Julian’s smugness was a physical thing, a foul stench in the air. He kept whispering threats, but they were just noise. I tuned him out.

I remembered what Lord Alistair had told me in his study—It is best not to reveal your choice before the official announcement.

So I just smiled and nodded. "You're right, Julian," I said, playing the part.

A triumphant grin spread across his face. He thought he had me, right where he wanted me.

He had no idea I was laughing on the inside.

Enjoy it while it lasts, Julian. It won't be for long.

The birthday banquet officially began.

Lord Alistair, over five hundred years old but appearing no older than forty, made his entrance.

Such was the power of the ancient bloodlines.

His silver hair was perfectly combed, and he wore a black tailcoat, leaning on his signature silver-tipped cane.

Everyone bowed. "My Lord."

Alistair gave a slight nod and walked directly to me. "Happy birthday, Maggie," he said, offering his hand. "Tonight is your night."

I placed my hand in his, my heart pounding.

Alistair led me to the front of the stage and addressed the crowd. "Everyone," he began, his voice clear. "We are gathered here tonight to witness a historic moment."

The room held its breath.

"By the ancient pact of the Blood Bond, signed by our very first ancestors," Alistair's voice echoed through the hall, "tonight, Maggie will choose her bonded partner."

Excited whispers rippled through the guests.

"And to honor this bond," Alistair continued, "I will be transferring eighty percent of my personal shares in Eternal Biotech, as well as control of the family Blood Bank, to the bonded pair."

A collective gasp swept the hall.

Eternal Biotech was the largest biopharmaceutical company in the world, worth tens of billions.

And the family Blood Bank, with its collection of rare blood types gathered over a millennium, was priceless.

Whoever she chose would instantly become master of half the Clare family's wealth and power.

Greed flashed in the eyes of every vampire in the room.

They all looked at Julian with envy.

Everyone knew how obsessed I had been with him.

In their minds, the choice was already made.

Julian stood in the crowd, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

He even shot Chloe a smug look that said, See? I'm about to become the master of all this.

She returned a sweet, adoring smile.

"Now," Alistair said, smiling. "Will the chosen one please come to the stage?"

Julian preened, straightening his tie. He was already basking in the glory, ready to claim his prize.

But as he took his first step, Alistair raised a hand, stopping him in his tracks.

"Not you."

The hall fell into a dead silence.

Julian froze, the arrogant smile wiped from his face. "What?" he stammered. "Father, what did you say?"

Alistair ignored him, his gaze sweeping to the other side of the room.

"Evan," he said with a smile. "If you would."

Every head turned.

Evan emerged from the shadows.

In his hands, he held a single, priceless Glacier Rose.

He walked onto the stage and offered his hand to me.

"Maggie," he breathed, his crimson eyes locking onto mine, filled with a desperate hope. "Will you bond with me?"