on my arm.

“I’d watch my step if I were you. It’s a long way down.”

I looked towards the voice, hazel meeting frosty blue as I tried to stare this stranger down.

Everything from the loosely pulled tie around his neck to the Valentino suit that fit his body a little too well carried the stench of arrogance and wealth. He was the type of guy my mammina always warned me of.

“Thank you,” I said stiffly, already beginning to walk away.

The dark-haired man reached out and grabbed me again. Wow. He is seriously pushing his luck.

“I don’t believe we’ve met before. I’m Jaxon,” he said smoothly.

“Eleanor,” I snapped, yanking my arm out of his most unwelcome grip.

God, why can’t these guys ever take a hint? They think that if they wear expensive suits and Rolex watches, then they immediately own any girl. Although judging by the little fan club of bumbling bimbos not too far from us, I’d say he’s not just any rich boy.

A smirk tugged at his lips and he took his time looking me up and down. He took a few steps towards me until he was standing so close that I could smell his cologne. I narrowed my eyes at him as I hurried to restore the distance between us.

“You have no idea who I am, do you?”

“Damn it, I must’ve missed the lesson at school about guys who can’t take a hint. I’m sure any one of those girls aced that class though,” I snarked with an obviously fake smile, nodding at the ever-growing group of girls behind him.

“Now really, is that any way to be speaking to your prince?” He teased.

I took a huge step back. Prince Jaxon. It finally clicked. The adoring fangirls, the accent, the wealth, the exceptional good looks— it all made sense now. One of the most powerful vampires in the Nightshade Clan, not to mention the most infamous, was standing right in front of me. My stomach muscles contracted into a small, painful ball.

Jaxon’s amused gaze rested on me expectantly. Goddamn, those eyes though.

I cleared my throat and walked away from the notorious prince, my head buzzing. I felt heavy with the weight of hundreds of eyes upon me. Disappointment coursed through my veins almost painfully.

What has this world come to? People treat a murderer– a monster– like a god. They worship and admire him as though he’d ever done anything for them besides murder their loved ones and steal all the things that rightfully belonged to them.

Not me.