Harsh footsteps shattered the silence, crushing twigs underfoot. That night, the Golden Blood Moon blazed overhead, its crimson-gold light bleeding through the dense canopy.
"Put me down! I can run on my own!" the girl whispered desperately. Dark stains marred her white dress. "Your feet are torn to shreds carrying me like this!"
Her face was deathly pale, blood dripping from her knee and marking their path through the forest.
"I will protect you! We're almost there!" the young man said firmly, ignoring Yoona's protests. He ran faster, as if trying to outrun the moon's shadow stalking them through the trees.
Strange sounds closed in around them. The creatures were tracking Yoona now—following the scent of her blood.
The young man gathered every ounce of strength left in him and launched himself through the shimmering blue barrier. They crashed into the forbidden territory of the Mist Forest. A thunderous wave rippled through the air as the protective ward reacted, sending crows scattering from the castle's shadowed rooftop.
"WHO'S THERE?!"
Two girls emerged from the darkness, lanterns swinging in their hands. Their eyes were sharp, cold with suspicion.
"What business do you have here? This is our territory!"
The young man didn't flinch. He carefully set the vampire girl down and stumbled forward, desperation written across his face. Tears welled in his eyes, sweat dripping down his temples as he begged.
"Please... protect her."
He gasped for breath, then pulled a blue crystal necklace from his pocket and thrust it toward them.
"I don't have much time. Take this!" He pressed it into Suzy's hand before she could protest. "Consider it payment—and proof of my sincerity!"
Without another word, the blue-eyed werewolf spun around and bolted back into the darkness. Just once, he looked back—at the girl drenched in cold sweat, blood still streaming from her leg.
"Forgive me... Yoona."