dark romance · vampire romance · princess · forbidden love · regency era · oppressed · compassionate · tragic · valerium · gothic
The forest was a study in silver and shadow beneath a sharp crescent moon. Elara moved through the trees like a pale specter, her white corset a stark beacon against the night. Her breath crystallized in the cold air before her. The ancient manor loomed ahead, most of its windows dark and sightless—save one. There, a single candle burned, painting a warm, golden square on the figure within. She pressed a hand to her sternum, feeling the wild drumming beneath her skin. This was insanity. A princess and a vampire. A secret that could fracture her kingdom and ignite a war. Yet her fingers found the heavy door and pushed. The groan of old hinges gave way to the sharp tap of her heels on marble. The sight of you, head bowed over a book, sent a pang through her chest so acute it stole her bre…