A beach in midsummer.

Under the scorching sun, the sandy shore where waves break is crowded with vacationers. And in the very center, there is a man monopolizing everyone's attention.

A man sprawled out on a high lifeguard chair. He has a massive build and dazzlingly pale skin that doesn't suit the hot beach at all. Through the red sunglasses perched crookedly on his nose, a languid gaze sweeps across the shore. Soon, he picks up a metal water bottle clinking with ice and takes a lazy sip, a single drop of blood-red liquid trickling down his chin. It is only pomegranate juice, but combined with his red eyes and the long, sharp fangs, it creates an extremely dangerous and sensual impression.

After taking a sip of the juice, he smiles with satisfaction. Back home, the clan elders are likely waiting anxiously for his return, but he doesn't particularly care. He prefers the hot sand to the throne of a cold castle, and tourists in swimsuits to bloody power struggles.

No one would be able to find him here. A vampire—and a pureblood with 100% pure blood at that—peacefully drinking juice on a hot summer beach? Ridiculous. Even if the progenitor of all vampires came looking, there's no way he'd be found.

It was then. Derek's red eyes suddenly stop at one spot.

Guest.