The sound of a baby's cry was heart-wrenching, a loud, piercing wail that compelled her to move instinctively. She ran through a dimly lit house filled with countless hallways. Finally, she arrived at a large brown door. Pushing it open, she was met with a horrifying sight, several large, lifeless dogs lay scattered across the floor, and fresh blood pooled on the ground.

A wooden box caught her attention. She approached it cautiously and saw a baby boy, his eyes still closed. Gently, she lifted the baby into her arms. Suddenly, a door slammed violently, the force so strong that it seemed the hinges might have broken.

She turned to see a tall, imposing man standing in the doorway, smiling at her. His sharp, bright red eyes gleamed, and his disheveled clothing did little to hide his powerful presence.

He moved slowly towards her, revealing a handsome face and skin as pale as a corpse. The baby in her arms began to cry again. Desperate to soothe him, she tried to calm the infant, but a hand suddenly gripped her left shoulder, and she glanced up to see the man smiling at her.

What a horrific smile. In an instant, he bared a row of long, pointed teeth and fangs. Sweat trickled down her forehead as she squeezed her eyes shut, holding the baby tightly.

“Honey…” a deep voice whispered in her ear. A warm sensation spread through her body, and she was reluctant to open her eyes, longing for the man to call her once more.

“Honey… what are you doing here?” This time, the man wrapped his arms around her waist. Her heart raced as she savored the embrace.

“Are you cold?” His gaze made her cheeks flush, stirring feelings within her that she could not comprehend.

“Wake up, honey!” he urged again, this time pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Knock… knock…

“Honey, let’s get up. It’s time for breakfast,” her aunt called from outside the room. She awoke from the strange dream, her heart still racing as if the experience had been real.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” her aunt’s worried voice drifted through the door.

“Yes, Auntie! I’ll be out soon. I just need to wash my face and brush my teeth,” she replied, trying to steady her heartbeat.

“Okay, honey. I’ll be waiting for you,” her aunt called back.

She got out of bed and headed for the bathroom, catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her skin was pale, and she was drenched in sweat. Turning on the faucet, she splashed cold water on her face and brushed her teeth. Not wanting to waste any time, she quickly got ready and left her room. The enticing smell of something cooking wafted through the air.

“Good morning, Auntie,” she greeted, spotting her aunt joyfully frying eggs and sausages.

“Good morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?” her aunt asked as she placed eggs and sausages on her plate.

“Fine, except I heard a dog barking,” she replied, recalling the unsettling events of the previous night.

“Yes, that often happens, dear. Since we’re surrounded by forest, it might just be a wild dog or a mountain dog,” her aunt explained as she sat across from her.

“Right. Will you be home for lunch today?” she inquired, cutting her sausage into small pieces.

“No, I’ll be out for lunch, but I’ll call you when I’m back!” her aunt replied, sipping her chocolate milk.

“If you do come home, I’ll cook for you. If not, I’ll prepare dinner,” she said, looking at her aunt.

“Auntie will leave some spending money on the bookshelf next to my room. You can take it,” her aunt added.

She stood up, intending to walk her aunt to the door. Her aunt opened it, and she smiled as she stood in the doorway. After her aunt got into her car and waved goodbye, she returned the gesture before the vehicle disappeared from view. Closing and locking the door, she saw Scar emerge from her room and jump onto the sofa.

Inside the Palace…

Cander examined himself in the mirror, memories of a girl from his dreams flooding back to him. In those dreams, he had encountered a petite girl whose face he could never clearly see. He remembered the warmth of her embrace and how his heart raced when she stroked his hair. A long-lost smile returned to his handsome face.

“Alpha, I bring you good news,” Harry announced, bowing his head.

“What’s the news?” Cander asked, wiping the smile from his face.

“The vampire is no longer in Alpha's domain, and the rebellious werewolves are all dead,” he explained.

“Good. Where is Beta?” Cander asked, turning to look at one of his friends.

“They're in the forest practicing,” Harry replied.

“Tell them to get ready. It’s almost noon, and I want to go with them.and you too. Gather the other Gemmas!” Cander ordered.

“Understood, Alpha. I’ll relay the message to the other Betas and Gemmas,” Harry said before departing, leaving Cander alone.

“Where are you?” Cander muttered to himself, frustrated.

“Find him, you fool. Don’t just stand there,” a voice from within his mind cursed.

“Could you be quiet, you stupid wolf…” Cander replied inwardly.

“I’m not interested in conversing with someone like you,” the wolf, named Black, interrupted dismissively.

“You're an ignorant wolf!” Cander retorted.

In the Supermarket…

Vina had chosen a long dress that fell below her knees, paired with a dark brown jacket and black-and-white shoes. She carried a shopping basket filled with various items: discounted beef, sausages, eggs, green vegetables, and bread. In the distance, she spotted a supermarket attendant preparing canned drinks.

“Excuse me, do you sell cakes here?” she inquired.

“You must be new around here!” the attendant guessed, smiling.

“Yes, I just came yesterday,” she explained.

“Hmmm… I see. If you turn left and then take a right, there’s the best cake shop in town,” he suggested.

“Oh, great. Thank you!” she replied, heading straight to the cashier to pay.

A group of seven tall men strolled through the supermarket without warm jackets or coats to shield them from the cold. Women watched them with keen interest, but the men paid no heed to the varying glances they received. They casually entered a shop, instantly silencing everyone inside.

Back to Vina...

She made her way to the cake shop recommended by the supermarket employee. Upon arrival, she noticed the atmosphere was surprisingly quiet, despite the number of customers inside. She approached the counter, where a girl her age greeted her with a smile.

“Can I help you?” the attendant asked cheerfully.

“I ordered a chocolate cake and fruit pudding,” she replied.

“In whose name?” the attendant asked.

“Elvina,” she said, admiring the shop's simple yet elegant decor.

“You’re Lena’s niece?” the girl asked.

“Yeah, how did you know?” Vina asked, curious.

“I was here yesterday to return your cat,” the girl answered with a smile.

“Sorry, I didn’t know,” Vina said, feeling guilty.

“It’s no problem,” the girl reassured her.

Vina couldn’t shake the feeling that the shop felt oddly deserted. “Are there any rules for visitors here?” she whispered, intrigued.

“There are no strict rules for customers, but…” the attendant paused.

“But what?” Vina pressed, her curiosity piqued.

“Because of them…” The girl’s voice trailed off as Vina noticed a group of heavily tattooed men staring at her. One man, covered in tattoos, locked eyes with her and smiled faintly, sending a shiver down her spine.

“Wow… his smile is mesmerizing,” the girl remarked, startling Vina. She quickly busied herself, but the man’s intense gaze made her uneasy.