William P.O.V:The forest was calm yet eerie. A feeling of something dangerous clouded my mind. The wind was stronger as the moon rose to spread its light throughout the forest. I and John came for hunting, As pure-blood Vampires, we can't survive on animal blood so we searched the woods to find any human who lurks around. Hunting in the woods has the advantage of hiding our prey without getting caught after our meal."So, how are things going with your target?" John asked.My thoughts drifted towards Kristen. Her chocolate brown hair was so bright it practically shimmered when I last met her. That creamy skin, which reminded me of a goddess, flushed a subtly pink blush over her cheekbones. And the eyes... Kristen's eyes had turned a darker red than blood when I first saw her, which was very unusual for a human."She is an easy target. " I said grinding my teeth. I couldn't bring myself to think about the horror she had to face when I took her back."She is the main part of the prophecy," John said in a sharp voice, clenching his jaw.I was about to respond to John when a loud crash echoed through the air. My heart skipped a beat, and a sharp pain shot through my chest as if something deep inside me was being torn apart. I froze, my breath catching in my throat.That sound... It couldn't be.Without thinking, I turned in the direction the noise had come from, my body moving before my mind could catch up. The feeling in my chest grew stronger. I knew who it was. Every instinct in me screamed to move, to run, to get to her."William, what's wrong?" John's voice was distant, almost drowned out by the pounding of my heart in my ears. But I couldn't stop to answer. I broke into a sprint, my legs carrying me faster than I thought possible, the world around me blurring as I focused on one thing: getting to her."William, wait!" John shouted, his footsteps pounding behind me as he tried to keep up. But I couldn't slow down.The sound of the crash replayed in my mind, each time making the pain in my chest sharper, and more intense. She was in danger—I could feel it. I pushed myself harder, my lungs burning, but I didn't care. Nothing mattered except getting to her, to make sure she was okay.She has to be okay.The scene in front of me made my lifeless heart stop. "Kristen!" I gasped when I saw her crushed inside the car.I yanked the door open with all my strength, the metal groaning in protest, but I barely noticed. My only focus was on getting her out of the mangled car. As I reached in, the stench hit me—metallic, thick blood. My stomach churned, and a low, guttural growl rumbled from deep within me. The scent was overwhelming and intoxicating, and it made my hands tremble as I tried to lift her.The ache in my throat flared up, sharp and burning, and I felt my fangs begin to elongate. It had been three days since I'd last fed, and the hunger was clawing at me, desperate to take over. My breath came out in ragged gasps as I fought the urge to sink my teeth into her and drain her dry. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms, as I forced myself to back away from her."John, help her," I rasped, my voice strained as I stumbled back, everything inside me screaming to go back to her. I turned away, my chest heaving, trying to control the storm raging inside me."William!" John's voice cut through the haze, but it felt distant like he was speaking through water."What?" I snapped, glancing over my shoulder, my voice rough and edged with desperation. John's eyes widened, and he took a step back, his face pale."Your eyes... they're turning black," he stuttered, fear lacing his words.I froze, realising what he meant. The hunger was taking over, pushing me to the edge. I clenched my jaw, fighting to keep control, but it was slipping, and I didn't know how much longer I could hold on."Her blood is driving me crazy..." I muttered through gritted teeth, my voice thick with the primal hunger that clawed at my sanity. The scent was overwhelming, seeping into every part of me, making it almost impossible to think of anything else.John's eyes widened in horror as he saw the raw need in my expression. Fear flashed across his face, and he instinctively stumbled back, his hands trembling slightly. But I couldn't focus on that—not when she was right there, so fragile and vulnerable.She felt so delicate in my arms, like a rose petal that could be crushed with the slightest pressure. As I looked down at her, images of her innocent smile flickered through my mind, a cruel reminder of how close she was to slipping away.I had to protect her. I couldn't let anything happen to her, no matter how strong the urge was to feed, no matter how much my instincts screamed at me to give in. I tightened my grip on her, my resolve hardening.The thought of failing my father scared me. I couldn't afford to be distracted by her, no matter how much she was starting to mean to me. I had a duty, a mission, and I couldn't let anything stand in the way of that.With that, I turned and started towards the hospital, every step a battle to keep my focus, to keep the darkness at bay.We had to leave the hospital as soon as she was admitted. The scent of blood lingered in the air, mingling with the sterile smell of antiseptic, and it set every nerve in my body on edge. The sound of footsteps echoing down the hall, the murmur of voices—it all made the beast within me stir, restless and hungry."William, we can't stay here," John whispered. He was right, of course. The longer we stayed, the harder it would be for me to control myself. But I couldn't leave her, not yet. I had to make sure she was okay.She lay there, motionless, it made my heart ache. She was pure and delicate. Her long, silky hair spilt over the pillow, and I found my hands aching to touch it, to run my fingers through those soft strands.I couldn't tear my eyes away from her. Her buttery soft skin was so perfect, a stark contrast to the dark cascade of her hair. Without thinking, I reached out and gently stroked her cheek. Her lips parted slightly, as innocent as a baby's, and I felt a powerful urge to lean down and taste her blood.Reality crashed back in when John pulled me away I couldn't harm her, not ever. But the hunger gnawed at me, making it impossible to ignore the fact that I was losing control. I pulled my hand away, my heart heavy with the knowledge that staying would only put her in more danger. I wanted to stay, to be with her, but I knew I had no choice.The doctors began her treatment, and I knew I had to step away. The sight of her fragile body being tended to was too much, but still, I couldn't leave. John was insistent, his voice tight with urgency, but the need to protect her was stronger than anything else, even the hunger gnawing at my insides.I couldn't take it anymore.My instincts kicked in, and before I knew it, I was slipping into one of the storage rooms where the blood bags were kept. The cool air inside did nothing to calm the burning in my throat.I grabbed two blood bags without thinking and leapt out of the window, landing silently on the ground below. John was right behind me as we sprinted into the forest, the cool night air biting at my skin. Once we were deep enough in the woods, I stopped and tore into the first blood bag, the metallic taste filling my mouth as I drank greedily. The hunger was overpowering, and consuming, and I didn't stop until the bag was empty. I tossed the other bag to John, who finished it in seconds.I stood there, gulping down air, trying to calm the storm raging inside me. The hunger had dulled, but it wasn't gone. I could still feel it, lurking beneath the surface, waiting for any moment of weakness to take over again.John watched me, concern etched on his face as I fought to regain control. "She'll be fine, William," he said softly, trying to soothe the turmoil within me.I nodded, but the words did little to ease the tension. The thought of her lying there, vulnerable and in pain, gnawed at me. I couldn't fail her. I couldn't let the beast inside win. I had to be strong—for her."She saw me before falling unconscious," I told John, who looked puzzled, his brows knitting together in confusion."She'll be worried when she wakes up. I need to see her, just once," I insisted.John met my eyes, his expression softening before he sighed. "Okay, but make it quick. I'll keep watch," he agreed, his voice tinged with caution.I waited in the woods, the minutes stretching into what felt like hours, my ears straining for any sign of her waking. When I finally heard the faint rustle of sheets, the subtle shift as she stirred, I made my way back to the hospital. I picked up a bouquet from the hallway store, hoping it would bring her some comfort, something to ease her mind after everything she'd been through.As I stepped into her room, her eyes lit up when she saw me, and it stirred something deep inside. Her beautiful face was marred with bruises. But the wounds were already healing, and the effects of the blood were clear. It worked.She thanked me for saving her life. My heart pained to see her like this but I was relieved to see her alive. "Did you see the creature?" she asked nervously.Her words caught me off guard. "Creature?" I repeated, trying to keep my voice steady."A wolf," she whispered, her eyes wide with nervousness.I froze. A wolf? Wolves never come into human territory, especially not here. The thought of one being nearby seemed impossible. She must have seen a dog and been too frightened to tell the difference, I convinced myself. There was no way a wolf could have appeared."There was no wolf, Kristen," I said gently, trying to reassure her. "I was right behind you, and I saw nothing like that."She looked confused, her brows furrowing as she tried to piece together the fragmented memories of the accident. I could see the struggle on her face, and for a moment, I worried she might remember something I couldn't allow her to. If she did, I would have no choice but to erase her memories. The thought made my chest tighten with unease."Do you remember anything else?" I asked cautiously, watching her closely.She shook her head, her hand clutching at her forehead as if trying to hold on to the fleeting thoughts. "No," she finally said, her voice small.Relief washed over me, but I kept my expression calm. I placed my hand on her cheek, the warmth of her skin grounding me as I tried to divert her thoughts from the accident. She leaned into my touch, her cheeks flushed. The sight of her blushing stirred something inside me, something I had to fight with every ounce of willpower. I wanted to kiss her, to claim her lips as mine, but I knew I couldn't. Not now. Not like this.Instead, I leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. I was about to stay longer when John's call interrupted the moment."I'll see you soon. Rest now," I told her softly, stepping away even though every part of me wanted to stay. I had to keep her safe, even if it meant keeping my distance.She developed feelings for me much faster than I expected; I could see it in her eyes from the moment we first met. The way she looked at me, the softness in her gaze—I knew then that she was drawn to me. And I'll do whatever it takes to earn her trust because there's so much more at stake than just us. There's a prophecy—a prophecy that begins and ends with her.The weight of it all is crushing, and anger gnaws at me as I envision the future that was foretold by our trusted Witch.She will be with me, but she will never truly be mine. She'll start to feel something for me, but it will be twisted, filled with hatred and pain. I'll hold her in my arms, but I'll never be able to claim her as my own. Because I am not her destiny—"he" is.Soon, she will meet her mate, my half-brother. The thought of him makes my blood boil, a rage so intense it threatens to consume me. I've tried to fill the void in my heart and accept the reality that she isn't mine, but the anger never fades. It's always there, ready to explode, every time I think of him.But I refuse to let him win. I will not stand by and watch as he takes what is mine. If it means claiming her for myself, so be it. I'll do whatever it takes, even if it means going against the prophecy. She will help me end this prophecy, and in doing so, she will help me end him.I won't let her go. Not to him, not to fate. She will be mine, one way or another, even if it means ruining everything in the process." Soon I shall make you mine."The desire to hold her in my arms was becoming unbearable. Every part of me ached to be near her, to feel her warmth against me, but the words of the witch echoed in my mind, a cruel reminder of the reality I couldn't escape."She is ill-fated. The prophecy starts with her and ends with her. Her mate will be the one she falls in love with, and the one who causes her pain shall face her wrath."Those words stung. We all knew who would cause her pain and who was destined to cherish her. And we all knew who she was meant to be with—him. He was out there somewhere, hidden in the shadows, waiting. Waiting for her, waiting to be killed by us.He was powerless, a coward, nothing like the man she deserved. My bastard half-brother.She may not be my destined mate, but there was no way I'd let her belong to him. Ever. The thought of her in his arms, loving him, made my blood boil with a rage I could barely contain. When the time comes, I will make her mine. If he dares to stand in my way, he will face death. Even if fate says she belongs to him, I will make sure she's mine and only mine."You belong with me," I whispered, a smirk tugging at my lips as I watched her sleep, so peaceful and unaware of the storm brewing around her. She didn't know it yet, but soon she would. Soon, she would understand that no one—not even fate—would keep us apart.