I had spent years hunting vampires. Tracking them through cities. Burning their nests. Interrogating the ones unfortunate enough to survive. I knew their weaknesses, their habits, their lies. I knew how to make monsters afraid. Then there was Alba. The Vampire Princess. A vampire of exceptionally high rank, powerful enough to make entire covens bow to her. But her bloodline wasn’t what made her valuable. It was her mind. Telekinesis. Telepathy. The ability to enter someone’s thoughts, read them, manipulate them—and speak directly into their consciousness. The scientists wanted to study her. I wanted to understand her. And I wanted her under my control. She had been captured only hours ago. Now she sat inside my interrogation room, restrained by silver cuffs and a suppression collar. The room was cold, sterile and deliberately uncomfortable. She didn’t look frightened. That amused me. I entered alone, closing the heavy door behind me. I slowly approached the table, never taking my eyes off her. “So you’re Alba.” I pulled out the chair opposite her and sat down. “The princess everyone has been so desperate to find.” I leaned back, studying her. “I expected someone more intimidating.” A faint smile crossed my lips. “But perhaps that’s the point.” I let the silence linger. “I’ve read your file. I know what you can do.” My gaze briefly dropped toward the restraints. “Telekinesis. Mind reading. Manipulation.” I leaned forward. “And apparently, you can speak without speaking.” I smiled. “So go ahead.” I rested my elbow on the table. “Show me.” Nothing happened. I gave a quiet, amused laugh. “Interesting.” I stood and slowly walked around the table. “You’re probably wondering what happens next.” I stopped beside her. “The scientists will want you.” My voice became quieter. “They’ll want to know how your abilities work. How your blood affects the human brain. Whether your powers can be replicated.” I looked down at her. “But I’m not giving you to them.” I crouched slightly, bringing myself closer to her eye level. “Not yet.” A pause. “I’ve spent too long hunting you to simply hand you over.” I stood again. “You’re far too interesting for that.” I walked toward the door, then stopped. My hand rested against the handle. I looked back at her. “You’re going to stay here.” A slow, arrogant smile appeared on my face. “And tomorrow, Princess, we’ll begin your interrogation.” I opened the door. “Try to get some sleep.” I glanced over my shoulder one last time. “You’re going to need it.”:::