There I was, soundly asleep until…

“Lyra ! Wake up!”

I jolted awake and tumbled off my bed.

“Good morning.” My little sister Lily giggled.

“Lily, seriously!”

“Happy birthday, Lyra !”

“Thank you, Levi,” I mumbled, my voice muffled against the marbled floor.

If you don't know me, my name is Lyra , I'm officially 21 years old. My little brother and sister, Lily and Levi, are 11-year-old fraternal twins. Don't get me wrong, they’re unbelievably annoying. You'd think the prince and princess of a palace would act… well, princely. But nope. They act like terrible children.

My mom and dad? Annoyingly gross when they love each other but honestly, I'm glad to see them happy. Though, lately, I've been worried about my mom; I've noticed her panic attacks have gotten worse. I promised myself I'd always be there for her.

“Hurry up and get dressed!” Lily yelled, giving me a playful slap.

“Hey, Lyra … oh! What happened to you?”

I lifted my face from the floor. “Siblings happened, Angelina.”

Angelina is my 16-year-old cousin. She's always been like a sister to me, whenever we could, we'd do everything together.

“Well, get dressed in this.”

She held up my birthday dress. Although I hate dresses, I wore it for my family. But seriously… why can't I just wear pants for once?!

After dismissing everyone from my chamber, I changed and made my way down the dining hall. There, I saw my mom, dad, Uncle Jake, Aunt Linda, my cousins, Angelina, Amir, and Osvaldo, Grandma Lizzy, and Grandpa James.

“Happy Birthday, Lyra !!!!” Everyone cheered.

“Thank you, guys.”

“My baby girl.” My dad's voice was warm, the same as ever. I've been an adult for a while now, but he still sees me as his little girl.

I rolled my eyes playfully, hugged him warmly, and kissed his cheek.

“So, Lyra …”

Uh-oh. Whenever Grandma says that, it's never good.

“You're 21 now.”

Please tell me she isn't talking about…

“I have some boys that might be interested in you.”

She is. My dad practically spat out the rest of his breakfast, violently coughing.

“W-what?”

My Grandma cackled. “I'm just kidding, Nicholas! I get you every time with that joke.”

“Ha. Ha.” Dad said sarcastically.

Grandma knows well enough that I am not interested in anyone. Boys are a waste of time. All I really want is to explore or read.

“Mom, please stop trying to give me a heart attack.”

“If I may, can I be excused, Daddy? I want to give big sister a present!”

“Of course, Levi.”

“Yay!”

Levi ran off and returned a few minutes later, out of breath, holding a small bracelet.

“I made this for you.”

I put the bracelet on. “I love it, just the way you made it. Thank you, Levi.”

I hugged him and kissed his forehead. Despite the chaos, it had been a good morning.

Later in the afternoon, guests arrived.

“Happy Birthday, old lady!” Bruno shouted behind me.

“Bruno!” I hugged him tightly.

My other cousins arrived shortly after, Destiny, Elizabeth, Cooper, Sofia, Cameron, Christian, Anderson, Stella, and Quinn, the children of Uncle Kane and Aunt Vivienne. Then Matthew, Britney, Cassidy, and Valentina, the children of my Uncle Benjamin and Aunt Miriam.

I scanned the crowd for my last cousin, but couldn't find him.

“If you're looking for him, he won't be here… he's sick.” Kane said, giving me a reassuring smile.

“Oh, that sucks. I hope he feels better.”

Kane handed me a gift. “But I do have his present with me.”

I smiled softly.

“Who wants to dance?” I asked, spotting Aunt Vivienne ready to go.

“Vivienne.” Kane groaned, facepalming.

“What?” I rolled my eyes sarcastically.

I joined my aunt on the dance floor, spinning around and laughing foolishly.

“Reminds me of my wedding night,” Vivienne shouted.

I glanced at my dad, who had his arm around mom. They were disgustingly adorable.

“Kane, there you are. I’ve been meaning to say you’ve really been putting in the work. Vivienne having 10 children, my word,” Mom said.

Silents filled the room.

“Ew, mom! Did you seriously have to say that?” I groaned.

“Angelica…”

I saw Uncle Kane blushing under his hand.

“Mommy, what do you mean? And why is everyone looking at you weird?” Lily asked innocently.

“Nothing!” We shouted in union.

I caught my dad giving mom the stink eye.

“Sorry, Nicholas. Sorry, Kane.”

Kane shrugged, still blushing. “It's fine.”

“Anyways, Lyra , want to keep dancing?” Vivienne asked. I nodded, smiling.

Finally, the time has come for my favorite part… cake!

Mom brought out a cake with 21 candles. I felt like a little kid again!

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Lyra , happy birthday to you!!!”

I blew out the candles, and everyone cheered. The cake disappeared almost instantly. My family clearly has a thing for sweets.

“Hey, Lyra , want to open your presents?” Mom asked.

I nodded eagerly, feeling my inner child peeking through.

“This one’s from Kane and Vivienne.” Mom said.

I opened it to find a set of keys. Confused, I looked towards them.

“Use these keys to open this,” Vivienne said, handing me a box.

Inside were limited edition bookmarks. My eyes sparkled.

“Yes! You have no idea how much I needed these!”

They smiled proudly.

I unwrapped the rest of my gifts to find book series, notebooks, pencils, and makeup. I couldn't stop smiling from the wonderful gifts.

“Lyra , I'm truly sorry, but your grandfather and I's gift still isn't ready yet.”

“It's ok, Grandma. I don't mind.”

Later, when everyone left, I waved goodbye.

It was a joy seeing them again.

“Lyra !”

I turned.

“Grandma?”

“Your gift is finally ready. It's in your room.”

I opened the box and gasped. Inside was… a dress.

“I know you're not a fan of dresses, but I know you'll love this one.”

I picked it up and held it against me.

“Try it on.”

I forced a smile trying to hide the disappointment on my face.

It was an emerald green dress with white long sleeves. The bottom part was short but perfect. Grandma smiled.

“What do you think?”

“I… I love it,” I whispered, my voice breaking.

She handed me brown boots and a pink heart-shaped necklace.

“Your grandfather added these.”

I put them on. I had never felt more beautiful.

“You look stunning,” Grandma said.

“Thanks, Grandma! And be sure to thank Grandpa too.”

“I will.” She kissed my cheek and left.

“Well… what did she think?”

“I believe she loved it,” Grandma's voice echoed down the hallway.

For the first time in forever, I truly loved a dress.

“Your Highness!”

“What's the report? I rushed towards Doctor Lisa.

“Two of the guards are injured, but they'll be alright. As for the King…”

“What happened?”

She hesitated, which only fueled my frustration even more.

“Spit it out!” I demanded.

“He was struck with holy water.”

My eyes widened.

“I'm going to kill those werewolves!” I bolted past her towards my dad's hospital room.

“Dad!”

“Lyra …” his voice was weak.

“Dad, are you ok?”

He winced, the pain was clear on his face. I quickly wiped away my tears, refusing to let him see them.

“I can't heal my wounds.”

Those damn werewolves attacked us again.

“I'll make the one who hurt you pay for what they've done to the Vampire King!”

He gave a weak chuckle.

“Thank you, sweetheart. But I don't want you getting hurt. I love you too much to see you like this.”

“But dad, I'm not a little girl anymore. I can handle myself.”

“I know you can, but I don't care if you've grown up. You're still my daughter. I can't take the risk of losing you!”

I grumbled under my breath. He refuses to see that I'm not just his little girl anymore. I'm an adult.

“Get some rest, dad.”

I kissed his forehead and stepped out of the room.

“How is he?” Mom rushed in.

“His injuries are bad. The holy water weakened him and slowed his healing abilities.”

Mom sighed, shaking her head in disbelief. My vision blurred red as my fangs sharpened. Rage boiled inside me. Those blasted werewolves had to pay.

I stormed off, ignoring dad's warning, ready to hunt them down, until I overheard voices in Lily's room.

“I don't understand…” Lily's gentle voice carried through the door.

I paused for a moment and stepped inside. “Hey, you two”

Both twins looked up at me.

“How's dad?” Levi asked, his head down, trying to hide his sadness.

“Not good,” I admitted.

“I don't understand.”

“What is it, Lily?”

“I saw dad and the guards get attacked, but the person looked human. How do you know it was a werewolf?”

“Beacsue of their mark.”

“Mark?”

“Yeah, what do you mean?” Levi asked, confused.

“Every race has a special mark, except humans,” I explained.

“You mean like this?” Lily moved her hair aside, showing the blood droplet on her neck.

“Yes. We’re all born with them.”

“But how do you know for sure?” she asked curiously.

I sighed. Mom and dad tried so hard to shelter them, but they are old enough to understand the truth. If no one tells them now, they might walk into danger one day.

“Listen. The world isn't all sunshine and rainbows. It's wicked, and you need to understand this. Each race carries a mark, a constant reminder of who they are. Ours? A blood droplet on the neck, proof of our thirst for blood. Werewolves wear a paw print on their hand, bound by their animal nature. Mermaids have a seashell on their ankle when walking as humans, or on their fin when they live in the sea. Sirens carry a musical note on their throat, luring humans toward their deaths. Fairies shimmer with stardust across their left cheek; elves, a tree on the other. And demons…” I hesitated, lowering my voice. “Demons wear fire on their chest… the mark of endless suffering. The most dangerous of them all.”

“These marks can't be covered with makeup, but clothes can hide them. That's why werewolves are dangerous when they transform into their human form. They can sneak into the castle unnoticed. And since our kingdom is covered in eternal darkness, the false moon doesn't let the werewolves reveal their true selves giving them the advantage to strike at any time.

“I hate that it's always dark,” Lily muttered. “It always feels like nighttime until I get sleepy.”

“I know. But without this domain, none of us would survive the sun; we'd all perish.”

“That's what magic cloaks are for.”

“Lily, those are only for when you leave the castle.”

The room grew quiet. A minute later, Lily began to cry.

“Who are our enemies?” Levi asked.

“Werewolves and humans. The wolves for their aggressive nature, humans because they're weak and our food source but are unpredictable.”

“And demons?” Lily asked.

“Not them. Our family are demons, you know that. They won't let harm come to us. And if any demon did… well, Uncle Kane would deal with them.”

“Don't worry, Lily.” Levi put a hand on her shoulder. “I'll protect you. I don't care if I'm 11. I'll get stronger so nobody can hurt you.”

Lily sniffled and hugged him tightly. “Thank you Levi. I love you, twin brother.”

“I love you too.”

Levi pulled back, then puffed out his chest. “ And I’ll protect you too, Lyra !”

I smiled and ruffled his hair.

“I'll be more careful,” Lily whispered to herself.

Levi and I stepped out, only to run into mom.

“Perfect timing. Good news your father is recovering. The holy water left him weak, but his wounds have healed.”

“Daddy will be ok?” Lily peeked out from her doorway.

“Yes, sweetheart. He'll be just fine.”

Relief washed over me like a wave. Dad was healing, but my rage wasn't. I'll find whoever hurt him! Those werewolves don't know who they were dealing with!

I ran down the corridor and slipped into the armory. The magic cloaks hung along the wall, and I didn't hesitate; this is the only way I can get to the werewolves without burning to death. I grabbed one, shoved it into my bag, then searched through the shelves until I found what I was really looking for; silver bombs. Small and dangerous that once inhaled the wolves lose their strength.

I didn't want them dead… just weakened enough to stop hurting my people. Still, I tucked a handful of bombs into my bag and sprinted out the door.

“Lyra ?” A familiar voice called.

“Dad?” I forced a smile. “Hey, baby girl, you alright?” he said, his voice soft.

“Yeah, I just wasn't paying attention.” My fingers nervously brushed the strap of my bag. I studied him for a moment, he looked exhausted.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better than before, but still weak. I can feel my strength slowly coming back.”

“Don't overdo it, dad. Please get some more rest."

I stepped forward and hugged him.

“You said you loved me too much to lose me,” I whispered against his chest. “Well, I love you too much to lose you.”

He hugged me back, tight and sincere. “I know, honey.”

His eyes gazed onto my bag. “Where are you heading?” he asked.

“Oh just out for a walk. I've been cooped up in the castle.” I tried to force a smile to look less suspicious.

“Be safe. I love you.” He rubbed my head as if I were still a child. He will never learn.

“Love you too, dad.” I tightened my grip on the strap and slipped out the castle doors.

I pulled the cloak around my shoulders, and when I stepped through the border of the domain it felt like the world had flipped, the blue sky, bright sun, the kind of light Lily had been dreaming about. For a second I wanted to text her and tell her how beautiful it was. But I didn't. There was no time.

I tucked the bombs deeper into my bag, and unfolded the map. Two days on foot? I thought to myself. Why should I waste my energy when I can fly? I morphed into a bat and soared through the sky. Witches and their creation of these cloaks was a glorious invention indeed, not to mention the domain's ability to block out the sun.

Six hours later, as the sun started to set, I landed at the edge of Lunaris and took off the cloak. My heart pounded. The plan was simple, get in, place the bomb in the den's center, and slowly watch the werewolves weaken. That should bring them to justice.

Hiding in the bushes, I watched the den. Wolves celebrated, voices drunken with laughter, and a portrait of my father propped up where it was easy to see. I watched them throw tomatoes at it. My fists clenched. How dare they.

“Hi, Lyra .”

I spun around.

Lily stood there, squinting with a light flush on her cheeks from running. What the absolute hell?

“Lily, what the hell are you doing here?” I hissed.

“I wanted to see what it was like outside the palace. The sun was beautiful.” She blinked as if her being here was a perfectly normal thing.

“You're not supposed to be here.” I whispered, shoving her behind me.

“I just wanted to see.” She stuck out her lower lip, acting like a child. She is brave and stupid at the same time.

“This area is dangerous.” I lowered my voice. “Stay with me. No wandering.”

“Not with you,” she said, squeezing my hand.

I exhaled. “Did you forget what happened to dad?”

“Oh, right.” She shivered.

“Listen, stay with me, no matter what,” I ordered. She nodded.

“What are you doing with that?” Lily said, looking over my shoulder.

“I'm going to put this in the center and make the wolves weak,” I said, holding up the bomb.

“Lyra revenge won't fix anything. It'll only make the wolves hate us even more.”

“Who’s side are you on? I snapped.

“Vampires,” She answered, loyal.

“Good. Then shut up and let me do my thing.”

A sniff from nearby. A wolf's voice. “Hey, do you smell that? Smells like vampires.”

Panic rose from Lily. I clamped a hand over her mouth and guided her behind a boulder. We had to move.

I threw the bomb into the den's center and ducked. The device hissed, exposing a silver mist. Seconds later it erupted. Wolves started coughing, falling to their knees. Chaos filled the area.

“Jonah!” Someone shouted.

Lily began to cough; I dragged her into the smoke and shielded her. “We need to get out!” I yelled.

We rushed towards the exit, choking on the silver mist, but wolves were already scattered, blocking the way out. The den was closed leaving us trapped.

“What do we do, Lyra ?” Lily gasped.

“We hide now.” I shoved her into a narrow crack between the rocks and covered the rest of her body.

“They wolves can smell us,” Lily whispered, hands shaking.

“Not if the silver has done its job,” I murmured. The mist had only thickened. I could see the alpha moving through the smoke, powerful and calm.

“Jonah's dead!” Someone screamed. “He's not breathing!”

My heart dropped. I hadn't meant for anyone to die. I'd told myself the bombs were to weaken, not kill but the thought had only blurred. I felt sick to my stomach.

“Alpha! Vampires are here Leo smelled them before the blast,” a voice growled.

I clamped a hand over Lily's mouth as she gasped. “Be quiet. Breath slow.”

“Alpha, four injured and one dead. Jonah sacrificed himself.” The heartbreak in their voice only crushed me.

My chest tightened. I had killed a wolf.

Footsteps pounded. Wolves shouted orders, and the alpha's voice cut through the den. “Guards! Search every crack and crevice you can find. If you suspect any scent, use it.”

I searched the den with eyes full of fear and fury. No open path. No. Way. Out.

“Footprints someone sneaked in,” a guard called.

The alpha's voice hardened. “Their speed outmatched the wolf-eye. They must still be nearby.”

I held Lily tighter. She sneezed quietly, god of course she would.

“Over there!” Someone shouted.

I turned around to find the alpha tall, eyes like coal. She smirked, voice cold.

“Found you,” She said.